QN Articles & Patterns

Christmas Cracker

 Assembly

Step 1

Wash and press fabrics. We recommend starching the fabrics before cutting to reduce stretching along the bias edges. Trace the 1/2 A template onto see-through plastic, including the tic marks for aligning patches. Flip the plastic over and mark the complete template. Repeat to make a template for B. Cut the patches listed in the materials and cutting box, adding the tic marks on each patch.

Step 2

Aligning raw edges and matching tic marks, sew a red A to a white B to make a "cracker" (unit 1). Repeat to make 134 red/white crackers. Likewise, make 8 red/green crackers (unit 2's).

Step 3

Refer to the quilt assembly diagram. Notice that the edges of the quilt top will extend unevenly on all sides; you will square the top in step 5.

On a design wall or a large surface, arrange the appropriate number of crackers in horizontal rows, paying attention to the placement of the green crackers. Matching tic marks, join the crackers to make each row. Add the single red A's and white B's where shown to complete the rows.

Step 4

Join the first row to the second row, being careful to match seams. Continue joining rows until all of them are sewn together. Your quilt top should look irregular as shown above.

Step 5

Sara cut her quilt at a 60-degree angle to the direction of the patchwork. To do this, align the 60-degree line on an acrylic ruler along the row 1/row 2 seam line and mark the angle (Fig. 1). Mark along the adjacent side of the ruler to establish the top left corner of the quilt top.

Using a long ruler, extend the lines in both directions (Fig. 2). Continue checking that the marked line is at a 60-degree angle to the direction of the straight seam lines. When you reach the end on one side, align the ruler in the next corner and mark. Continue in this manner to mark adjacent sides and corners.

Before trimming along the drawn lines, measure the quilt top through the vertical center and along the sides to check that the measurements are the same or very close. Likewise, measure the horizontal center and top and bottom. You may have to adjust the marked lines before cutting. Trim the excess fabric along the marked lines.

Step 6

Layer the backing, batting, and quilt top. Baste. Quilt curved lines about 1" apart parallel to the row seam lines. Bind the quilt to finish.