Dress Up You Door: Quilted Wreath Sash Tutorial

Back again with an update on my previous wreath sash tutorial.  

This front door refresh will have you planning get-togethers so you can show off your new handmade wreath sash! And they are so addictive, you'll soon have one for each season. 

This time, let's add some quilting to your front door wreath sash. I've found that the quilted versions stand up well to the humidity in our area and don't require a refresh as often as non-quilted wreath sashes. The quilting adds a bit of texture to keep your knot crisp.

There's something lovely about making something for your home with your own hands. An idea becomes a charming part of your home decor, reflecting your unique style. I just love having something one-of-a-king, and sewing gives me that opportunity. 

I had this festive wreath sash in patriotic red, white and blues on my door for Memorial Day that stayed up through the end of July and it looked great all summer. It takes a little time to create the patchwork, but it's so dang charming, you won't want to take it down! 

You can make a patchwork version for yourself. I have Instagram posts on how to create the patchwork. If you've never tried a technique where you create a webbing of patchwork, it's fabulous, and I highly recommend it. 

What You Need: 

To make this wreath sash, you'll need:

• a completed patchwork piece about 5" wide by 50" inches long  (99- 2 inch squares in rows of 3 will essentially get you there) or a cut of fabric of the same dimensions for the front 
• a piece of thin batting 5" x 50"
• a backing fabric  5" x 50"
  • TIP: You can add strip of coordinating fabric to a standard 42-44" inch width fabric to get the desired backing length. 
    
• You'll also need a few pins and I recommend a walking foot for the quilting. 
• Acrylic ruler
• Rotary cutter and cutting mat or scissors
• Pins 

Quilt Wreath Sash in 10 Easy Steps: 

1) Make a wreath sash "sandwich". Layer your fabrics right sides together:

1. backing on the bottom, right side up
2. front sash fabric on top of the backing fabric, right side down
3. batting on top

2) Trim the ends on a 45 degree angle using a quilting ruler. Place the 45 degree angle marking on your ruler along the straight edge of your wreath sash sandwich and trim with a rotary cutter on a self healing mat or mark and trim with scissors.

You could also shape the ends like a tie in a V like I did for a recent Western theme wreath sash.

3) Pin the 3 layers in place with some straight pins. 

4) Sew around the perimeter of the sash, using 1/4" seam allowance, back stitching at the start and stop. Be sure to leave a 4-5 inch long opening to turn your sash right side out. 

5) Trim the points down to reduce the bulk. 

6) Turn the sash right side out through your opening, and gently push out the points of the sash. I use the curved end of a bobby pin to push out the point. Fancy, right? 

7) Press well and fold in the edges of the opening, even with the wreath sash. 

8) Top stitch the opening in the perimeter. 

9) Now, to finish the wreath sash add a bit of quilting. When you wash it, you'll get a lovely little vintage crinkle. You can hand quilt or machine quilt it. I opted for my walking foot, using my patchwork as a guide for gentle curve, but a little straight quilting on the diagonal would be great too! Try some free motion circles or flowers. 

10) Rush to your door to tie it on! I love the way it looks so professional when you push the knot to the back of the wreath. Try it. 

If you enjoyed this tutorial, would you let me and a friend of yours know? 

 

Whatever you make, make it splendid. Until next time, 

Jen