Do-it-yourself carpet patchwork, technique and work steps

The art of patchwork has been known for quite some time. It was also used by our great-grandmothers, making patchwork quilts, tablecloths, rugs and other products that had a practical purpose and decorated the home. For a long time forgotten, today the patchwork technique is experiencing a rebirth and is gaining more and more popularity. From fabric scraps you can create interesting home decoration.

Interest in hand-made products is now unusually high.

What are patchwork

Although many claim that the patchwork was born only in the 18th century in England, the history of Russia proves that patchwork was used here even in an earlier period. The homespun clothing worn by the inhabitants of the country since ancient times was expensive, so it was passed on to younger children from the older ones, and newborns were swaddled with the cloth of the mother’s dress.

Handmade rugs have every chance to become a real work of art and a highlight of the house.

A thing made using the patchwork technique is a complex fabric structure, usually made of chintz or linen, before embroidering, fabrics should be washed and ironed to avoid shrinkage. It will be useful to take into account some nuances that will help to learn the secrets of mastery.

They can decorate the interior of a city apartment and give it a touch of rustic comfort.

What tools will be needed

Nothing unusual is required to work with pieces of fabric. It is enough to cook:

needles of different sizes, pins, multi-colored threads,
tailor's chalk or bar of soap for marking,
pins and thimble,
rulers and colored pencils,
cushioning materials,
patterns and patterns.

Even in the days of Ancient Egypt, people began to create from shreds.

How to create a pattern

Creating an ornament is impossible without preparing a template and constructing a pattern. You can proceed when the selected pattern is clearly presented. Pieces of tissue close in size and shape are prepared for him.

To create a template, you need paper, every detail is applied to it with an indication of the size and allowance for seam allowances. In order not to be confused, they can be numbered.

Today, this art is known as patchwork, or patchwork.

Attention! It is necessary to make two variants of the same template: one - taking into account the allowances, the other - without them.

According to the prepared patterns, the pattern is laid out and swept away. First, it is sewn together along a large, and then along a smaller, inner contour. A zigzag stitch is convenient for this.

Then both contours are cut out and superimposed on the inside: first the smaller, and then the larger.

Our grandmothers were also engaged in this type of needlework.

To extend the “life” of the product and give it aesthetics, a lining material is used between the top and bottom layer.

Patchwork is used in the manufacture of pillows, blankets, tablecloths, bedding, napkins, rugs, as well as designer wall panels.

Creating all kinds of carpets is one of the most popular applications of this craft.

Classical

It is considered the most common and affordable at the initial stage of training. The study of schemes performed for beginners will also help.

Convenient in that the work uses elements in the form of geometric shapes.

The easiest way to start is with the manufacture of gloves, but you can do more complex things, for example, do-it-yourself rug in the patchwork style.

Squared Squared

Most believe that this type of patchwork, like the classic, is suitable for beginners.

Using this method, you can sew a small rug of multi-colored stripes using the patchwork technique.

To do this, you need:

take fabrics of two colors, cut into strips, sew and iron,
from a material of a different color, cut out a part whose size corresponds to the width of a two-color strip,
both elements are sewn together in the form of a sleeve, facing each other,
The "sleeve" is cut into squares from which you can assemble any composition.

Russian square

Here a square part is placed in the center, triangles are sewn to it with the front side inward. It is worth noting that before the Russian square was assembled only by hand, and the parts were attached “overlapping”, which added volume to the product.

For work, it is better to take chintz and cotton, although linen, silk, wool are also suitable.

American square

In the diagram of this option, the main figure is placed in the center, around which rectangles of different lengths, but of the same width, are placed. The technique allows you to sew rugs, curtains, pillows and pillowcases on them on a sewing machine or manually.

This type of patchwork gives the product strength, can be decorated with ribbons, braid.

Dresden plate

A very interesting pattern, more like an opened chamomile flower. It is noteworthy that the shape of the petals can be different: with round, pointed, triangular edges. The pillow made of shreds made in this technique looks spectacular with the help of a pattern.

The only patchwork rule is no rules.

A circle of the selected diameter is drawn on a sheet of paper or cardboard.
In its center, another smaller circle is drawn, which will be the center of the flower.
Petals will be attached to it. Their width directly depends on the number of elements. Usually a circle is divided into 16 equal parts, on the tops of which an octagon is drawn.
A template is also drawn for the petals. Petals are cut along it with allowance for seams.
Each is folded along the lobar and stitched along the upper edge, after which it needs to be turned out and ironed with a iron, and then sewed to the center, connecting all the parts with each other.

Color combinations, texture, geometry - it all depends on the design vision and purpose of the project.

Chrysanthemum petals

This mosaic is only possible for those who already have a good patchwork skill. For manufacturing, you will need square pieces of fabric that fold into several layers. A flower can have 12 or 16 petals with pointed edges. For him, it is better to take thin chintz, silk or viscose.

Some craftswomen believe that wide silk ribbons look very impressive.

Mill

For ornament Mill needs a fabric of contrasting colors. It consists of eight triangular elements - four in each color. Initially, two triangles are sewn together, alternating color. All parts connected together form a strip. The result should be two such blanks that are stitched from the center.

The pattern connects square and triangular parts of different sizes.

Crazy

The name itself implies that no rules and canons are respected here. Therefore, parts can be of various shapes.

So sometimes genuine works of avant-garde art are born.

Patchwork patchwork pillows - crazy, decorated with beads, sequins, beads, lace, ribbons, attract attention. Originally they look with large buttons of an unusual shape, a variety of metallized fittings.

Crazy is used for sewing bedspreads, plaids, items of clothing and accessories, making decorative panels.

To create compositions, you do not need to prepare a special template: the peculiarity is in the freedom of creativity.

Here, not only a variety of forms is relevant, but also materials and color schemes.

Do-it-yourself pillow pillow: master class

Among the most popular products made in various types of patchwork techniques, pillows have remained for many years: large and small, made in various types of equipment, but always beautiful and attracting attention.

In order to determine the palette and other attributes, it is very important to imagine in advance where our brainchild “settles”.

Many novice craftsmen believe that it is difficult to make a patchwork pillow, but if you master even small skills, with some effort and patience, it turns out that it can be made quite simply.

Necessary materials

To work, you will need:

fabric for warp and for ornament,
measuring and writing instruments
scissors,
sewing machine (if it is not, all work can be done manually).

For a classic living room, perhaps, a “mosaic” of plain patches of different shades is best suited.

For sewing you will need a cloth cut into squares of the selected size. At the same time, there should be an equal amount of the primary and secondary colors. Typically, 64 pieces are cut, after which they are folded with the front sides inward and stitched on a typewriter.

For the pillow you will need four blocks, each of which will have 16 squares.

When they are ready, they are joined by stitching.

If the product is one-sided, then the back is made smooth, from a single piece of canvas.

For a double-sided product, you will need another 64 elements that are connected as on the front side.

In a modern interior, this will look amazing, especially if it is youth or kitsch.

You can start with a square or rectangular pillow, assembled from colorful stripes.

You can fill the pillow with holofiber, foam rubber or other filler, as you wish.

How to make do-it-yourself patchwork rugs

The mat has not only a purely practical purpose, but can also be used as an element of the interior. It makes the room cozier and more elegant. In addition, each such product is unique.

It will take a little material cost to execute it, and even old things are suitable for sewing it, from which the necessary elements can be cut.

Patchwork rugs: choice of materials

If the mat will be laid on the floor, you will need a selection of fabrics characterized by increased strength, this may be:

burlap type material,
linen fabric
raincoat fabric

Remember: there should not be too many such works in the room.

If you plan to lay it in the hallway. In addition, it should not stretch, but it is good to wear.

If the rug of the flaps will be laid in the bedroom or in the nursery, on the contrary, it should be soft.

Patchwork rug manufacturing technology

The process of making a carpet of flaps is as follows:

elements of the selected shape and size are prepared
placed by template
prepared parts are connected first by sweeping,
if no adjustments are required, or after they are carried out, the parts are sewn together on a typewriter.
the reverse side of the base is drawn.

Carefully executed and correctly applied, patchwork carpets will be your pride.

Important! After completing all work, the finished rug of the flaps needs to be washed.

Patchwork is an interesting technique for manufacturing various products. Having mastered it, the homemaker will make her home smart and more comfortable. In addition, this is an original gift.

Where to use patchwork needlework?

Before creating tracks in this style with your own hands, it is recommended to determine the functional purpose of such a product. A careless attitude to this issue can lead to the futility of the rug. But to create it you need to put so much effort and energy. I do not want everything to be in vain.

Patchwork Tissue patch

Practice shows that such hand-made products are capable of performing the following functions:

warm and warming plaid,

Plaid

bedspread for a sofa or bed,

Blanket for bed

children's plaid

Plaid for a small child

in the form of wall decor, for example, a panel,

Wall decoration with patchwork

and the last, but not uncommon application, as a floor covering with an interesting design.

Flooring

Based on what is taken as a basis, we can proceed to the selection of the necessary consumables, in our case, fabrics. So, for a rug in the form of a square or circle for laying on the floor, it is worth using dense fabrics. Only they can withstand mechanical stress and will not lend themselves to abrasion during the operation of the flooring. At the same time, you should not worry if such a product is prickly in the first place. Over time, it will become as it should, pleasant and comfortable.

Important! And if you create a plaid for the baby or a cover for the sofa, then you should choose only soft and delicate fabric. To make the product in the style of patchwork turned out comfortable and pleasant to the touch.

It’s easy to create a fabric carpet in the patchwork style with your own hands. But, as in any business, there are nuances and requirements, compliance with which is mandatory if you want to make a masterpiece.

Soft plaid for baby Bedspread for a bedroom Patchwork style pillow decoration

How to choose the right material for needlework?

Before starting to study the technology of creating a patchwork rug, it is recommended to correctly select the necessary consumables.

Patchwork Fabric

The fabrics that are recommended to be used to create a square or circle rug for the home are as follows:

density knitwear

Square knit rug

Bologna tissue

Bologna cover from shreds

burlap fabrics.

Burlap

Important requirements that apply to consumables are: density and lack of stretchability. Experienced needlewomen advise taking only checked fabric, which does not fade.

There is such a fabric that lends itself to molting exclusively in the first wash. And if you have such an opportunity, stretch the consumable until you get rid of paint residues. This will increase the chances that the finished patchwork rug does not shed.

Another thing if you decide to knit individual elements of the carpet. But in this case, there are warnings. Do not choose woolen threads. Although this is a spectacular product, it’s not the best option from the side of care and maintenance of such a patchwork work of art.

Antique Knit Rug Carpet

Important! Wool requires special care. If you choose the wrong washing mode, the product may sit down. This material is quickly erased. In general, it is better to take threads with a synthetic base.

Patchwork Technique

Regardless of the needlework method you choose - sewing or knitting, it is recommended to prepare the basis for the carpet in the form of a square or circle. Practice shows that the decorative patchwork itself is subtle. And to make the coating practical, it is worth reinforcing with a dense fabric base. It is hemmed from the back of the rug or plaid.

The basis for the rug

Steps for creating a patchwork carpet

To get started, prepare basic consumables. These are elements in the form of a square, circle or rectangle.
Then proceed to combining the blanks with each other.
And at the final stage, the foundation for the carpet is created, which is hemmed from the back.

Ready-made patchwork

Like any hand-made work, a carpet is necessarily formed with the help of a sole. Manipulations are done manually. And if you like what you have created, you can start sewing blanks on a sewing machine. Before you start using the carpet, it is worth stretching.

Distinctive features of patchwork needlework for children

A baby bedspread or a developing rug is a pleasant job for mom, which she tries to make pleasant for the child.

The developing mat for the child in the form of a square Patchwork baby blanket

In order for a child to like your work, the following requirements must be observed:

for children, especially up to three years, it is important to create a product in a bright and colorful style. The kid should be interested in the product. And only then will he take refuge with him if it is a plaid, or walk on it if it is a rug.

Bright rug for baby

be soft and pleasant to the touch. If the plaid is pricked, the child will not take cover. You can’t prove to him that the woolen product is warm. It is important to find a “middle ground” for the supplies to be practical and enjoyable.
It is desirable that the mat is easy to wash. Because children get the stuff they deal with.
it should be a dense and high-quality product. Therefore, the fabric or knitting thread used must be of a quality.

Now you know the characteristics of patchwork, which you can do yourself. Turn on the imagination and put love into the work, then the rug and plaid will be the best.

DIY patchwork rug: where to take root

When creating rugs in the patchwork style, you first need to decide what purpose it will be used for. Carelessness in this matter can lead to the fact that a product made with love and diligence will be completely unclaimed. In the best case, it will be redone, but in the worst it will be put on the back burner. Ultimately, this will still not be the result that the needlewoman expected when starting work.

As a rule, rugs can perfectly play the role of:

Warming plaid
Covers for a sofa or bed,
A cozy blanket for children,
Wall decorations (in rare cases - panels),
Litter for legs.

Depending on what purpose is taken as a basis, materials for needlework are also selected. For example, the bedding should be made of a coarser and more durable material that can withstand significant mechanical stress. It doesn’t matter, even if it is distinguished by causticity, over time all the roughness will surely be erased!

In turn, a rug - a plaid, on the contrary, should be soft and tender, so that on the contrary it would be desirable to press it to itself. Similar requirements apply to bedspreads, as well as wall decorations.

It’s not at all difficult to make a patchwork rug! However, certain requirements for performing this procedure exist. Following them, the product will surely turn out flawless!

Features of the "baby" rug

Patchwork rugs for children are especially enjoyed by craftswomen, especially in families with small children.

In order to truly love a product made by yourself with love, it must meet a number of requirements:

Have a bright design,
Have a nice soft structure
Easy to wash
Differ in high durability.

Cozy patchwork rugs (video)

The optimal size of the rug is 60x90 cm. It is neither more nor less. A patchwork rug is a real art that anyone can come close to. It is enough to determine the general concept, select the necessary materials and boldly get down to business. Everything will definitely work out! Especially if you perform all the steps very carefully.

What it is?

The patchwork technique is a simple and economical way to make carpets and bedspreads. This is a combination of patches of various fabric, skin or animal skins in a single fabric by stitching.

The resulting patterns can be very diverse: from simple squares stitched in a checkerboard pattern, to fantasy compositions in the style of “crazy”. The style provides great freedom of choice in the formation of the picture: you can use shreds of different materials, sizes and shapes, creating real paintings, apply decorative stitching.

There are several basic patterns used in the formation of carpets in this technique.

In addition to the classic square, which is a chessboard, another russian square:

On the square, which is located in the center, the rest are sewn, with each next smaller than the previous one.
For the corners of the square, shreds of a different color, contrast or tone-on-tone are used. They are all the same size.

The American square looks a little different:

Flaps of various lengths are sewn around the central square, forming a frame.
Too wide strips will not look aesthetically pleasing. The patterns on them can be completely different, but the width should always be the same.

The carpet of triangles will look interesting:

It is necessary to prepare 32 triangles of the required size, which are then sewn in pairs into squares, those into ribbons, and the ribbons into the finished product.
It is preferable to use 2-3 different colors.

Often used is the drawing "mill". It combines squares and triangles from different materials on one product, forming a characteristic pattern.

It is important to mention that carpets in this technique are divided according to the type of manufacturing technology: manual or machine labor. Of course, the works created in the first way are valued more expensive, because each product has its own unique character. However, they do not have to be expensive, because they are produced in poor countries such as India and Pakistan.

In addition to stitched, such products can be nodular: the fabric is formed by a multitude of nodules of fabric, interconnected. This method is most often made small rugs and mats.

Machine products look more uniform and are shreds connected by a simple line. They may also be appropriate in a number of interiors.

Composition

The advantage of patchwork carpets is that they provide a wide selection of materials. The impression that they are sewn only from pieces of unnecessary simple rags like viscose or chintz is absolutely wrong.

In particular, this technique is widespread in the East, and not everyone can afford to order a handmade carpet made of natural silk. There are also woolen models that are in no way inferior to silk models in aesthetic terms and are especially relevant in the cold Russian climate.

You can find options made from pieces of genuine leather or fur. Most often, they cannot boast of a complex pattern, but they have a beautiful luxurious texture. Such options are not cheap, however, they fully justify their presence in the interior of the house.

There are models that combine elements of old carpet paths. Usually they are made independently or on order. This option can also look cozy and unusual.

Knitted carpets, combining several weaving techniques, can perfectly fit into the design of the living room or bedroom. Here you can afford more sophisticated patterns and techniques, so this accessory will become indispensable in creating a truly unique spirit of the house.

Style

Patchwork sewing carpets can look very different, so they allow you to use yourself in different interiors:

Silk oriental carpets will look great in ethnic interiors.
They will also help to create eclecticism, therefore they are applicable as a design element of mixed interiors.
Patchwork, in addition, perfectly diversifies the cold and restrained Scandinavian style.
Such carpets can look very modern if neutral colors and textures are used in their execution. They perfectly complement the living room in a modern style or study.

Where to use?

Patchwork carpets can be located in almost any room, depending on the material. Do not lay them in rooms where they can easily be contaminated, for example, in the kitchen or hallway. After several washings, they risk losing their original appearance.

The breadth of use of such products is increased by the fact that they can be placed not only on the floor. A large patchwork patchwork made of fabric, leather or fur will look good on the floor, but it can also be placed in suspension on the wall. This is especially true of silk carpets or other textile options with complex beautiful patterns. If you place such a product on the wall, it will be perceived not only as a carpet, but as a decorative panel.

In addition, small rugs made of fabric can be used as decorative overlays for chair seats. You can throw them on the back of a sofa or chair.

Examples in the interior

Below are some beautiful patchwork rugs used in room design. They will help determine the choice when buying a product.

The carpet, created from scraps of old jeans, not only looks great in a modern studio and gives it a mischievous and youthful look. This is also a good way to reuse old things. They can always be turned into something stylish and unusual, thanks to the existence of such a technique.

To decorate the wall of the apartment in a rustic style, a cute and homely rug is used, sewn from shreds of ordinary chintz. It pleasantly diversifies a boring white wall and will look especially successful in combination with other interior items.

The white living room is complemented by a patchwork carpet. The combination of different types of carpet in one product makes the room look more modern, since the carpeting of a living area with a single-color material is regarded by many designers as a boring and outdated solution. The color scheme of the carpet is combined with the panel on the wall, making the composition more complete.

The product in the patchwork style, mounted on the wall with a cornice, looks stylish and unusual. The rug adds ethnic notes to the room and continues the eco-trend of the used design.

In the “crazy” technique, bright pieces of short-haired faux fur are fixed together. This is an excellent solution for fashionable and energetic people who are always full of creative ideas and motivation to create something special.

See how to sew a rug using the patchwork technique in the next video.

Varieties

The patchwork provides needlewomen an incredible scope for creativity. Imagination is where to roam! The technique of squares is excellent for carpet design, which can, in turn, be sewn from several multi-colored stripes. A similar rug, executed in a classical (so-called "English") manner, consists of cotton pieces of the same size and shape, several restrained colors. But no one forbids experimenting, introducing bright colors and prints. Beginners should pay attention to the simple and pretty ornament “checkerboard”, in which the quadrangles of contrasting colors are sewn together in a checkerboard pattern.

Instead of squares, you can use stripes, triangles, honeycombs, and other shapes. There is crazy patchwork for the most creative. His only rule is no rules. Color combinations, texture, geometry - it all depends on the design vision and purpose of the project. So sometimes genuine works of avant-garde art are born.

Applications with stylized animals, geometric or floral patterns - as your skills develop, you will have more and more means available for self-expression through this type of hand-made creativity.

The so-called watercolor style looks very beautiful and modern. Its trick is that the details are selected in very close shades, due to which smooth, “watery” color transitions or a gradient are formed.

It is worth mentioning separately knitted options - the parts are knitted or crocheted from colored yarn, and then knitted together. Such things look incredibly comfortable!

Perhaps the most advantageous is as a plaid, but you can also make such a carpet.

How to create your own masterpiece?

To fill the house with heat, it is not necessary to be a good seamstress. Now many craftswomen sell their colorful creations over the Internet. And even large manufacturers do not consider it shameful to turn to this direction, whether it is machine patchwork or just imitation.

But, of course, no purchased item can be compared with the one created by oneself. So, you have decided that your apartment will be decorated with a hand-made masterpiece. All you need is good sharp scissors, cardboard, chalk for marking flaps, pins, a needle with a basting thread and a sewing machine. And, of course, the fabric itself.

You need to start with the basics. It is necessary to choose a sufficiently dense and durable matter. It will serve as a lining for the application, therefore, its shape and size determines the corresponding parameters of the finished product.

This layer can be dispensed with when it comes to wall panels, but the carpet makes its own demands: it has been lying on the floor for years, kids walk around it, crawl, put and move furniture. Therefore, wear resistance is an important quality for him, and therefore, without a foundation, nowhere. This role will be remarkably fulfilled by an old unnecessary towel, tablecloth or sheet.

It is desirable that the details be similar in texture and density. Having decided on the materials, we will prepare them. It is advisable to pre-soak them in hot water, rinse with cold and starch. To do this, a tablespoon of starch should be diluted in a glass of cold water, pour into 2 liters of hot water and mix well. When the solution cools down a bit, rinse the fabric in it, iron it still wet and dry it.

From the prepared matter we cut out the figures - we will further combine them into a whole product. If they are the same - everything is simple: we prepare a template and use it for all our “puzzles”. Well, over fancy flaps will have to be hurt. The main thing is to leave allowances for seams of 1 cm on each side.

Experienced craftsmen recommend using templates with small through holes in the corners of the future figure without allowances.

You can cut the part along the outlined external contour, and complete the figure by the corner points set through the holes.

Cut blanks must be folded with the front sides and sewn on a sewing machine along the allowance line (it is advisable to pre-chop the parts with pins or notice so that they overlap perfectly and do not move anywhere). You can form a strip of squares, adding one at a time, you can stitch them in pairs, and then connect them together. Ready seams are recommended to iron. Behind the first longitudinal strip we make the second, and so on. And then, as you might guess, we grind the resulting long “ribbons” into our canvas and knock out a lining. Do not forget about the edging, it will give your creation a more accurate and finished look.

There should be no seams, threads on the front side. However, often the seams are specially laid noticeable, and even deliberately made contrast or use unusual types of stitches (for example, zigzag). Such trifles give the work even more “man-madeness” and playfulness.

See how to sew a volume rug in the next video.

Recommendations for use in the interior

In order to determine the palette and other attributes, it is very important to imagine in advance where our brainchild “settles”. Carpets sewn from shreds with some kind of pattern look curious, but not the fact that they will be appropriate in the office. But the children really like to consider such creations, so a fun colorful rug with interesting pictures and patterns is a great option for a child.

And for a classic living room, perhaps, a “mosaic” of plain squares of different shades of one or two muted colors (for example, a combination of pale green, dark green and grayish) is better suited.Such a home decor item made of viscose with its soft silky sheen will give a special chic to the room.

In a modern interior, this will look amazingespecially if it’s youth or kitsch. You can use the “remains” of your once beloved jeans, and even soft toys - all that your imagination tells you.

But the most organically patchwork carpets will fit into the interior in the style of country, Provence, ethnic, oriental.

The main thing to remember: there should not be too many such works in the room. When the room is replete with shreds so much, it makes a painful impression. Do not allow busting and bad taste, everything is good in moderation.

Carefully executed and correctly applied, patchwork carpets will be your pride, daily pleasing the eye with bright, or, conversely, pastel colors. A little effort - and any idea will come true!