Patriotic Pin

Janet White, from the Columbus [Ohio] Metropolitan Quilters guild, sent us a great patriotic pin, designed by member Jane Callaghan, from an EQ4 flag block. The guild distributed instructions to area shops and other guilds and quilters in the area, and would now like to share it with you.

[Jane used the Strip Heart from Paper Piecing - Holiday Foundations, but you could also use any of the flags in EQ's Block Library.]

Supplies:

-Strips of fabric at least ¾ inch wider than the widest piece needed for that color. Strip of red for pattern numbers 4 and 7, white for number 5, dark blue for number 1, and background fabric of your choice for numbers 2,3,6,8, and 9. You will also need a piece of fabric for the backing. -Sewing machine with stitch length set at 18 to 20 stitches per inch, size 14 needle, thread, Fray Check, polyester fiber, and a pin back.


Construction tips:

-Solid lines are the sewing lines. Numbers indicate the stitching order. Sew on the line between numbers (between 1 and 2, 2 and 3, etc.) on the printed side of the foundation pattern. Sew a few stitches before and a few stitches beyond the stitching line. Back-stitching at the start and end is suggested.
-When a fabric piece, like piece 1 and piece 2, ends at the edge of the foundation pattern, it must be large enough to extend at least to the edge of the foundation pattern.


Construction steps:

1. Begin at number 1 on the foundation pattern. Cut a piece of dark blue fabric to fit number 1 plus about ¼ inch seam allowance for each seam. Place this cut piece of fabric right side up on the unprinted side over the number 1. The wrong side of the fabric is now visible form the printed side of the paper foundation. Placement of the fabric can be checked by holding the paper foundation over a light source.

2. Cut a piece of background fabric larger than number 2 as described above.

3. Place the right side of the number 2 fabric against the right side of the number 1 fabric. By placing the pin along the sewing line between 1 and 2 on the printed side of the foundation pattern, fabric 2 can be opened and checked for size and placement by holding it up to a light source. If both size and placement are correct, remove the pin, return fabric 2 to the right sides together position, and sew on the sewing line between 1 and 2. Fold the paper back; trim the seam allowance, and finger press the seam. Continue to add pieces 3 through 9 using information included above.

4. When all the seams are sewed, stitch around the paper foundation just inside the seam allowance, and cut the fabric and paper on the outside cutting line (the dotted line).

5. One way to complete the pin is to cut a back from fabric the size of the completed block. Mark a horizontal line for cutting on the back fabric about ¾ inch from the center top. This opening will be used later for turning the block to the right side. Apply Fray Check to the marked area. When the Fray check is dry, cut an opening large enough for turning the block to the right side.

6. With right sides together, sew the completed block and use the back using the ¼ inch seam allowance indicated on the foundation pattern. Remove the paper and turn the block to the right side. Stuff it with polyester, sew the opening closed, attach a pin back, and wear it with pride.



CONTENTS: Announcements - Ask EQ - Free Stuff - Works For Me - Show & Tell - Quilt University - Printing on Fabric - Quilters' Colors Patriotic Pin - Tips For Printing On Fabric - Linda Franz - Betty Ensz & Laura Jane Quint - Create a Coloring Book.