Projects

Typography Quilt

Created By:

Maureen Cracknell

Skill Level: Advanced

This project tutorial is a Quilt-As-You-Go style quilt, made with log cabin style blocks, including a simple and fun applique, and stitched typography created using the built-in text stitches in the Horizon Memory Craft 12000 sewing machines! This is definitely one of my new, most favorite styles of quilting!

Janome Supplies Required
Fabric and Notions Required

Fabric and Materials Required:

  • a variety of fabrics cut into fat quarters ( I used blacks, greys, and whites)
  • twin size cotton or another 100% natural fiber batting
  • black and white thread
  • typewriter fabric or another fabric for fussy cut applique
  • a light weight iron-on fusible interfacing
  • fabrics for the quilt backing and binding
  • rotary cutter/mat/ruler set
     
Instructions

* Notes *

  • Synthetic batting is not suggested, I only use a natural batting. It is important to be able to press the batting with a hot iron and steam.
  • Low-loft batting is preferred.
  • Quilt blocks can be made in any pattern and size..
  • Have fun with your quilting, this is the perfect time to experiment with new stitches or fmq!
  • This method does not include the quilt backing fabric. I like to add my quilt backing at the end, to avoid hand-sewing, which is really hard on my hands.

Instructions:


Making a Log Cabin Style Block:

  1. For this quilt tutorial, I made off-centered log cabin style pieced quilt blocks. To make the blocks for the applique and stitched words, begin with a piece measuring a 7.5" square. Using fabric strips in widths varying from 2" to 4" add each new "log" working around that first square. I cut my strips (logs) longer as I went, trimming back after each piece has been added. Continue until you have a block measuring a 17" square.



    Applique Block:
  2. Prepare the applique pieces by following the light weight iron-on fusible interfacing directions.

     
  3. Remove the interface backing and position applique piece in the center of the block, then press with a hot iron to set.
  4. Baste the quilt block to a piece of batting measuring at least a 17.5" square.
  5. Sew just inside the raw edge of the applique piece, attaching it to the quilt block and batting layers.

     
  6. Add the quilting stitches, removing pins as you go, if you pin basted. For my blocks, I quilted with straight lines, using the edge of my presser foot as my spacing guide. If needed, you can mark where you want the quilting lines with a disappearing ink pen beforehand. I like to be more improv and free with this type of quilting. I often change directions and make up the quilting pattern as I go.

     
  7. Using a rotary cutter, ruler, and cutting mat, square up the quilted quilt block by trimming away the excess batting to measure a 16.5" square block


    Stitched Typography Block
  8. Make another log cabin block, this time beginning with a 7.5" square in a white fabric, building out until you have a 17" block. Baste this block to a piece of batting measuring at least a 17.5" square.

  9. Using the built-in letter stitches in the Block style, plan out your text. I used special little sayings and song lyrics that are meaningful to me and my family. Add the text, moving slowly across just that first white square, until it's filled in with the text.

  10. Continue making the log cabin style blocks, adding both the applique and text to the centers, as well as making several blocks with only a variety of solid and print fabrics. For a throw size quilt measuring 48" x 64", you'll need 12 - 16.5" blocks.


    Joining the Quilted Blocks 
  11. Place two quilted quilt blocks right sides together, matching up all ends and pin in place. Sew together on one side using a 1/4" seam allowance.

  12. Using a very hot iron with steam, press the back seams open.

  13. Continue sewing together the quilted quilt blocks, pressing all seams open as you go. Press the quilt top front as you go, as well.




    Quilt Backing, Basting, & Binding
  14. Piece together fabrics for the quilt back to measure a large 49" x 65" piece, and baste to the quilted quilt front. I love using 505 basting spray for this, however pin basting works just as well.

  15. Working your way down from the top of the quilt to the bottom, with a stitch length set at 3, simply sew about 1/4" to maybe 1/2" from the seam lines (when adding this stitching it IS recommended that you do use a Walking Foot). I continued this for both sides of each seam running from the top of my quilt to the bottom, as well as side to side. The photo on the right is an example of what these stitches will look like from the back side of the quilt.

  16. Finally, bind the quilt using your preferred method, and Voila! Your Typography Quilt is finished!!




     

 

Everyone is Talking about Typography Quilt
Reviews


Tako
Beautiful
Wednesday, November 23, 2016

cpindzola
Around the Table Dresden Placemats
Saturday, December 17, 2016

I like the concept, but the directions are "sloppy." Nowhere in the supply list does it mention the felt or the batting (how much?). Also, I would never use a high loft batting in a placemat, or a table runner, as I think that it would be too unstable for a glass. The next time I make these, I will cut out the batting (I use flannel) and spray baste it to the wrong side of the Dresden plate before I put the Dresden plate on the felt to cut out. I have not yet washed the finished placemat, and am hoping that the single layer of felt does not curl up, or become distorted after washing/drying.
Txmaid
Fun Great Gift!
Tuesday, February 21, 2017

MargieARK
Teatime Quilted Tablecloth
Friday, February 24, 2017

I made this today but your cutting directions need to be changed. You only need 4 of color 1 and color 3 4.5 squares for the triangles. Also the inner border, you only need 2 cuts as WOF is long enough to cut each in half to fit the sides.
MickelSews
Great Machine
Wednesday, August 30, 2017

I've had this machine for only a week now. I bought it used from a lady who makes her own clothes, but she no longer needed the machine. During the purchase, she noted that she is almost sad that it's better to give it away because of how well the machine performed. (I also bought it along side a computerized machine of another brand.} She demoed the machine for us, showing it worked and gave us everything (including the box it came in!) She took amazing care of this machine. I have used it a few times now, and the directions for threading were easy to follow (albeit my hands are quite large so the lower looper was a pain, but that is no fault to the machine or brand.) And I recommend this machine to anyone who wants to learn to serge and wants a machine that can grow with them. I will happily use this machine time and time again.
rvstan
S9 Review
Sunday, February 25, 2018

I love, love, love my S9! It's sews and embroiders beautifully and it's simplicity of use amazes me. I would recommend this machine for both a beginner and an experienced seamstress. If I would ask anything of Janome it would be to upgrade the programming to run a larger hoop size. I understand that it can't get much wider but there is most definitely room for it to go longer. That is the only limitation of this machine.
pjmnana
PJMNana
Monday, February 26, 2018

I purchased a Memorycraft 15000 a few years ago and it was the best purchase I ever made! This machine can do just about anything you would would ever want! I love the capability of using the Acuedit app to set up my embroidery pattern on my Ipad and then download it to the machine! I love how my embroidery looks upon completion and I love all the good lighting it has to light up your workspace. That way you don’t need to worry about where to set up your machine. It also has plenty of room to do machine embroidery on any size quilts! There are many decorative stitches from which to choose that are outstanding! It’s hard to choose which one to use! There are so many great features it is hard to decide what I love the most. If you want to buy only one machine to last a lifetime, I would recommend this one!
KLWash
S9 Review
Sunday, February 24, 2019

The S9 is amazing. I learned to sew by hand when I was just 5 and in my grandmothers way as she was quilting. I took seeing classes in high school until they would no longer let me sign up. The S9 makes me appreciate my current skills as well as motivate me to want to learn more. This machine is awesome.
SewSueMe2002
Horizon Memory Craft 15000
Thursday, November 19, 2020

My Janome Horizon Memory Craft 15000 is fantastic! I love, love, love this machine! When I came across the Eye for and Eye embroidery design today, I wanted to make it. However, the embroidery file is missing. Nothing downloads when I select the download button. Please help!
Jillfmischo
Treat Bag fun!
Monday, August 16, 2021

I made the Halloween treat bag for my new granddaughter and I’m sure it will last for years. No embroidery machine so I appliquéd the lettering. Need a little more skirt fabric for a better gathered look, and I used thin double-bias tape for the skirt hem, over edge stitch on skirt sides. I’m pleased with my results!
elenaz
Very helpful tutorial
Wednesday, October 25, 2023

I want to say thank you for teaching me this method of applique. I was able to do it with a small letters. This method is the best so far from all of those I've seen and tried.
plonkar
So useful
Thursday, November 30, 2023

I'd like to express my gratitude for teaching me this appliqué method. I successfully applied it with small letters, and, so far, it's the most effective among all the methods I've seen and tried.

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