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How to Make a Biscuit or Puff Quilt
Article by KarensVariety.com
These quilts are so easy to make in any size. Basically, you make
individual stuffed squares from cloth and sew the squares
together. These quilts date back to the 19th century and were
very popular in the 1970's when people discovered recycling.
You can be very creative with your design. Make all your squares
the same, use different pieces of fabric for each square, arrange
your squares to a design you create.
The squares can be large or small; for your first quilt, start with
larger squares; try four inch squares. Each square consists of two
square pieces sewn together; the bottom piece is cut 4" square
and the top piece is cut one inch larger, 5". This provides room for
the stuffing to fit inside.
Using 4" squares, you will need approximately 115 squares to
make a 60 x 84 inch quilt (15 x 21 squares).
Gather around the 5" square or make darts in the middle of two of
the sides to fit the 4" square. Place the two squares right side
together and baste together at three of the edges (one side is left
open to insert the stuffing).
Turn right side out, carefully pulling the corners out. Fill with
lightweight polyester filling. You can use old nylons or other
stuffing but you will find your quilt very heavy when it is done. If
you don't put in a general amount of stuffing, you will find that
you quilt flattens over time. Slip stitch the open end closed. (using
a slip stitch makes the stitches invisible).
Distribute the stuffing evenly. For larger squares, it is
recommended that you place a stitch in the center; two stitches
with embroidery thread arranged in an x is easy and will keep
your stuffing from slipping. If you have small squares, you will not
need to do this.
Hint: Do not stuff until you have finished cutting and sewing all
the squares. It is easier to store cloth squares then puffy squares.
Note: These quilts are lovely but can be tedious as they are
repetitive. Don't be in a hurry and be sure to watch TV or listen to
the radio while you work or work with a friend and chat as you
work.
When all your squares are finished, you can join them together
by: slip stitching them together or use rickrack, braid or ribbon to
join.
The quilt should have a backing. Cut your backing from sheet
material or satin, place it on top of the right side of the quilt, slip
stitch around three of the outer edges, turn inside out so the right
side of the quilt is showing and slip stitch the remaining edge. If
you wish you can tack one or two x stitches throughout the quilt
to hold the back in place.
It is optional to place an edging around your quilt; use lace, a
ruffle or braiding.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------How to Slip Stitch:
This is used to stitch two folded edges together without showing
the stitches. You must take very small stitches on the fold
catching only a few threads of the fabric.
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