Patriotic Stitchery
does-it project ideal for taking
along on summer vacation.
- 9 x 12-inch piece of muslin for stitchery foundation
- 3/8 yard of solid red for backing and binding
- Red embroidery floss
- 9 x 12-inch piece of quilt batting
- Red fine-tip Pigma pen
1. Download the free pattern for this project. (Downloading requires Adobe Acrobat software.)
2. Cut the fabrics. To make the best use of your fabrics, cut the pieces in the order that follows. From solid red, cut:
- One 9 x 12-inch rectangle for backing
- Two 2 1/2 x 20-inch binding strips
3. Embroider the quilt top. All of the embroidery is done with two strands of red embroidery floss. Secure the "We the People" stitchery pattern to a light box or other light source. Using a Pigma pen, trace the picture onto the muslin piece.
4. Use a majority of stem-stitches. Where you want to highlight a specific portion, use blanket stitches, chain stitches, herringbone stitches, or French knots. For example, the flag's stripes are two facing rows of blanket stitches with a row of chain stitches between them. Herringbone stitches fill the border around the "We the People" sign and compose the banner flying behind the flag. Blanket stitches embellish the outline of the figure at the far right; French knots accent the two figures immediately to the left of the sign. The outer border tongues are blanket-stitched.
5. When the stitching is complete, trim the muslin piece, leaving 1/2-inch around the finished work.
6. Complete the quilt top. Layer the stitched muslin, batting, and backing. Quilt as desired, if you choose to quilt this project.
8. Use the solid red 2-1/2 x 20-inch strips to bind the quilt.
Finished quilt top: 7-7/8 x 10 inches. Quantities specified for 44/45-inch-wide, 100% cotton fabrics. All measurements include a 1/4-inch seam allowance.
