A Stitched Typography Quilt Tutorial : :

I created this quilt for my son Jacob and wrote the tutorial to first share on the Janome Project Center here, as a Janome Independent Designer. It's 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 sewing machines! This is definitely my most favorite style of quilting!

Janome Supplies Required : :

• Horizon Memory Craft 12000

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 & white thread
• typewriter fabric or another fabric for fussy cut applique
• a light weight iron-on fusible interfacing (HeatnBond Lite)
• fabrics for the quilt backing and binding
• rotary cutter/mat/ruler set

* 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 Free Motion Quilting!
• 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.

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 before hand. 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. 9. 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!!




If you've given this tutorial a go or plan to, be sure to share on my Facebook page or in my Maureen Cracknell Handmade Flickr group! I'd love to see it!!  ♥  Maureen