Stitches

I have a blank quilt block to design for a friendship quilt. Any simple ideas-cross stitch, embroidery, etc?

Public Comments

1. Have you looked at http://www.quilterscache.com?
2. Have you thought of chicken scratch embroidery? Very easy. Search images and you're sure to find some, such as hearts, that are suitable for a friendship quilt.
3. If you've done needlework before, you can transfer any image to the blank block and then outline stitch it. You can draw your own, or just write a message even. If you aren't into needlework, you can decorate the block with sewn or glued on beads, buttons, lace, etc. You can even just draw right on your block. If you do this, be sure to use the right markers. You need pigment markers that are permanent when they are heat set. Do NOT use Sharpies - they bleed into the fabric. I recommend getting another scrap of fabric to practice on. Iron a piece of freezer paper to the back of your fabric to keep it from scrunching as you write on it.
4. Diamond in the Square 1. Select 2 squares of fabric of equal size; pay particular attention to value. 2. Cut on 5" background square (the finished size plus 1/2" of seam allowances.) 3. Measure--the finished block should measure 4 1/2" square. Half of 4 1/2" is 2 1/4" plus 1/2" of seam allowances equals 2 3/4". Cut four 2 3/4" squares. 4. Fold each 2 3/4" square diagonally in half and finger press. With right sides facing together, line up two edges of the background square. 5. Sew the square to the corner of the background square, a smidgen away from the fold toward the outer edge of the background square. Fold the square diagonally toward the corner, wrong sides together. 6. Lay the top of the square back as it was when you stitched it. Trim to a 1/4" seam allowance. (DO NOT TRIM AWAY THE BACKGROUND.) Press 7. Repeat steps 4 through 6 for the other three squares. Fold the resulting four triangles to the background square. Press the finished block. Now trace a motif or embroider a saying in the center diamond to complete the "friendship" part of the block. If the block is to be a larger size compute the measurements to match the basic pattern of sizes as the diamond square block above. Make sure that you use fine tipped different colored magna pens that are permanent. Press the final motif and block to make sure the ink will not bleed. Our group uses this pattern and calls it our "siggie" blocks to show friendship and tell a story. Good luck and have fun!