The Secret Garden Trapunto Quilt

Hello, dear readers! It’s Julie here, and today I want to share a story that’s close to my heart.

A few years ago, I was contacted by a dear friend who was about to move into her first home.

She was looking for a unique and heartfelt way to make her new house feel like a home, and she asked me if I could help her create a quilt that would symbolize the love and warmth she wanted to fill her home with.

This request reminded me of the Secret Garden Trapunto quilt pattern, a beautiful design that I had come across in the past. The pattern, filled with flowers, ladybugs, butterflies, snails, songbirds, and many other details, was perfect for the occasion.

Although I didn’t create the quilt myself, I guided my friend through the process, and the result was a stunning piece of art that she cherishes to this day.

Today, I want to share this beautiful pattern with you. Whether you’re a seasoned quilter or a beginner, this step-by-step guide will help you create your own Secret Garden Trapunto quilt.

Description of the Secret Garden Trapunto Quilt

The Secret Garden Trapunto quilt is a beautiful project that you can undertake to bring a touch of nature and warmth into your home.

The pattern is versatile and can be adapted for various occasions and purposes. The quilt features a garden theme, complete with flowers, ladybugs, butterflies, snails, and songbirds, that is both intricate and charming.

Materials Needed

Before we start, here’s a list of materials you’ll need:

• Applique fusible web (20 sheets)
• Cotton blend batting (at least 64″ x 88″)
• Polyester high loft batting (approximately half of the batting size)
• Quilting thread, #50, white, coordinate colors and contrast colors of your choice
• Quilt patterns (14 pages), including the piecing layout, fabric cutting layout, and appliques pattern
• Complete applique templates (11 pages)
• Sewing Machine that is able to do free motion quilting
• Darning foot, walking foot, 1/4″ foot
• Quilter Safety pins and/or basting thread
• Fabric chalk or pencil and ruler
• Cutting Mat
• Rotary cutter
• Scissors
• Iron
• Printer and papers (letter size, qty = 20)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Choose Your Pattern Size

The Secret Garden Trapunto quilt pattern comes in one size: Approximately 62″ x 86″ (to suit Super Single Bed). If you want to quilt for a single bed, the quilt size is 56″ x 86″. The center part includes the inner boxed border is 36″ wide. Adjust the appliques and the rest of the components accordingly, either by resizing them or omitting some of them.

Step 2: Gather Your Materials

Once you’ve chosen your pattern size, gather your materials. Make sure you have enough fabric for your chosen size.

Step 3: Cut and Prepare Your Fabric

Cut white fabric pieces according to the quilt pattern downloaded from the above link. Snip a small cut at the edge of the fabric, and tearing along the way is always better than cutting by using a scissor or rotary cutter. It will give you absolutely straight grain lines by tearing the fabric.

Step 4: Apply the Appliques

Print out all the appliques as listed above, and follow the quilt patterns and tutorials to stick them on the white fabrics that you have cut. Plan your colors and fabrics carefully for the applique.

Step 5: Quilt the Applique Patchworks

Cut the high loft batting slightly bigger than the applique, pin it, or use washable glue to temporarily stick it on the wrong side of the white fabric where the applique was fused on. Quilt the applique patchworks with the trapunto method.

Step 6: Assemble the Quilt

After you have done with all the appliques, trim the raw edge to have a 1/4″ seam allowance, except those at the utmost edges of the quilt. Full assembly of the front quilt after sewing all the pieces together.

Step 7: Free Motion Quilting

This quilt is huge, so you need to do it section by section by rolling the quilt up to cater to the arm space of the sewing machine. Quilt an outline just outside the appliques with white #50 quilting thread. Continue to quilt the rest of the white areas with loopy lines except the utmost white border.

Step 8: Bind the Quilt

Trim the borders of the quilt to 62″ (W) x 86″ (L) or 2 inches on the white borders and the squares of the patchwork. Prepare 2 1/2″ binder strips by joining 8 jelly-roll strips to make up approximately 9 yards long. Fold the strip into half (1 1/4″) and iron.

Full Pattern: Click Here

Quilting is more than just a hobby; it’s a way to express love, creativity, and dedication. The Secret Garden Trapunto quilt is a perfect example of this. Whether you’re making it for yourself or as a gift for someone special, this quilt is a beautiful symbol of love.

Creating a quilt is a journey, one that is filled with patience, creativity, and a lot of love. Each stitch, each piece of fabric, and each design choice tells a story. It’s a story of dedication, of patience, and of the love that goes into creating something truly unique and beautiful.

The Secret Garden Trapunto quilt, with its intricate designs and beautiful motifs, is a testament to the beauty that can be created with a bit of fabric and a lot of love. It’s a project that requires time and dedication, but the end result is more than worth it. It’s not just a quilt; it’s a piece of art, a keepsake that can be cherished for years to come.

As you embark on this quilting journey, remember to take your time and enjoy the process. Each step, from choosing your fabrics to making that final stitch, is an important part of the journey. Don’t rush through it; instead, savor each moment, each decision, and each stitch.

And remember, it’s not just about the end product. The process of creating your quilt is just as important. It’s about learning, growing, and creating something truly unique. It’s about putting a piece of yourself into your work and creating something that is truly yours.

So, as you embark on this quilting journey, remember to have fun, be creative, and most importantly, enjoy the process. I can’t wait to see your beautiful creations. Happy quilting!