Creative articles about quilting

Month 5 CCMP2018: fifth block

A new month and a new block: number 5. This time with a special effect, and of course the Crystal in the center of the block, working again with metallic threads and decorative stitches.

You can download three pages for the fifth block, as usual:
Block 5 – left part
Block 5 – right part
Block 5 – Crystal


Print the paper patterns. There are two pages for block 5: a left part and a right part. You will need them both.


Tape these pattern pages together, using the dotted line to connect them.


Use Vlieseline L11 – 32x45cm – and place this on top of the paper pattern. Just draw all lines of the Crazy Patchwork (the rectangle is for reference only), all to the edges. Make a sandwich from off-white fabric, 100% bamboo batting and the Vlieseline L11 with the patchwork pattern. Pin them in place.
Tape the pattern of the Crystal for Block 5 to a window, or a light box,


tape the black batik quilt fabric (20 x 30 cm) on top of that. Be sure there is enough fabric around the shape of the Crystal to have a seam allowance of at least 1 cm in all directions (that is why I have tilted my black fabric). Draw all lines with white watersoluble pen (or blue if you use a lighter color of solid fabric for the center). BE SURE to draw thin lines: they have to be removed with water afterwards.

Cut the paper pattern with the Crystal to make a template, be sure to leave a 1 cm seam allowance outside the solid lines. Place the pattern on top of the black batik with the crystal drawn, and cut the black fabric the same size as the paper template. Place the black batik with the Crystal on the right spot, on the ‘center’ of your sandwich, pin in place with Flower Pins. Be sure to draw the solid lines with water soluble pen, to indicate the actual size of the section, inside the seam allowances.

I have used Madeira Metallic 40 color 270 for the Crystal: a variegated color with lots of effect. The three base lines are covered with Stitch 6 of my BERNINA 770QE : a thicker stitchline is made, because the needle will go forward, back and forward again, so the thread is sewn 3 x in one place.


For the short lines, I have used Stitch 401: a Satin stitch, shaped like a triangle.


Check this out: the black center is ready. I will add Hotfix stones later. Next are the sections that have to be covered. With two of them, something special will be added….

The fabrics for setion 1 and 2 are sewn on and covered with decorative stitches. Also the fabric for section 3: I have used a light fabric, with just one row of decorative stitches along the seam.


For the special effect: cut a strip – 5 x 40 cm – from a contrasting color Batik.


Crosscut them into 8 squares, each 5 x 5 cm.


Each square will be folded once, ironed into a rectangle. Next the two upper corners are folded towards the lower edges of the rectangle to create a triangle. I don’t have to check if the batik is faced right side up, because this Batik can be used both sides. If you are using a printed fabric, be sure the right side is facing you.


A tip of Bohin Glue is placed on the inner side of the triangle, to secure the folded edges.


Four of these triangles are placed along the outer edge of the fabric of section 3: I have secured this fabric also with Bohin glue pen, and will do the same with the triangles, to be sure they don’t shift while sewing them down.  The overlap of the triangles (seam width) is ‘to the left’.


I have stitched them down, halfway the seam (0,5 cm): now you can see how easy this is, because of the way the triangles are overlapping. Sewing towards you secures these folded pieces, you don’t have to pin them when moving on to the next section.


The four triangles are secured: you will decorate them later.


I have done the same with section 4: also used a light fabric, because the remaining darker 4 triangles are placed along the edge there. I have glued the fabric down: it stretches quite a bit, so this assures me that the fabric won’t shift while placing the triangles along the edge.


And these 4 triangles are sewn down too. Don’t you love this effect already?

Fabrics for section 5 and 6 can be added and filled with decorative stitches. You can also add the fabric for section 7: be sure the triangles stay visible, no opening  between them, they must form a closed zigzag line.  If you struggle with finding the right line to sew the fabric, you can baste it first, fold the fabric back to check if the triangles are visible the way they should, then sew the fabric down properly.


Now you can play with decorative stitches: not in a straight line, but using the shape/points of the triangles to make a zigzag line of stitches. Be sure a part of the fabric of the triangles is still visible. IMPORTANT: if you want to know how the decorative stitch of you choice works in a zigzag line, try it on a sample first. You can extend the row of stitches if you need a longer repeat, or shorten it if that covers the area.


Some parts of my stitches were not quite what I thought: they are a bit off at some point. Don’t worry if that happends to you: you can cover these parts of these stitches with beads, sequins or Hotfix stones to make them look great again!
I have added lines of straight stitches to reflect the first row of stitches, with the same metallic thread.


The fabric for section 8 – I have used a rust Lamé – is sewn on. I’ve used only straight stitches to follow the lines of the triangles. BUT BE CAREFUL: Lamé stretches, so after a couple of stitches, lift your presserfoot (needle down), to be sure the fabric lies flat again, otherwise it will be pushed up.


All the next fabics are sewn on: I have used a beautiful gold colored Organza, with a batik underneath, to prevent the Vlieseline L11 (white) showing through. Now I will not only see the printed batik, but also the shine of the Organza.


Have you tried this? Placing a couple of rows of stitches so close together, so they look like one wide row? I have used variegated cotton and metallic threads to get the effect I wanted.


When the sandwich is competely covered, Hotfix stones are added. I have also placed a couple with the stitches along the first row of triangles.


and this is my block 5. What will you block look like? Please show your pictures in the Community of this BERNINA Blog zien.

Untill next time!

Happy quilting
Sylvia Kaptein
Sylvia’s Art Quilts Studio

Difficulty level: Beginner
Time to Complete: Weekend
Used Material: 100% Bamboo, black batik, Bohin Glue Pen, Hotfix stones, machine threads, metallic threads, Non-woven interfacing Vlieseline L11, off-white fabric, Sandwich, Strip Batik 5 x 40 cm

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