Beginning patchwork

[Resse]

I would like to have a go at patchwork. I have absolutely no expertise in this area though (apart from I sew).
How is patchwork different to quilting?

Can anyone recommend a good book/resource for beginner patchwork?
And any inspiration to get me started?

[Sezzles]

The "patchwork" is the top, the pieced together design. The "quilted" bit refers to the technique of joining at least two fabric layers by stitches or ties.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patchwork
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quilts

I love this little rag quilt tutorial for starting out, you could do a small doll sized one - http://www.creationsbykara.com/2010/01/ ... orial.html

[inkypinkyponky]

You could buy a pack of charm squares (like these - http://thumpacat-fabrics.co.nz/shop/PRE ... rm-Squares) and sew them together in rows - that way you don't have to worry about the cutting but get to practice sewing together.

[drlauren]

patchwork or piecing the bits together is not too hard at all, especially if you pick nice geometric shapes, even designing your own stuff isn't too hard, it's all just angles and maths.
one thing i did learn the hard way when younger is to maker sure all the fabric you use is pre shrunk.
everything i buy now goes through the washer and the dryer before it gets made into anything.

quilting the layers together is harder, not so bad on cot/bassinet size but awkward if doing bigger quilts as it can get quite bulky under the machine arm. You can always pay someone to do this bit though.

[RachaelD]

one thing i did learn the hard way when younger is to maker sure all the fabric you use is pre shrunk.
everything i buy now goes through the washer and the dryer before it gets made into anything.

I am in the other camp, I don't pre wash and I use cotton batting. When the quilt gets washed after being finished, it all shrinks slightly and give a cool vintage look.

[drlauren]

my big fail with this was when some pieces shrank really differently to others they were sewn too. if all your fabric was definitely the same quality it probably wouldn't be such a problem.