Technical information

All descriptions are given as a general guide. I suggest you make the quilts more or less as described initially, then experiment at will.
These quilts are not suitable for beginners as they require some experience in applique and quilting.
The finished sizes are approximately:
- 35 x 45cm (cut all layers 37 x 47cm)
- 45 x 45cm (cut all layers 47 x 47cm)
The extra fabric around the edge is to allow for pulling and shifting of fabric, as I stitch/applique and quilt simultaneously.
The smaller quilts are ideal for individual use and the larger ones for a group of four sitting around a table. Don’t worry if your sizes aren’t exact, near enough is definitely good enough!
The back of the quilt is important – don’t be surprised if a child likes the back more than the front, any connection is good.

Anything and everything, but must be washable (often in cold water in “home corner”!).
I enjoy the challenge of only using off-cuts and pieces that have been donated or found in op shops.
Fleece fabric is used on the back of many of the quilts to ensure it is soft, has “body” and is very stable to sew (as compared to fur fabric, velvet etc). If you feel the quilt is not quite firm enough, a layer of brushed cotton is really effective.
Avoid very slippery fabric as the quilts could slip when being used by the children.
I use very thin wadding if needed (fleece fabric on the back plus robust fabric on the front is usually adequate.) The quilt needs to be flat enough for children to place items on when playing.
It is fun to sew something (eg a couple of pieces of ric rac/ribbon or a scrap of fabric) on the back as children love to find a “surprise”. This can also be your “signature” if you use the same motif each time.
Vliesofix or similar for applique.
Ribbons of all types – satin, grosgrain, cotton, velvet, sparkly, etc (remember these all need to be robust and washable).
Braid, cord, ric rac, zips, shoelaces, Russia braid, coloured elastic, fine piping, thick yarn – anything and everything!
I use rainbow printed fabric, cut on the straight grain, for most of my bindings.

I have chosen to mostly use rainbow/bright colours because most children (and me) love them; they are gender neutral; and having a standard group of colours makes my decision making easier.
However not all children follow my preferences – a wide variety of colour and texture is really important to cater for as many tastes as possible, so use what you like best.