How to Do Origami Quilting
Origami is an art with ancient roots. Originally, origami involved folding paper into designs ranging from the simple, such as paper airplanes, boats and the fortune-teller popular with school-age children, to the more intricate designs resembling birds, flowers and other objects. In recent times, origami was taken up by quilt makers. Origami quilts are made of joined squares, like traditional quilts, but origami quilts have squares that include fabric folded in a manner similar to that of folded paper. Folded fabric squares create a three-dimensional look, a contrast to the flat, patch quilts of the past.
Instructions
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Select a pattern for folded fabric. Folded fabric patterns for quilts are designed to create blocks that may be stitched together to form a quilt, or they are designed to be attached to a fabric square in a manner similar to an applique.
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Purchase fabric according to pattern requirements. Some folded-fabric patterns use a patterned fabric and a solid fabric for contrast. Binding may also be used to create a finished edge on the quilt after all the squares are sewn together to create the desired size of the finished quilt.
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Cut fabric pieces according to instructions. Unless otherwise specified, a 1/4-inch seam allowance is included in each pattern piece.
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Fold fabric pieces. When the instructions indicate that a fold should be finger pressed, run the back of your thumb nail across the fold to crease.
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Stitch folds in place, following the pattern instructions. Because fabric does not hold a folded shape, as does paper, light stitching is necessary to keep the folds in place.
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Applique the folded fabric design to a square of fabric, when following instructions for an appliqued folded-fabric quilt.
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Sew squares together. Make enough squares to create a quilt of the desired size. Finish the quilt according to the pattern instructions.
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Tips & Warnings
Choose a fabric that holds its shape when folded. When using cotton, pre-wash fabric before cutting and folding squares.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Creatas/Getty Images
