The Fabric Braid
The Fabric Braid is another great Block for
the Frugal Quilter. This block is easy, and requires nothing more than strips of
fabric three times as long as wide.
This block is made without consideration to
Value, and you can use as
many different designs and colors as you wish.
These braided strips are placed size by
side to make large projects, such as bedspreads or small wall hangings. They can
also be used as accent pieces in a Quilt Design.
The one thing to note is that because of
the way these strips are sewn, they are not stable when it comes to the grain of
the fabric. They stretch like a rubber band. For for any type of heavy
wear these pieces should be sewn on a foundation fabric for stability.
The
Quilting Process
will stabilize these fabrics, but sewing them on to a piece of muslin will
provide much greater strength. Here is now you make the braid.
It can be a little tricky to get started,
but once you get the braid going, you don't have to think about it.
You begin by sewing the first two strips
together as in the first picture.
Align them as shown, sew, and then press.
Next
you will turn your fabric so that it is on the diagonal. You will build
you braid from the bottom up.
As you add your
pieces, look for the side that has the seam. You will be adding your
pieces alternately to each side. Always add your next
strip to the side with the seam. The side without the seam is the one you
have just added.
In this picture, the third fabric has
been sewn on to
the braid. Notice how the edges are always even on the top tip. The
top strip will not extend the length of the bottom strip.
In the next picture the third fabric has been
pressed, and the fourth fabric has also been sewn and pressed.
Continue in this manner until your Braid is
the desired length.
The last step is to trim your braid so that the sides and
top are straight.
Trim them as show in the picture. Be
prepared to lose part of both the top and bottom of the strip.
When your blocks are done, sew them
together to make your project. Be sure and match the seams. They don't
have to match perfectly, but you want the Chevron look to continue across the
Block.