CHRISTMAS ADVENT QUILT

Instructions

WOF: Width of Fabric

All seams are 1/4" unless otherwise stated

100% cotton fabric is used throughout

Step 1 - Preparation and cutting

Cut reindeer fabric into 2 lengths of 2 mts, remove selvedges from the centre edge and stitch together to create one centre background piece. Trim down to a measurement of 155cm wide x 190cm length (61" x 75").

Cut 4, 4 1/2" strips from the diagonal stripe fabric for the side borders, stitch together into pairs, and crosscut into 2, 75" strips. Stitch these to the sides of the centre panel.

Cut 4, 4 1/2" strips from the diagonal stripe fabric for the top and bottom borders, stitch together into pairs, and crosscut into 2, 69" strips. Stitch these to the top and bottom of the centre panel.

Step 2 - Quilting before adding pockets

This quilt was quilted before the pockets were added.

To make the backing, cut the backing fabric into two lengths of 2.5m, removing the selvedges from the centre edges and stitch together lengthways to create one large piece. Press seam open down the middle.

Sandwich your quilt together, with batting and quilt top using pins and quilt using your preferred method.

Step 3 - Making the pockets

From the 5 print fabrics, cut 24, 8 1/2" x 10" rectangles.

From the 3 solid fabrics, cut 24, 8 1/2" x 12" rectangles.

Pair up a pocket front with a pocket lining fabric, right sides together, and stitch around the two long sides and the base, leaving open the top of the pocket. The back of the pocket will be longer, but will eventually be folded over to the front. Press all the pockets nice and flat. Press over the back of pocket to the front by 1" and then again at 1", so that it lines up with the front of the pocket. Stitch the flap down onto the front of the pocket. Topstitch about 1/4" all around both sides and bottom of the pocket.

Print the numbers off, using your preferred font and size. Using the vlisoflex, trace the numbers, creating the numbers 1 - 24, don't forget to reverse the numbers. Trim the numbers individually, using a scant 1/8" all around each number. Press the numbers onto the wrong side of the fabrics you wish to use for each pocket. Mix up the colours so they are opposite to the colours of the pockets to give you a pleasing effect. Cut around each number on the line. Wait for the numbers to cool completely before peeling off the backing fabric, as this will make it easier to remove the paper. Next, press the numbers to the pockets firmly. Once you have finished all 24 pockets, use your sewing machine and carefully stitch around the edge of each number to secure in place.

Step 4 - Placing the pockets onto your quilt

Lay out your quilt somewhere on a flat surface, either the floor or table will work well for this.

Place all your pockets onto the quilt top, keeping to the centre panel and placing in neat rows of 4 across by 6 rows down. Make sure they are evenly spaced. Next, pin all the pockets into place on your quilt. Using your machine, stitch your pockets onto your quilt. This can be quite tricky, so just take your time. Start with the pockets in the centre of your quilt and work to the outside pockets. Stitch on the very edge of the pocket to secure.

Step 5 - Binding and hanging sleeve

For the hanging sleeve, cut 2, 5" strips from any leftover backing fabric and stitch together to create one length and crosscut this strip into a piece 68" in length. On each end, turn in a 1/4" seam and stitch down. Fold in half lengthwise, right sides out and press in half. Pin to the back of the quilt at the top of the quilt. You could also create a loop and attach that to the top of the quilt for hanging, if desired.

For the binding, cut 8, 2 1/2" strips from the Minty Stripe fabric, stitch all of the binding lengths together to create one long length. Fold the strip in half, wrong sides together, and press down the length of the binding. Stitch the binding to the front edge of the quilt using a 1/4" seam, mitring the corners as you go and securing the hanging sleeve in as you go. Hand stitch the binding to the back of your quilt.

And lastly, don't forget to label and date your quilt.