Framed Wall Quilt

Today on the Rockstar DIY stage is Jaime, with the tutorial to make this drop dead gorgeous Framed Wall Quilt.

If you can sew a straight line I promise you can make this framed wall quilt.  You all are familiar with Jaime from That’s My Letter, I’m sure! She’s one of the regular band members here on PrettyHandyGirl.com. I can honestly say that she is one of the most gifted and talented DIY rockstars I know. She can build, she can fix, she can craft and she can sew. She also balances a job blogging and being a mother. Enough said.

With that, I turn the stage over to Jaime and her tutorial for creating a Wall Frame Quilt!

Gather up your favorite fabrics and we will make this statement wall art that would be great hanging nearly anywhere. And, it makes a wonderful gift idea.

Although the pattern looks to be a little tricky, it’s actually four of the same pieces sewn together in an X format.

Materials:

• 1/4 yard each of 4 cotton fabrics
• Basic sewing supplies: sewing machine, thread, pins, scissors, pencil, iron & ironing board
• rotary cutter, clear quilting ruler and self-healing mat
• 24″ x 24″ cotton fabric (for backing)
• 24″ x 24″ batting
• safety pins
• 1/2″ plywood @ 21″ x 21″
• 1x2x8 pine board
• staple gun
• wood glue
• miter saw
• nailer & 1 1/4″ brad nails
• clamps

Instructions:

Step 1: Begin cutting the fabric into 2″ wide strips.  Looking at the diagram below, you will need multiple lengths of each fabric. I suggest cutting very long 2″ strips which you can cut down later.  I like to fold the fabric in quarters then cut off a 2″ wide strip using a rotary cutter and clear quilting ruler.

Step 2:  Sew strips together using a 1/4″ seam allowance.  Determine your pattern, start from the middle longest piece (bright green) then add strips on either side.  With each additional strip, line up the strip with a ‘step down’.  Press.  Eventually you will trim edges with a 45 degree angle which is marked on the quilting ruler.

Step 3: Make 4 identical pieces.  Sew the top square to the bottom squares.  Press. Then sew the middle seam together to make one piece. Press. Be sure to line up the seams.

TIP: Mark the sewing line on the wrong side of the fabric with a ruler and pencil to keep sewing straight while matching up seams.

Step 4: Make the quilt sandwich: cotton backing (I used drop cloth), batting and then quilt top.

Step 5: Pin layers together using safety pins with no less than 4″ spacing between pins.

Step 6: Quilt.  I choose to stitch down the middle of each strip to highlight the X pattern.

Step 7: Wash and dry then press.  Do not skip this step. Washing and drying is what gives the quilt it’s puckered character and makes everything come together.

Step 8: Place the quilt face down then place the plywood piece on top.  Make sure everything is centered especially considering the X pattern.

Step 9: Secure the quilt to the plywood using a staple gun along the edges.

Step 10: Trim any excess overhang.

Step 11: Cut two 1×2 pine boards with a 45 degree miter on both ends not parallel at 21″ long.  Apply wood glue, clamp into position and secure with finish nails.  Repeat this process for the other two sides being careful to cut to fit given the excess bulk the quilt adds to the sides.

I opted to seal the wood prior to making the frame using clear wipe on polyurethane. Also note the frame is inset on the back about 1/4″ which allows me to hide the hanging mechanism and this leaves about a 3/4″ reveal on the front side to frame out the quilt which is plenty.

This is a very pretty sewing project that makes a big impact and could be just the touch of softness and texture you’re looking to add to your wall decor.

Happy sewing friends, I hope you’ll make a framed wall quilt in your future.

See, I told you Jaime is amazing! Stay tuned for more of the Rockstar DIY series!

Here is a list of the project performances so far:

Pin for later!