Philippians 4:13: I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. KJV Disclaimer: Quilted In Christ patterns are original designs containing both original quilt blocks as well as versions of public domain quilt blocks. Any similarity to other quilt patterns already in publication is purely incidental. Copyright applies, but is not limited to, the layout/design of the quilt, original blocks, drawn diagrams, photos, all written text, and the Quilted In Christ logo and caption. This pattern, in its entirety or partially, is not to be sold, distributed, copied, printed, or reproduced without written consent of Quilted In Christ. Pumpkin Patch 2014 Quilted In Christ
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Pumpkin Patch
Introduction The Pumpkin Lesson: Seasons and Vines Genesis 1:14-15 14,15 Then God said, Let bright lights appear in the sky to give light to the earth and to identify the day and the night; they shall bring about the seasons on the earth, and mark the days and the years. And so it was. Of all the natural seasons, autumn is my favorite. During this time of year, fruits and vegetables are ripe for harvest; late summer flowers come into explosive blooming hues of reds and rusts; and leaves of trees begin transforming into their true colors, in anticipation of a long winter s sleep. And then there s pumpkins! Big, bright, orange, smooth or bumpy, and beautifully nestled amongst its vines pumpkins are one of the most popular signs of the autumn season. It has many months of growth and change before it is transformed from a tiny, white flower on a vine to a huge orange mass of sweetness. Like the pumpkin, we Christians undergo a long growing season starting from the day we accept Christ as our savior, and finishing when God has done his earthly work through us and calls us home to heaven. That season can be a very long time, depending upon what age you become a Christian. However long the season, we do not go through it alone. Just as the pumpkin grows by being connected to its vines, Christians grow through their connection to Christ, who tells us, I am the true Vine, and my Father is the Gardener. He lops off every branch that doesn t produce. And he prunes those branches that bear fruit for even larger crops. (John 15:1-2 Living Bible version) He also tells us, Whoever lives in me and I in him shall produce a large crop of fruit. For apart from me you can t do a thing. (John 15:5 Living Bible version) Take this lesson from the pumpkin patch: It lives, grows, and blossoms into what it was intended to be because it is connected to the vine. A Christian matures, becomes the person God intended, and develops a fruitful life only if he is connected to the true Vine, who is Jesus Christ. Pumpkin Patch is an easy appliqué quilt designed for you to have fun using scraps and adding your own personal touches and finishes. Given here, are the basic instructions for completing the pumpkins, stems, and background. You choose additional embellishments and the border style. Feel free to adapt template sizes and styles to suit your preferences. Enjoy quilting in the pumpkin patch! Quilted In Christ Pumpkin Patch Page 4
Techniques Used in Sewing this Pattern One or more of the following techniques were used in the construction of the quilt and are referred to in the instructions. It is my thinking that these details would be most helpful to beginning quilters and also provide a refresher for seasoned quilters who may not have utilized any one of the techniques in a while. Feel free to use the quilting techniques that work best for you and that will provide you with the size of units called for in the pattern. Assembly line Sewing In this method, you will be stitching the individual units of a block unit together at the sewing machine without breaking the thread after stitching each unit. To begin, match the units that need to be sewn, layer the units right sides together, and stitch along the edge to be sewn. When you near the end of the unit, stop stitching just before or just after the end. Pick up the next units to be sewn, layer the units right sides together, and, at the sewing machine, lay them just behind the previously sewn units, at least 1/8" apart, and begin sewing. Repeat until you have all the units sewn. Remove from sewing machine and cut the units apart. Repeat the process as necessary to finish all blocks. This method works very well when piecing log cabin blocks or when stitching pieced segments to strips that will form a block unit. The next strip to be attached is laid face up on the sewing machine; each unit is then stitched to the strip, right sides together, and at least 1/8" of space is left between each unit stitched to the strip. When as many units as can fit on a strip are attached, remove strip with sewn units from the sewing machine and cut apart. Trim away any excess strip fabric that extends beyond the sewn unit. Strip Piecing This technique is just as it sounds stitching strips of fabric together along the longest edges. Strip Bands Some blocks are constructed of segments which come from bands that are made from sewing strips of fabric together. Strips of fabric are sewing together along their longest sides (not end to end), first in pairs, then the pairs of strips are sewn together. After all the strips have been sewn together into a band, the band is pressed from the wrong side (all seams should be pressed in the same direction or open, depending upon the pattern and unless otherwise indicated). The band is then cut into segments that are later pieced in a particular order to obtain the desired pattern. Fusible Interfacing Appliqué To appliqué by this method, trace the shape to be appliquéd onto the smooth side of fusible (iron-in) interfacing. Cut out a box around the shape, and cut a piece of fabric just larger than this square. Layer the traced design with the fabric so that the bumpy side of the interfacing is to the right side of the fabric. Stitch on the drawn line. Cut out the shape leaving at least 1/8" allowance around the shape. Separate the interfacing from the fabric by pinching the interfacing with your fingers and gently pulling away from fabric. Cut a slit in the interfacing large enough to allow for turning. Turn the appliqué right side out, push out the fabric at the seam. Position the appliqué on quilt top and press in place. Permanently adhere your appliqué to your quilt by stitching on the very edge of it by hand or machine. When in doubt, always follow the manufacturer s instructions on any interfacing to yield the best results. Yo-Yos Draw a circle 2 to 2-1/2 times the finished size of the yo-yo (a coffee cup is a great size for 1-5/8 finished yo-yos). Thread a needle with an 18 length of strong thread and knot the end. Beginning at any spot along the edge of a circle, wrong side facing you, fold over 1/8 allowance to the wrong side and start a running stitch to hold the folded edge in place. Continue folding and stitching, drawing the thread taut as you go. When you reach the starting point, take a few backstitches to secure. Smooth the ruffled circle to form the yo-yo (the center of the yo-yo will be the gathered outer edge). Quilted In Christ Pumpkin Patch Page 5
Techniques Used in Sewing this Pattern Diagonal Seams Method In this method, you will be sewing a square to the corner of another larger square, rectangle, or strip to end up with a contrasting triangle at the corner or end of the square/rectangle/strip. To do this, cut corner square(s) to the size specified in pattern and draw a diagonal line on the wrong side. Layer this square in the corner of the block or strip as directed in the pattern, right sides together, with the diagonal line running from one side of the block/strip to the next adjacent side of the block/strip. Stitch on the drawn line (solid line). Trim the excess fabric behind the drawn line, leaving a 1/4" seam allowance of fabric (dashed line). Open corner triangle out and press. Repeat for each corner triangle called for in the pattern, making sure you place the diagonal line in the right direction. Diagrams below are for completing a Flying Geese unit from the upper diagram units. Quilted In Christ Pumpkin Patch Page 6
Skill Level: Quilt Size: Intermediate 18 28 square, depending upon your border size Instructions given are for rotary cutting and machine piecing. Copy templates, if included, as often as necessary. Fabrics Based on 42-44 width 100% medium weight cotton fabrics (Yardage is generously calculated to allow for cutting & sewing mistakes.) Pattern is intended for use with scrap fabrics. Ready, Set, Sew General Instructions 1. Read all instructions before starting any quilting project. 2. Wash and press fabrics before use. For quilts that will be displayed or used lightly, and when desiring to have crisp fabric for sewing, washing can be omitted. You decide, but do test for color-fastness, and wash all batik fabrics. 3. Sew a sample block before cutting fabric for the entire quilt. Strongly recommend that you cut fabric as you progress through each step to prevent waste due to shortage. 4. Use 100% cotton medium weight fabrics for best results. 5. Use a ¼ seam allowance unless otherwise indicated. 1 5-1/4 strip light orange print 1 5-1/4 strip medium orange print 1 5-1/4 strip dark orange print OR, replace the strips with any 6 5-1/4 x 6-1/2 rectangles 1 6-1/2 square dark brown print 1 4-1/2 strip green print 1 18-1/2 to 22-1/2 background square (you select the size) 1 15-1/2 square of muslin or fusible web* PLUS 1 12 strip fusible web* 4 Border strips of any size 1 2 spools coordinating sewing thread Backing and batting at least 2 larger than quilt top *Fusible web is referred to as fusible interfacing in the stores; light to medium weight is best for this project Tools Template plastic or sturdy cardboard for templates Sewing Machine Rotary Cutter and Mat Scissors Iron and Ironing Board Quilting Rulers and Square-Up Rulers Marking Pencil, as needed Hand Needles, optional, depending upon pattern Basting Pins, optional Quilting Exhortation (Encouragement) Whether you re a resident of a warm climate or a cold climate, don t let the seasonal changes stunt your quilting enjoyment. Turn on the A/C or throw another log on the fire, and then settle into your fabric stash and crank up the sewing machine. Psalm 90:12: Teach us to number our days and recognize how few they are; help us to spend them as we should. 6. Stitch with fabrics right sides together unless otherwise indicated. 7. Press seams after sewing whenever possible steam or no steam, you decide (steam stretches fabric). 8. Fabrics in the instructions may not be representative of the fabrics show in the finished quilt photo. 9. Seam allowances are not shown in the piecing diagrams; however, your units will have the ¼ seam allowance on all sides. Know that you have not made a mistake. Your pieced units will resemble the diagrams after you have stitched your units into the final quilt top. 10. Follow the manufacturer s directions for proper use of your tools and materials. 11. ALWAYS SIGN YOUR QUILT! Your quilt is not finished until it is signed. Create a general, or fancy, label using muslin and permanent pens to write your name, date of quilt completion, city and state, name of the quilt, and any other pertinent information on your label. Help the next generation keep up with quilt history. 12. REMEMBER: God made man in his likeness (Genesis 1:27), but we are not perfect. Strive, but do not stress, to achieve straight stitching, pointy points, and matching seams all of which come with practice and patience over time. Enjoy the time-honored tradition of quilting while you stitch. Thank you for purchasing a Quilted In Christ quilt pattern. God s blessings to you! Quilted In Christ Pumpkin Patch Page 7
Assemble the Pumpkin Ring and Background Pumpkin Ring Appliqué Make 1 Ring Center Make 1 Cut 1 6-1/2 square of brown print Cut 1 6-1/2 square of fusible web** Read general directions for the fusible interfacing applique method on page 5. Trace the hexagon template onto template plastic or sturdy cardboard. Cut out the template on the drawn line. Trace the hexagon template onto the smooth side of the fusible web square. Follow the photos and instructions from left to right to complete the Ring Center. Layer the bumpy side of the fusible web with the right side of the brown print square. Pin in place to the hold the layers together. Stitch on the drawn line and secure the stitching by overlapping the beginning of the stitching line with a few extra stitches. Trim away the excess fabric and fusible web around the outside of the hexagon, leaving 1/8 to 1/4" seam allowance on all sides. Pinch the center of the fusible web and clip an opening in the pinched fusible web between your fingers. Insert the tip of the scissors into the opening and make additional cuts to enlarge the opening. Flip the brown print right side out through the opening. Use the tip of a needle or sewing pin to fully pull out all the corners and edges of the hexagon. To flatten, you can finger press the edges of the hexagon if you desire but DO NOT PRESS WITH AN IRON AT THIS POINT. **Note: Read the manufacturer s instructions on the package before using the product, as those instructions may differ from the instructions included for use here. Quilted In Christ Pumpkin Patch Page 8
Assemble the Pumpkin Ring and Background Pumpkins Cut 1 5-1/4 strip light orange print Cut 1 5-1/4 strip medium orange print Cut 1 5-1/4 strip dark orange print OR Gather any six scrap prints, and cut 6 5-1/4 x 6-1/2 rectangles Use the hexagon template to cut 2 hexagons from each orange print (or each scrap print rectangle). Follow the photos and instructions from left to right to complete the Pumpkin Ring. Arrange the hexagons in a circle as shown. Stitch the hexagons in pairs along their adjacent sides. Stitch the pairs together to form the full circle. From the wrong side of the hexagon circle, press the seams open. Cut 1-15-1/2 square of fusible web (a muslin square of the same size will work just as well) Center the hexagon circle on the bumpy side of the fusible web (or on the muslin square, right sides together). Pin in place. Stitch along the outside edge of the hexagon circle, using the presser foot as your guide. Do not worry that the seam allowance is greater than 1/4". Trim away the excess fusible web, or muslin, along the outside edges of the orange hexagons. Quilted In Christ Pumpkin Patch Page 9
Assemble the Pumpkin Ring and Background Clip the inner seams almost to the stitched line this will help the circle lay flat after you turn it right side out. Insert your hand into the center opening of the hexagon circle, grasp the fusible web or muslin backing, and flip the hexagon circle inside out. Use the tip of a needle or sewing pin to fully pull out the edges and corners of the hexagon ring. Finger press to flatten the edges of the ring (iron flat if you used the muslin backing). Arrange the brown hexagon on top of the hexagon circle. Use the seams of the pumpkins to evenly align the brown hexagon over the raw edges of the hexagon circle. IF you used the muslin backing, press the brown square to the hexagon circle and secure permanently in place with decorative stitches. IF you used the fusible web, you will iron the brown hexagon in a later step. Cut 4-1/2 strip fusible web and green print. Trace the stem template onto template plastic or sturdy cardboard and cut out. On the smooth side of the fusible strip, trace around the stem template 6 times, leaving at least 3/8 between the stems. Layer the fusible strip bumpy side to the right side of the green print. (Larger scraps are pictured above since they were available in my scrap basket. Feel free to use the size you have on hand.) Stitch on the drawn line. Cut out the stems leaving 1/8 to 1/4" seam allowance around each stem. A narrow seam allowance works best and creates less bulk when the stem is turned right side out. Clip the curved edges almost to the stitching line. Turn the stems right side out, and use the tip of a needle or sewing pin to fully pull out all of the edges and corners. Finger press the edges of the stems. Decide how large you want your background square to be. I used an 18-1/2 square for a small table top sized quilt top and a 22-1/2 square for a larger wall hanging sized quilt top. Cut 1 square of background fabric to the size you have selected. Press a center crease in each side of the background square. Quilted In Christ Pumpkin Patch Page 10
Assemble the Pumpkin Ring and Background Center the pumpkin ring on top of the background square, using the creases in the sides of the background fabric to achieve the best alignment. Position a stem on top of each pumpkin. Follow manufacturer s instructions on fusible web to iron all of the appliques in place. Use a decorative stitch to permanently secure the appliques to the background square. If you will be hand quilting your quilt top as I did, I strongly recommend that you cut away the background fabric behind the pumpkin ring. This will reduce the number of layers you will need to quilt through (your hand and fingers will thank you). Simply grasp the backing layer only between your fingers, cut a slit large enough to insert the top of your scissors, then trim away the fabric within 1/4 of the stitched lines. From this point forward, the rest of the pattern is all your own creation. Add embellishments such as buds, vines, other flowers, or decorative stitching. Add as many borders as you would like, varying the sizes of each border. Then add further interest by rounding the corners of the outermost border or creating scallops. Here are photos of my variations to provide you with some design ideas. Quilted In Christ Pumpkin Patch Page 11
Layer, Quilt, Bind, & Sign Cut batting and backing fabric to measure at least 2 larger than the quilt top on all sides. Layer as follows: Backing, wrong side up; center batting on top of backing; center quilt top on batting. Baste as desired. Quilt as desired. This quilt was hand quilted using chunky stitches and decorative thread. Bind as desired. A straight binding was used on the quilt with the green borders, and the quick-turn method was used on the other 2 variations, which create a self-binding. Optional Hanging Sleeve. Add the hanging sleeve after the quilting is done and before the binding is stitched in place. A simple sleeve uses an 8 strip of muslin or other fabric (piece lengths of muslin strips to get the width you need for the size of your quilt). Fold the strip in half lengthwise, wrong sides on the inside, and press the fold. Pin the sleeve to the top edge of the quilt top, aligning the raw edges with top of the trimmed quilt, and folding the sides of the sleeve inward about 1-1/2 from sides of quilt top. Stitch the bottom edge (fold) of the hanging sleeve to the quilt top taking shallow stitches into the backing (the stitches will show on the front if you stitch deeper than the batting and backing). Turn the binding to the back of the quilt top and stitch in place, covering the raw edges of the hanging sleeve as you sew. For smaller quilts, reduce the width of the strips to approximately 4-5 inches instead of 8 inches. Label. Add a simple or fancy label to the back of your quilt I add mine to the bottom backside of the quilt before the last of the binding is stitched in place. That way, at least two raw edges of the label are covered by the binding. Include your name, name of the pattern, date quilt was finished, your city and state, the name of the recipient, and any other pertinent information you would like to mention. Quilted In Christ Pumpkin Patch Page 12
For your notes The next two (2) pages are intentionally left blank for you to record any notes you may need to jot down while you are piecing your quilt. Quilted In Christ Pumpkin Patch For Your Notes
For your notes Quilted In Christ Pumpkin Patch For Your Notes