This is an exciting post because I have a brand new design that has just been released. It is an In the Hoop Heart Quilt Block. If you are not familiar with In The Hoop projects, this would be a great design to learn with. The entire process completes in one hooping. That means that you will cut all of your fabric, hoop your stabilizer and follow along with the instructions as your Embroidery machine stops and starts. Each time it stops, you have another step to complete but at the end you will have a precisely pieced block that can be used any way you choose.
This picture above shows the fabric needed for the largest block. The design uses the flip and fold method. This means you will have lines that sew and you will fold the fabric back and press really well on those areas. Once the block finishes sewing, you trim away the extra fabric. So there will be some remnants that you can use for another future project..
You will need a small iron to press your blocks in the hoop as they sew and some washable glue. Are you curious about what you will need glue for?
There are also four different sizes available, A 4x4 (pictured above), 5x5, 6x6 and 8x8. Now don't confuse these with your hoop sizes. Each one of these finished blocks is CUT one inch larger than the stated size. That means that the 4x4 block is actually cut to 5x5 inches. It gives you a generous 1/2 inch seam allowance around the perimeter. You can of course trim that to 1/4 inch and insert into your quilt project.
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Here are the other sizes. Look at the measurements in the pictures. You will of course need a certain size hoop to sew each one. You can use a 5x7 for the 4x4 and 5x5 blocks. The 6x6 block will require a 6x10 hoop. The largest block, 8x8 will need at least a 9x12 or larger hoop depending on your machine. Our store shows the design information. Just look at the pictures and they will tell you all you need to make your choice.
These blocks would be beautiful plain or you can use them as a signature block in your quilt project. See the example in the picture above. I just used my embroidery software and created my message. If you don't have software, you can use the fonts built into your machine.
Here is a view of the block before trimming. See how all of the fabric has been folded back? There is a heart waiting to come out! You just use the seams around the perimeter and cut 1/2 inch away from it to remove the excess.
Here it is after. Visit my store here to see the designs. Remember you will need an Embroidery machine to complete these designs. I hope you have enjoyed this post, share what you learn and are generous with what you create. Someone will appreciate your hard work!
