Let's Do the Twist!

Years ago, we used to do silk ribbon embroidery using our sewing machines. I remember the technique being somewhat tedious, as we wrapped the ribbon around the needle of the machine, then manually turned the flywheel to raise the needle and then lower it again to secure the loop. 

Just this week, I was thinking about that and thought it might be fun to try something like it with strips of fabric. 

First, I tore strips of different pinks for flowers and green for the leaves. These strips are about 1” wide and selvage to selvage in length. 

I rolled one end of the strip into a little knot and positioned it on my background. I already quilted up an 18” panel with batting and backing to be a pillow top. The batting and backing layer helped provide a solid foundation for the flower-making process. 

Now, stitch the center knot down using the darning foot on your machine and dropping your feed dogs. This allows for easy maneuvering as you build your flower.

Now you twist! Take the strip of fabric and twist it loosely over and over. This will create texture for your “petals”. As you twist, wrap the twisted strip around the center knot and stitch into place. 

With each round, I peeled back the previous round so I could tuck the next round right under its edge. 

Here is flower number #1! One selvage-to-selvage torn strip made about a 3.5” flower. I moved on to the next flower and ended up making three large flowers and then three smaller ones out of half strips.

To make the leaves, I took the green strips and followed the same method. But this time, I stitched them into a leaf shape.

I tucked the leaves in and around the flowers to fill out the bouquet. 

Then added my backing with a zipper to close, and just like that, an ever-fresh bouquet was born 🙂

Happy Sunday everyone,

Krista

Follow all my quilty adventures on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. Visit my YouTube channel for free tutorials and tips. If you like my patterns, you can buy them on Etsy and on the website.

Hey everyone, I'm joining Quilt Gallery, again, for a retreat in Flathead Valley, Montana, on October 2, 3, 4 & 5- this year. It's such a beautiful place, and we always have such a great time. Hurry, they still have a few spots left!

You can learn more and register at this link or contact Quilt Gallery at 406-257-5799 for more information.

I hope to see you there!

Krista :)