Project Fairytale Tiara Quilt
Skill Level: Beginner
Combine whimsical print fabrics and free-motion quilting from the Baby Lock Tiara long-arm machine to create this Fairytale quilt. Perfect for a child’s room or as a baby shower gift, this quilted wall hanging is quick and can be easily made in a few hours. Download printable instructions and template.
Materials:
- Aerofil all-purpose thread to match fabrics for patchwork
- Quilting thread – white and variegated pastels
- Pink quilting thread for the bobbin
- ¾ yard white cotton fabric for center
- 1 1/2 yards pink cotton fabric for backing and border
- Fat quarter of bright pink fabric for crown
- 10 assorted print fabrics in fat quarters for patchwork
- Batting
- Steam-a-Seam 2
- Chalk marker
- Quilt spray adhesive (Or quilt pins/quilt safety pins for basting)
- Wonder clips
- Rotary cutter, mat and ruler
Tools:
- Baby Lock Tiara Quilting Machine
- Baby Lock Sewing Machine
Steps:
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Thread the sewing machine with all-purpose thread and set the machine for a straight stitch and a ¼” seam allowance.
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Cut the center block 21 ½” square from the white fabric
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Trace the crown design onto the paper of the Steam-a-Seam2.
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Following the manufacturer’s directions fuse one side of the steam a seam to the wrong side of the bright pink fat quarter then cut out the crown shape.
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Fuse the crown shape in the center of the white center block, angling it as desired.
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Applique the center shape down using matching thread and a zigzag stitch if desired. The crown can also be secured by free-motion stitching along the edges of the shape if desired.
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From the pink fabric cut four strips 3 1/2” x width of fabric for the inner pink borders.
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Sew the pink border to the left and right side of the center block and square off the edges with the rotary cutter, mat and ruler.
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Then add the top and bottom borders and square off the edges.
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Cut the assorted fat quarter prints into 3 1/2” squares. You will need 64 total blocks.
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Arrange the colors as desired and sew border strips together.
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You need two strips of 9 blocks for the side borders. Sew these to the sides attaching it to the pink border.
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Then two strips of 11 blocks for the top and bottom border.
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An additional row is added to the top and bottom row but not the sides.
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Create two strips of 12 blocks for the additional row of top and bottom borders.
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When attaching these rows, off-set the blocks from the previous seam. Square off the corners.
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Layer the pieced top, backing and pink backing fabric. Make sure the backing fabric is larger than the front. Spray or pin base the layers together.
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Thread the Tiara with your desired quilting thread.
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Mark the template lines across the lower edge of the crown. Using the Tiara to quilt, follow the marked lines to quilt the details on the crown.
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Then stitch-in-the-ditch or add echo quilting lines along the edges of the crown shape. Using the Tiara’s hopping foot as a guide.
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Stipple the center block of quilt, using the white thread
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Then do a larger stipple or meandering pattern over the pieced border using a pastel variegated thread.
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Tip: The TruStitch for the Tiara can be very helpful for this step, as the stitch regulator will make sure your stitch length is consistent.
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Once the quilting is finished, do not cut off the excess fabric. Carefully with scissors, trim off the excess batting only.
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Measure and mark the backing fabric 1” from the edge of the finished quilt top all the way around. Trim to 1”. This excess fabric will become your binding.
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To form the binding, fold the 1” of backing fabric over 1/2” towards the quilt top and press.
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Fold it in again, this time overlapping the quilt edge and temporarily secure in place using wonder clips.
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Once all edges are folded over, tuck the corners in to form a mitered look.
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Using a zigzag or appliqué stitch, stitch along the folded binding edge to secure.
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Optional: for a great baby shower gift idea, use a Baby Lock embroidery machine to add a name and birthdate to the white center section before quilting
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