Hopefully you have a full top done- Mine measures 49" square measuring from red point to red point. I won't be making it into a tree skirt since I love it as a table topper.
Here is one of the blocks with a quilting design idea for you. I like the swirls going in all directions and will probably quilt mine this way...especially the center area...Love it! If you like these, save the diagram below. Print it out to an 8 1/2" x 11" and you will have the designs for a 12" block.I did have some issues on my end getting it to print out the correct size. You may need to print at 90% once saved. Here are the measurements for each component so you will know you are close:
Large Swoop: 2-7/8" x 4-3/8"
Small Swoop: 1-1/2" x 2-1/4"
Center Swirl: 4-3/4" x 6-5/8" (measured along the spine of the swirl)
For backing fabric you will need 3 yards (trim selvages off):
Cut in half for 2 pieces at 54" x 40".
Sew back together along the 54" length to create a backing piece 54" x 80". You can trim away from the 80" dimension for a 54" square if you prefer. The 54" gives you approximately 2.5" extra on either side for quilting. You will need more yardage if you want extra backing fabric.
The 54" is also your batting dimension.
Layer your top with batting and backing for quilting. Quilt your tree skirt in a design of your choosing.
After the quilting it is time to make your cuts (represented in black on the diagram above) in order for it to become a tree skirt. You will want the center hole to be 3 1/4" across- this allows for the 1/4" seam allowance when sewing on your binding so that you don't cut the points off the red. Check the openings of drinking glasses/mugs in your cabinets-my water goblets are 3 1/2" across. Don't forget to check tupperware lids, coasters, candles: Most homes have readily available templates if we just look around and get imaginative:)
After the quilting it is time to make your cuts (represented in black on the diagram above) in order for it to become a tree skirt. You will want the center hole to be 3 1/4" across- this allows for the 1/4" seam allowance when sewing on your binding so that you don't cut the points off the red. Check the openings of drinking glasses/mugs in your cabinets-my water goblets are 3 1/2" across. Don't forget to check tupperware lids, coasters, candles: Most homes have readily available templates if we just look around and get imaginative:)Once you have marked your hole, draw a straight line from the hole down through the center of one of the red points. Cut up the line and cut away the hole.
You will need 1 yard of fabric for 260" of continuous single-layer BIAS binding: (I cut my strips @ 1-1/8")
I don't usually make true bias binding but you will need it for the hole in the tree skirt. Since I don't claim to be an expert here, I will refer you to the Connecting Threads tutorial on how to make the bias binding.
After you have quilted and made and attached your binding all that is left is to find a way to close your slit.
Options include:
Making ties that can be sewn on from the back at the binding edge. Ties could be fabric tubes that match the binding or strips of ribbon. Make ties approximately 12" - 15" long.
You could also attach buttons on one edge and create a ribbon or elastic loop.
You can choose to not have closures at all:) Then you would be done!
The important thing is that you finish it and label it and love it.
Don't forget to email me a photo of your completed top by Dec 16th (since I was a bit late I will add a couple of days) to be entered into a drawing for 2 free patterns.
Email: robin@nestlingsbyrobin.com
Can't wait to see what they look like!!
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