A brand new panel and collection has come out since this was printed and I wrote this tutorial. The tutorial still works for both so links to the latest collection are below.
I was so pleased to hear that there would be a reprint of the Peter Rabbit fabrics and then to hear that this beautiful panel was coming out too! We love Peter Rabbit and before we moved my little man's nursery was Peter themed with his very own tree and Peter Rabbit I hand painted on his wall.
This Peter Rabbit quilt is a great first quilting project because there doesn't have to be any patchwork unless you choose to add it.
YOU WILL NEED
Peter Rabbit panel
Coordinating backing fabric
Wadding
Bias binding (I will show you how to make your own)
All your usual sewing supplies
1. Cut the wadding and backing fabric slightly bigger than the Peter Rabbit fabric panel.
2. Layer the reverse fabric, wadding and panel. I prefer to use safety pins, especially when using something that is intended for young children so I know no pins will go astray.
3. You can now add extra stitched detail to the top of the quilt if desired. Stitch in straight lines as per traditional quilting , or add freehand detail around the images. I have done a random free motion pattern around the motifs and a little to add detail around the main Peter Rabbit. You will need a different attachment for your sewing machine, I actually find my darning foot works best.
NOTE: try a test piece first to ensure your tension is right and your stitching looks OK front and back. If your machine is as temperamental as mine when free motion stitching, keep checking the reverse as you go.
4. Trim the raw edges of the quilt. For best results use a quilting ruler and rotary cutter. I folded the quilt in half to ensure it was lined up straight.
5. To make your own binding, use your ruler and rotary cutter to cut 2"lengths, I used the excess I cut off from the quilt back. To attach them, place them right sides together to form a 90 degree angle and sew along the fold line you can see in the picture. Press the seams open.
6. Fold the bias binding in half lengthways, wrong sides together, and press. Fold in 1cm on one side as pictured.
7. Line up the raw edges of the binding with the raw edges of the quilt back. Starting in the middle of any side, and leaving a tail end unsewn, begin stitching approximately 3/8ths from the raw edge. When you get to a corner, stop stitching 5mm from the raw edge, lift the foot, turn the needle at a 45 degree angle to the edge of the quilt and sew off the side. Cut threads.When you reach a corner fold the binding at a 90 degree angle as pictured and then fold over to continue along the new side.
8. When you get near your starting point stop with a good 30cm gap. I learnt this trick recently. If you over lap the ends by the same width as your binding, in this case 2", when you join the ends diagonally it will be the perfect size! Hopefully you can see what I mean from the pictures. Continue your straight stitch along this newly attached piece.
9. Press flat and then flip and press over along the half way line you already made on the binding. Fold the corners as shown to form a neat point. Secure with binding clips for best results or pins if you don't have any.
10. I am too impatient to whip stitch so I always use my machine. It is also why I finish the quilt from the front where traditionally it would be on the back. Use whichever method works best for you. In this case I have sewn the binding down evenly all the way around with my machine.
VARIATIONS
There are loads of ways you can make this quilt your own. Here are a few ideas:
1. Use some of the other Peter Rabbit Fabrics to add a border to the panel.
2. Make a blanket. Instead of using wadding and cotton, use a fleece to back your quilt instead. This is a cheaper alternative if you are on a budget. Make sure the fleece is not too dark though as it may show through and always pre wash it!
3. Cut out the images and create your own patchwork design using them.
Let me know if you give it a go! Don't forget to tag me in your social media pictures. For more free tutorials, New fabric arrivals and special offers make sure you sign up to the mailing list.