Nowadays, embellished quilts are the 'in-thing'. Embellished quilts look very trendy and we can experiment with a variety of options with which to decorate the quilts. The primary objective of a good quilt is to keep us warm in bed. But many families use quilts also to celebrate different events of our life like weddings, birth of a baby, Christmas and other festivals and events.
Many are used simply for decorations. There are two important ways to guarantee that an embellished quilt is attractive to the eye. First and foremost, the quilt making has to be technically sound.
If it is not constructed well, no matter how much we adorn it, the quilt will not look good and will wear out. Second, we must keep in mind that the accessories not only make the quilt attractive but also add weight to it. Thus the foundation fabric or the fabric with which the quilt has been constructed, must be strong enough to support the embellishments. Lace, Ribbon, Beads or Paillettes, and Other Embellishments The list of potential quilt embellishments is limited only by your unique creativity. Following are just a few of them: ? Paillettes - These are small, circular pieces of luminous metal or plastic sewn on garments for decoration. They shine wonderfully when they catch light or sunlight.
They can be used to decorate clothes, handbags and accessories. They are also great accompaniments for crafts such as frames, jewelry, lamps, and more. They are also fashionable as a knit, crochet and quilt embellishment. ? Beads ? Beads can be used to add visual appeal. They can be attached anywhere while adorning the quilt top or block and/or after the quilt sandwich has been created.
We can attach the beads to the top coating or through the top layer and batting or through all three layers after creating the quilt sandwich. ? Buttons - Buttons can be sewed on in small clusters to enhance the appeal of a plain area. Buttons stitched onto folded ribbon or embroidery can also go a long way in making your quilt look exciting.
? Charms - Charms have gained tremendous popularity and can be found in discount stores, jewelry stores, flea markets, garage sales, and all over. ? Doilies - Doilies and other specks crochet can plug a plain shape marvelously. ? Embroidery - Embroidery can be done with the help of floss or silk ribbon.
They go a long way in adding a delicate touch to the quilt. We can also use French knots for consistency and use outline stitches to characterize the edges of an area, which might need more focus. ? Lace - Lace can be added in numerous ways. It can either be stitched on flat or assembled to give it a full, more three-dimensional look.
Lace can also be used in a pieced seam or inserted under the rim of an appliqué patch. We can even be fasten it on top of a seam to conceal it. Lace can successfully set up a contrast of texture yet is light and appealing to sew. Embellishment used on top of a lace such as stitching or beading areas intensifies the visual texture. It creates a intense feel both literally and visually and also helps the eye to slow down as it considers the area.
? Ribbon - Ribbons can be added in the shape of streamers and bows. However, we must remember that the heavier the embellishment we use, the more quilting is required to prevent it from sagging. If the quilting is not done with care, the quilts will not lie flat. If heavy embellishment is used, hand quilting may makes for a better quilt to avoid ruining the embellishments with machine quilting. Or, for the safety of the embellishments, the quilt, and the machine, machine quilt first, then embellish.
With a bit of care, embellishments can add a whole new personality to your quilt and make it a one-of-a-kind creation.
Jan Myers is the author of numerous articles and books on topics from organizational development and leadership to quilting. It was her avocation, the love of quilting, that inspired the popular online membership site for quilters known as the "world’s largest quilting bee" at http://www.QuiltingResourceCenter.com.
