Lately I have been making small crazy quilt projects that are made of
one single block. They are generally 9" X 9", complete compositions unto
themselves. I have developed a quick and effective way to complete them so
that they are "wall ready", with the back and edges finished and a hanging
cord in place. Here is how I do it:
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This is my block, ready for mounting. It is called "I Remember
17". |
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I use foam core, which can be purchased at any craft or framing
store, to mount my blocks. It comes in large sheets, is acid free,
and is not expensive. You can cut it to the size you need easily
with a rotary cutter and ruler, or have it cut for you at the store.
Here my foam core has been cut to the finished size of my block.
Also, I have a piece of batting cut to the same size. The batting
will go between the foam core and the block...that little extra
padding gives a nice even look to my mounted block. I have
added some extra batting behind the center of my block; it was a
little floppy and the batting fills it out nicely. |
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I center my block over the foam core and batting, fold the edges
to the back, and begin lacing it in place with a needle and some
long, strong thread. Starting from the center and moving to the
edges keeps things square and the tension even. I also write my name
and the title of my piece on the foam core. Although this will
eventually be hidden, it just makes me feel better to know there is
documentation in place on the piece! Of course, you could make a
label too. |
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The lacing is complete. I have folded the corners and sewn them
in place. This adds a little extra bulk at the corners on the back,
but it does not matter. |
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To create the backing, I cut a piece of fusible Pellon (or
anything that has a slight amount of stiffness or body) to the
finished size of the block. The backing fabric is cut slightly
larger than the Pellon, so there is about 1/2 " around the edges. |
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The fabric is placed with its wrong side toward the non-gluey
side of the Pellon. To create my nice finished edge I simply iron
the fabric edge onto the fusible side of the Pellon. I use some
release paper when I do this to keep my iron from getting any glue
on it. |
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To make my hanger, I use a very large needle and some pliers to
pierce the back with some rat cording, after measuring where I want
it to go on the backing piece. Here you can see the cord ends have
been stitched into place. This is the stage where you would add your
label to the back, if you like. |
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The back is pinned onto the foam core, covering the lacing. |
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Using regular sewing thread, the back is whip stitched into
place. |
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Here is the finished back. |
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The block is ready to hang. It could be framed also at this
point, if desired. |
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Here is another 9" square block I made that is mounted in the
same fashion. |
So don't let those beautiful blocks of yours languish in a box. This
technique can be used with larger pieces, too. But whatever the size of your
finished blocks or small quilts, now you know how you can mount them, hang
them, and enjoy. |
