Hi! Terri Stegmiller here!
I love using
stencils to create unique, one-of-a-kind fabrics. Projects made from these
fabrics seem extra special. Since I’m also a quilter, many of my sewing
projects get quilted and sometimes I find myself wondering how to quilt a
particular item. I can usually find great inspiration from my stencils.
Quilted patterns on
fabric add wonderful stitched texture and depending on the thread color you
use, you can add subtle design or an extra pop of color. For the zippered pouch
shown above, I’ll give a brief explanation on how I added the X-12 stencil
design.
I typically mark
designs onto my fabric with one of the marking tools shown above. All of these
are easily removed from the fabric, however you should always test the marking
tool on a scrap piece of your project’s fabric before you begin...making sure
it will disappear as you expect. The blue capped pen marks a blue line that is
removed by spritzing with water. The purple capped pen marks a purple line that
disappears on its own. The top marker is a chalk pencil and you brush or rub
the markings to remove them. I usually use only white chalk in this pencil for
use on dark fabrics. I choose my marking tool based on the fabric colors I’m
working with so that I have good contrast. I want to be able to see my marks.
After choosing your
marker and stencil design, go ahead and mark the fabric. For my zippered pouch
project I had two panels like the one shown above. I had previously adhered my
fabric to the batting with fusible web before I added the stencil marks.
After I have marked
the surface of my fabric, I then start quilting the designs. I am free motion
quilting, which means the sewing machine is set up with a free motion presser
foot and the feed dogs are lowered so that I am in control of moving my fabric
under the needle. With the free motion method of quilting you can move your
fabric any direction you want making it easy to sew in many directions without
totally turning your fabric around each time you want to change your stitching
direction. I don’t worry about following the marked lines exactly when I’m
stitching. They are just there as guidelines and if you wander off the marked
line, that’s okay!
After I finished quilting
the design on both panels, I finished the construction of my zippered pouch.
Below are a couple
of other projects I’ve made using stencils as quilting guidelines.
Above is a handbag
I made. In the center area of the upper fabric you can see the Curvy Stems
stencil design was used.
Below is a detail photo.
Below is a detail photo.
In the pillow cover
shown above, I first created a central area of design with textile paint and
the Slices stencil.
I then used the same stencil as a guideline to quilt around the four sides of the painted section.
I then used the same stencil as a guideline to quilt around the four sides of the painted section.
I hope you’ve
enjoyed my quilting projects and I hope I’ve inspired you to try some free
motion quilting with stencils.
Featured Stencils:
Slices
It's time to celebrate Terri Stegmiller on the blog today!
For today only...take 10% OFF any of Terri's StencilGirl stencils!
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It's time to celebrate Terri Stegmiller on the blog today!
For today only...take 10% OFF any of Terri's StencilGirl stencils!
Just use coupon code STEGMILLER10
ooh Terri those are just AWESOME!! i quilt as well and gosh what fun ideas! oh why are there not more hours in each day to play? Thanks for the sweet ideas!
ReplyDeleteThese are fantastic projects -- beautifully done!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea, Terri
ReplyDelete