I began this project by designing my own fabric into a panel that can be used by students and the public alike. I drew it in my iPad Pro

As you can see, I’ve added pattern and detail, and in this form, it is still in the iPad. My idea was to create a sampler of sorts including stitch styles, colour combinations and the method of using the quilting to form a whole cloth quilt. The design was printed on fine cotton by Spoonflower in the USA.

I used 12 weight cotton for the hand stitching.

80 weight cotton for the free motion stitching. I added a ceramic face, turquoise buds and buttons.

The printed panel is placed onto a background of ShweShwe fabric from South Africa. It’s heavy until washed. It appears to have a wax or starch coating so I’m using that to my advantage. The panel is placed on top of the ShweShwe fabric with batting between the top and bottom layer but leaving a self border around the edge.

Shweshwe (/ˈʃwɛʃwɛ/) is a printed dyed cotton fabric widely used for traditional Southern African clothing. Originally dyed indigo, the fabric is manufactured in a variety of colours and printing designs characterised by intricate geometric patterns.

Then comes the quilting which forms the whole cloth. I’ve allowed for several types of quilting, slow stitch, and machine stitch. The two work in harmony, and despite not being traditional, it is indeed a whole cloth quilt.

The edge of the quilt is held down with 6 layers of 12 weight thread and couched down with a large zig-zag stitch. I’ve added a small turquoise bud at each end.

The maker is guided by the drawn lines, whether they use hand stitch or machine stitch, but of course, they can add to the illustration with their own Quilt design.

I am also doing another one, but I thought I would put this one up first in case the next one isn’t finished.