Quilted Duvet

Materials and Tools:

backing fabric (cut to the same size as the quilt top)
cording* (enough length to extend around the two sides and bottom edge of the quilt top)
cording fabric:
- bias strips cut wide enough to wrap around the thickness of the cording
- plus 1/2 inch for seam allowance
1/2 yard of Velcro tape
large buttons or button covers for self-made covered buttons
sewing machine and zipper foot
* Cording size can vary according to the desired look.

Note: Include a 10-inch extension strip along the top edge of the quilt top; this can either be an extra wide border or a separate strip of fabric.

Steps:

Bow Tie Pattern

Cutting:
Background:
- Cut 4-1/2 inch squares
Bow Tie:
- Cut 4-1/2 inch squares
- Cut 2-1/2 inch squares

Figure A

Block construction:
Blocks are constructed in three arrangements:
- Dark background with dark bow ties (figure A)

Figure B

- Light background with dark bow ties (figure B)

Figure C

- Light background with light bow ties (figure C)

Figure D

The darkest blocks are placed in the center of the quilt and working out with the lightest blocks around the outer edge of the quilt. Begin arranging the blocks in the center, joining four blocks together to form a circle. Following this pattern direction, work out to the edges of the quilt (figure D).

Figure E

Trim excess flannel and lining fabric even with the edge of the quilt top (figure E). Include decorative edgings as desired. Edging options may include fabric covered cording, ruffles, and pompoms.

Figure F

Fabric covered cording

The cording is covered with fabric strips, which have been cut on the bias. The width of the strips is determined by the size of the cording. Cut a small practice piece to determine the cut size; making sure that there is at least a 1/2 inch extension allowed for stitching close to the edge of the cording (figure F). Note: Cording can be purchased at most fabric stores; and especially where upholstery fabrics are sold and comes in a variety of sizes. Laura Nownes suggests a fairly large size 3/8" to 1/2" in diameter.

Figure G

Cutting bias strips

Begin with a square piece of fabric (approximately a 42 inch square). Fold the fabric in half diagonally. Remove the folded edge (figure G).

Figure H

Cut strips of fabric the needed width as determined by the size of the cording (figure H).

Figure J

Cut and sew enough bias strips together to make one long length, (figure J), which will extend around three sides of the quilt (both sides and the bottom edge).

1. With the right side of the fabric facing out, center the cording onto the strip.

Figure K

2. Use a zipper foot on your sewing machine and thread color to match the cording fabric and stitch through both layers of the fabric. The zipper foot creates a nice snug fit around the cording (figure K).

Figure L

3. The covered cording is now ready to be attached to the edge of the quilted top. The raw edge of the covered cording is placed even with the edge of the quilted top (figure L).

Figure M

Gently turn the corners and trim the excess for a smoother look (figure M).

Ruffles

Self made fabric ruffles add a nice touch to the edge of the duvet. The width of the ruffle can vary according to personal preference.

1. First determine the finished width for the ruffle. Multiply this measure by two and include a 1/2-inch seam allowance. For example a 4 inch finished ruffle would require fabric strips cut 8-1/2 inches wide.

2. Next, measure around the quilted top on three sides (sides and bottom). Multiply this measurement by 25. This measurement determines the fabric strip lengths. Sew several strips together to form this length.

3. With the right side facing out, fold the fabric strip in half lengthwise, and press.

Figure N

4. The raw edges of the folded fabric strip need to be gathered. An easy way to do this is to use either perle cotton (a heavy type of embroidery floss), or dental floss. Place the floss approximately 1/8 inch from the raw edges of the folded fabric strip. Then zigzag over the floss along the entire length of the fabric strip (figure N).

5. Divide the fabric strip into four or more equal sections and mark with pins. Make the same divisions along the edge of the quilted top and mark these also with pins.

6. With raw edges even with each other, match the fabric strip and the quilted top together at the pins. Secure with additional pins as needed.

Figure O

7. Gently pull on the floss to gather the ruffle between the pins (figure O). Once the ruffle is evenly gathered and flat against the quilted top use more pins to hold it in place for stitching.

8. Stitch the gathered ruffle to the quilted top with a 1/4 inch seam allowance.

Figure P

Pompoms

Pompoms make a wonderful decorative edging on the quilted duvet. They are sold by the yard at most fabric stores and especially those, which carry upholstery fabrics. There are different types and sizes to choose from. Purchase enough to border the quilted top on three sides (sides and bottom edge). There is a finished edge on the pompoms allowing them to be stitched to the inside edge of the quilt (figure P).

Assembly
Note: Ensure that the backing fabric is the same size as the quilted top.

1. With right sides together, stitch the backing to the quilt top along the sides and bottom edges only. Do not stitch across the top edge. Note: If covered cording has been attached, use a zipper foot when stitching to be able to stitch over the same stitching line as used for attaching the cording.

Figure R

2. Fold the extension on the top edge of the quilted top in half and press (figure R).

Figure S

Then turn the raw edge back 1/2 inch and press to form a narrow hem (figure S).

3. Repeat for the top edge extension of the backing fabric.

Figure T

4. Cut about five or six strips of Velcro, each about 4 inches long. Separate the strips and attach the looped sided pieces to the wrong side of the front facing (figure T).

5. Attach decorative buttons to the top edge on the front side to complete the duvet.