Crafting Joseph's Colorful Coat Quilt

Joseph's Coat of Many Colors is a quilt pattern inspired by the Bible story of Joseph's coat. The design is made up of two curved pieces, one convex and the other concave, that fit together to form a unit. This quilt is perfect for using up scraps of fabric and creating a colourful, dynamic design. The quilt can be sewn by hand or by machine, with gentle curves that are easy to stitch together. The Joseph's Coat quilt is a challenging but rewarding project for quilters, resulting in a beautiful and unique piece.

Choosing the right fabrics

Joseph's Coat of Many Colors quilt is a vibrant, colourful quilt inspired by the Bible story of Joseph's coat. This quilt is not for the faint-hearted as it involves sewing together curved pieces of fabric, one convex and the other concave. However, the effort is worth it, creating a stunning and unique quilt.

When choosing the right fabrics for this quilt, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the quilt traditionally features a variety of colours and fabrics, as referenced in the Bible story. So, a good starting point is to select a range of colours that complement each other and create a vibrant rainbow effect. You can choose from solids, blenders, or textured fabrics, depending on your preference.

Another important consideration is the type of fabric you will be using. Quilting cotton is a popular choice for this quilt as it is easy to work with and comes in a wide range of colours and prints. You can also mix and match different types of fabric to create a unique look. For example, you could use cotton for the main quilt top and binding and then choose a vibrant print fabric for the backing fabric. This will add a fun and unexpected element to your quilt.

If you want to create a more cohesive look, you can choose fabrics from the same collection or colour family. This will ensure that the colours and patterns complement each other well. Alternatively, you can go for a scrappy look by using up leftover fabric scraps in various colours and prints. This is a great way to use up your stash and create a truly unique quilt.

Finally, consider the scale of the prints you choose. A mix of small, medium, and large-scale prints can add interest and variety to your quilt. You can also play around with directional prints, such as stripes or chevron, to create movement and dimension within the quilt design.

Remember to pre-wash your fabrics before starting the quilt to prevent any shrinkage or colour bleeding later on. Happy quilting!

Cutting and piecing the quilt

Joseph's Coat of Many Colors quilt is a colourful quilt inspired by the Bible story of Joseph's coat. The quilt is made of two curved pieces, one convex and the other concave, sewn together to form a unit. This quilt is perfect for using up scraps of fabric.

For cutting and piecing the quilt, here are some detailed instructions:

Firstly, gather your chosen fabrics and cut them into strips of varying widths. The size and placement of these strips will create the illusion of movement and a three-dimensional effect. If you are using a kit, such as the one from Love Sew, you will receive all the necessary fabrics and instructions for fabric placement. Alternatively, you can use plexiglass templates, as mentioned in a blog post by Sewfrench, to make cutting the curved shapes easier.

Once you have your fabric strips, sew them together. If you are using a sewing machine, the gentle curves of this pattern are easy to sew. You can also sew the pieces together by hand, which some quilters prefer. Remember to use a consistent seam and follow the pattern instructions carefully.

After sewing the strips together, cut them into the desired shapes. In the Inklingo method, you can print cutting and stitching lines directly onto the fabric. This makes it easier to cut and sew the pieces together accurately.

Finally, piece the quilt together by sewing the curved pieces together. You can do this by machine or hand, whichever you prefer. Remember to press the seams as you work, following the pressing technique suggested in the instructions.

By carefully following these steps, you will create a beautiful Joseph's Coat of Many Colors quilt.

Sewing seams by hand or machine

If you choose to sew by hand, you will need to use a needle and thread. Hand sewing can be a relaxing and enjoyable process, allowing you to work at your own pace. It is also portable, so you can sew wherever you are. However, it can be more time-consuming than machine sewing.

Machine sewing, on the other hand, offers the advantage of speed and efficiency. It is particularly useful for larger projects or when you need to sew long seams. To sew seams by machine, you will need to set up your sewing machine and select the appropriate settings for the type of fabric you are using. Practise on a scrap piece of fabric first to ensure that your seams are straight and even.

Whether you choose to sew by hand or machine, it is important to take your time and ensure that your seams are neat and secure. Pressing your seams with an iron can help to create a crisp, professional finish.

For the Joseph's Coat quilt, the curves are gentle and almost like straight seams, so they are easy to sew by machine. However, if you prefer hand piecing, that is also a good option. The choice between hand and machine sewing ultimately depends on your personal preference, skill level, and the equipment you have available.

Pressing for perfect results

Before you begin pressing, it is crucial to understand the direction of seam allowances. Generally, seam allowances are pressed towards the darker fabric to minimise the appearance of any potential shadowing caused by the fabric's thickness. However, in the case of Joseph's Coat, where there are multiple seams converging, you might want to consider pressing the seam allowances open to reduce bulkiness and create a flatter appearance.

When pressing, use a dry iron without steam, and set it to the appropriate temperature for the fabric you are working with. Test on a scrap piece of fabric first to ensure that the heat is not too high, as this could scorch or damage your quilt. Place the iron on the seam and hold it there for a few seconds to allow the fabric to absorb the heat. Then, lift the iron and move it to the next section, overlapping slightly with the previous press. Avoid sliding the iron along the fabric, as this can distort the seams and create unwanted creases.

As you press, pay close attention to the grain of the fabric. The goal is to press along the grain, not across it. Pressing across the grain can stretch and distort the fabric, affecting the overall shape of your quilt. If you're working with striped fabric, use the stripes as a guide to ensure you're pressing in the correct direction.

When pressing seams open, use a pressing cloth or a piece of lightweight fabric, such as cotton muslin, between the iron and your quilt. This will protect the fabric and help prevent any shine or imprint from the iron. Gently press the seams open, being careful not to stretch or distort the fabric.

For best results, press as you sew. Pressing each seam after stitching will help to set the stitches and create a crisp, flat appearance. It also makes it easier to identify any issues, such as tucks or pleats, which can be corrected immediately.

Finally, when pressing the finished quilt top, take extra care around the curved seams to ensure they remain smooth and intact. Press from the centre of the quilt towards the edges, being mindful of the grain of the fabric.

By following these pressing techniques, you will achieve perfect results for your Joseph's Coat of Many Colours quilt, ensuring a professional and polished finish.

Quilting and binding

Quilting Joseph's Coat of Many Colors can be challenging due to the curved pieces, but the results are worth the effort. This quilt is made up of two curved pieces, one convex and the other concave, that fit together to form a unit.

To quilt Joseph's Coat of Many Colors, you can use a variety of methods, including machine piecing, hand piecing, or appliqué. One popular method is the Inklingo Shape Collection, which includes cutting and stitching lines printed on the fabric, making it easier to cut and sew the pieces together accurately. With Inklingo, you can also choose between hand piecing and machine piecing, depending on your preference.

Another important aspect of quilting Joseph's Coat is fabric selection. The quilt traditionally features a scrappy design, using up scraps of fabric in various colors. You can also choose to use a consistent fabric for the quilt top and binding, such as the True Fabrics Sophisticated Solids line, which offers a range of vibrant colors.

When quilting Joseph's Coat, it is essential to pay attention to detail and accuracy. This includes sewing consistent seams, accurately using a rotary cutter and ruler, and carefully following the pattern instructions. Quilting curves can be tricky, but with patience and practice, it is achievable.

Binding is the final step in finishing your Joseph's Coat quilt. You can choose a binding fabric that complements the colors of your quilt top or opt for a neutral option like muslin, which gives a calming, old-fashioned look to your quilt. Binding fabric is typically cut into strips and sewn around the edges of the quilt to enclose the raw edges and give a neat finish.

Frequently asked questions