Quilt a cross design for a cushion cover

Quilt a cross

Traditionally quilting was done by hand. We follow the same method with this cross technique. Take your time and work in a relaxed mood, as it is good for your soul.

by MARINDA DE WET styling DALA WAT TS photos ED OʼRILEY

DIFFICULTY: intermediate (and patience needed) TIME: for the cushion, about 4 days

SIZE Finished project is approximately 45cm x 42cm.

YOU WILL NEED ♥ quilting fabric in 5 different shades, or more if you prefer ♥ rotary cutter and rotary cutting mat ♥ Prym Fabric Glue Pen or any other fabric glue pen ♥ paper templates (see patterns on page overleaf; use 180g paper, which is thicker than normal computer paper) ♥ shades of Mettler thread for sewing crosses (Apliquick Invisible Thread can also be used) ♥ rickrack for final finishing (optional; can also use piping in shade of your choice) ♥ approximately 50cm matching fabric for back ♥ quilt ruler 12 inches x 6 inches for cutting of strips and ʻsquareʼ at end of project (Note: Quilting is traditionally worked in inches)

over the paper template ‒ see photo above. (The paper is removed afterwards before completing the cushion. Keep it in place until you have sewn the whole cushion front by hand.) 4 Sew the completed pieces together in fours on the wrong side using overhand stitches, to form the cross. 5 Arrange the crosses to your liking and start sewing them together to form a square, more or less, for the front panel of the cushion. To complete the square, you will need to cut and sew more fabric pieces using patterns 2, 3 and 4 to fill in the open spaces. Iron the front panel flat before attaching the back piece. 6 Complete the cushion by attaching the back piece the way you prefer and sew on rickrack (or piping) by hand.

Tip: You can simply continue making more crosses if you want a quilt for your bed. Just plan them according to the size of your bed.

The fabric can be ordered online from www.countryquilting.co.za. To order a template kit, call Marinda on +27 082 577 8792.

TO MAKE 1 Cut fabric with the rotary cutter in 2⅛ inch strips ‒ 2 in each colour. If using more colours, only cut one of each colour. 2 Use pattern 1 on the page overleaf to cut the paper templates pictured above. Cut 4 templates to make each cross. Place the paper templates on the wrong side of the fabric and cut out, adding a small seam allowance all around. 3 Apply the glue pen lightly along the seam allowances of the fabric and fold

PATTERN 1 PATTERN 2 PATTERN 3

PATTERN 4

1 INCH

1 . 5 I N C H E S

1.5 INCHES