Some ABCs of Improv Quilting with Nicholas Ball

Share

Downloads
Picture: Some ABCs of Improv Quilting with Nicholas Ball

Welcome to a brand new series in which our colleague and improv quilter Nicholas Ball (on instagram @quiltsfromtheattic) shares some of his favourite improv quilting ABCs. Whether you’re new to improv or have been exploring the style for years, we are delighted to join Nicholas as he explains some of the reasons why he loves improv patchwork and quilting. There are sure to be great tips and tricks along the way, as well as wonderful examples of organic patchwork and liberated sewing.

We use the YouTube service to display videos. This service may collect data about your activities. For more information, please see our Privacy Policy. To view the video, please accept "Targeting cookies."

A is for Attitude! Nicholas firmly believes there is an improv quilter in everyone, even if you’re staunchly traditional. The key to setting off on this new adventure is your attitude. Set aside constraints, specifics, and limits to help you unlock untapped creativity. It starts with sewing a seam.

We use the YouTube service to display videos. This service may collect data about your activities. For more information, please see our Privacy Policy. To view the video, please accept "Targeting cookies."

C is for cutting! A sharp pair of fabric scissors are a must for any improv quilter. Whilst Nicholas uses rotary cutters to cut freehand curves, most of his cutting is done with scissors and does away with the patchwork ruler. His use of scissors often involves chopping into larger pieces of fabric to create interesting shapes, as well as cutting into pieced sections to add interest and new lines. Don’t forget that if longer strips are needed, ripping fabric is a great release and very appropriate for the liberating approach of improv patchwork.

We use the YouTube service to display videos. This service may collect data about your activities. For more information, please see our Privacy Policy. To view the video, please accept "Targeting cookies."

We use the YouTube service to display videos. This service may collect data about your activities. For more information, please see our Privacy Policy. To view the video, please accept "Targeting cookies."

ABCs 3: F... is for Fabric

Close
F is for Fabric! With improv, anything goes: that fat quarter bundle you’re not quite sure what to do with, the scraps from your last project, a tablecloth with a stain on it, a shirt that no longer fits. Cut that fabric up repurpose it into truly unique quilts! More and more quilters are using different substrates and recycled textiles in their quilts, and improv is no exception. In fact, without the specifics of measuring and accurate cutting, any fabric will work!

We use the YouTube service to display videos. This service may collect data about your activities. For more information, please see our Privacy Policy. To view the video, please accept "Targeting cookies."

Q is for Quilting! We often hear from many quilters about how they actually DISLIKE the quilting part of making quilts. This is true for more people than you might think. With many different ways to approach quilting, you may need some trial and error to find what works for you. Good basting is a must, as is the right kit, including a new needle and the appropriate presser foot. Need a little extra help? The Bernina Stitch Regulator is a great tool to help with free motion practice.

We use the YouTube service to display videos. This service may collect data about your activities. For more information, please see our Privacy Policy. To view the video, please accept "Targeting cookies."

H is for Heavier Weight Thread! Not only for hand quilting, heavier weight thread can be used with stunning results in your sewing machine. With some small tweaks, you can stitch appliqué or decorative stitches with wonderful texture.

We use the YouTube service to display videos. This service may collect data about your activities. For more information, please see our Privacy Policy. To view the video, please accept "Targeting cookies."

L is for Line! There are so many ways to make incorporate lines into your improv quilts. With liberated piecing, you can make spontaneous cuts into fabric and piece in contrasting strips. You can use fabric with linear interest. You can use a heavier weight thread for hand quilting and add great texture with rows and rows of big stitches. The list goes on and on!

We use the YouTube service to display videos. This service may collect data about your activities. For more information, please see our Privacy Policy. To view the video, please accept "Targeting cookies."

P is for Pressing! Whenever we embark on a new creative endeavour, we often learn from books and tutorials. Such places regularly set out a long-established set of rules that must be followed. In patchwork, using your iron to press, rather than iron, is one such rule heard often. However, the freedom of improv piecing allows us to be much more expressive with our iron, which can actually be a tool to add shape and interest to pieced fabric.