Crazy Cat 2 Paper Piece Quilt – Tutorial

Materials Needed for Your Crazy Cat Quilt

Before diving into the project, it’s essential to gather all the necessary materials for your Crazy Cat 2 Paper Piece Quilt. Here’s a comprehensive list to ensure you have everything you need.

1. Fabric: For this quilt, you’ll need a selection of colorful cotton fabrics. The main cat fabric should be a medium to dark color, with several coordinating fabrics for the background and details. You’ll require about 1 yard for the main cat fabric and 1 yard each for the background and accent fabrics.
2. Paper Piecing Foundation: You can use traditional foundation paper or specialized paper designed for paper piecing. Make sure you have enough sheets to print your Crazy Cat pattern. A standard letter size (8.5” x 11”) should suffice.
3. Other Supplies: Don’t forget about rotary cutters, a cutting mat, a ruler, quilting thread, pins, and an iron. Having these tools ready will streamline your quilting process and enhance the quality of your finished project.

Gathering your materials ahead of time will prevent interruptions during the quilting process and help you stay organized throughout the project.

Cutting Your Fabric

Once you have your materials, the next step is to cut your fabric pieces according to the Crazy Cat quilt pattern. Accurate cutting is vital for successful paper piecing.

1. Cutting the Main Fabric: Start by cutting the main cat fabric into pieces that match the sections of the pattern. For instance, if your pattern has a section measuring 4.5” x 4.5”, cut a piece of fabric slightly larger, around 5” x 5”. You will need several pieces, depending on how many cats you are making.
2. Cutting Background and Accent Fabrics: Next, cut your background fabric into squares measuring 5” x 5”. These pieces will serve as the backdrop for your cat designs. Additionally, cut your accent fabrics into strips measuring 1.5” wide to create the fun details for your cats, like collars or hats.
3. Organizing Your Pieces: Keep your cut pieces organized in labeled bags or containers. This will help you easily identify which pieces belong to which section of the quilt and make the assembly process smoother.

Taking the time to accurately cut and organize your fabric will pay off in the long run, ensuring that your quilt pieces fit together perfectly.

Understanding the Paper Piecing Technique

Paper piecing is a unique quilting technique that allows for precise shapes and patterns. If you’re new to this method, understanding the fundamentals will be beneficial.

1. What is Paper Piecing?: Paper piecing involves sewing fabric pieces onto a printed paper template. Each section of the template corresponds to a specific piece of fabric. This technique ensures that even intricate designs can be sewn accurately, resulting in clean lines and perfect points.
2. Printing Your Pattern: Begin by printing your Crazy Cat paper piecing pattern. Ensure that the print size is set to 100% to maintain the correct dimensions. You may want to print a few extra copies for practice or mistakes.
3. Preparing Your Template: Carefully cut out the paper templates along the outer edges. If desired, you can use a lightweight, tear-away stabilizer for added durability, making it easier to sew the fabric pieces together.

Understanding the paper piecing method will empower you to tackle this project with confidence, leading to beautiful results.

Assembling the Cat Blocks

With your fabric pieces cut and your paper templates ready, it’s time to assemble the cat blocks. Follow these steps for successful assembly.

1. Aligning the Fabric: Place the first fabric piece right side up against the printed paper template, aligning it with the first section of the template. Pin it in place to keep it secure while sewing.
2. Sewing the First Piece: Using a sewing machine, sew along the solid line of the template, using a quarter-inch seam allowance. Make sure to backstitch at the beginning and end to secure your seam.
3. Pressing and Trimming: After sewing, carefully flip the fabric piece over and press it with an iron. Trim any excess fabric outside the seam allowance, ensuring clean edges. Repeat this process for each section of the cat block until all pieces are assembled.

Assembling the blocks can be a fun and creative process. Don’t hesitate to mix and match different fabrics to bring your unique vision to life.

Completing the Cat Faces

Now that you have assembled your cat blocks, it’s time to finish off the faces. This step adds character and charm to your Crazy Cat quilt.

1. Adding Features: Use small fabric pieces for features like eyes, noses, and mouths. Cut these pieces from your accent fabric and follow the same paper piecing method to attach them to the blocks.
2. Sewing the Blocks Together: Once the features are added, sew the individual cat blocks together in the desired layout. Pay attention to alignment to ensure the overall pattern flows nicely.
3. Pressing the Seams: As you join the blocks, be sure to press the seams open or to one side, depending on your preference. This will help prevent bulk and keep the quilt top looking flat and neat.

Completing the cat faces is where your creativity shines. Each cat can have its unique personality, making your quilt a true work of art.

Creating the Quilt Top

With all your cat blocks completed, the next step is to create the quilt top. This is where your design comes together as a cohesive piece.

1. Laying Out the Blocks: Before sewing everything together, lay out your completed cat blocks on a flat surface. Experiment with different arrangements until you find a layout that you love. This step allows you to visualize the final product.
2. Sewing the Rows: Begin sewing the blocks together in rows. Use a quarter-inch seam allowance and pin the blocks in place to keep everything aligned. Take your time to ensure accurate seams.
3. Joining the Rows: After you have sewn all the rows, join them together to complete the quilt top. Again, be mindful of seam alignment and press each row as you go for a smooth finish.

Creating the quilt top is a rewarding moment in your project. Seeing all your hard work come together will inspire you as you move to the next steps.

 OTHER QUILT PATTERNS HERE 

Preparing for Quilting

With your quilt top finished, it’s time to prepare for the quilting process. Proper preparation is crucial for achieving a polished finish.

1. Layering the Quilt: Lay your backing fabric right side down on a flat surface. Place the batting on top, followed by the quilt top right side up. Make sure everything is smooth and wrinkle-free.
2. Basting the Layers: Use safety pins or basting spray to secure the three layers together. Start from the center and work outward to avoid any shifting as you quilt.
3. Setting Up Your Sewing Machine: If you’re using a sewing machine, ensure you have the correct needle and thread for quilting. A walking foot can be beneficial for even feeding through multiple layers.

Preparing for quilting is a key step that sets you up for success. Taking the time to ensure everything is layered correctly will make the quilting process much easier.

Quilting Your Crazy Cat Quilt

Now comes the exciting part: quilting your Crazy Cat quilt! This is where your creation truly comes to life.

1. Choosing Your Quilting Design: Decide on a quilting design that complements your quilt. You might opt for straight-line quilting, free-motion designs, or even a mix of both. The design should enhance the playful nature of the cats.
2. Starting the Quilting Process: Begin quilting from the center of the quilt, working your way outward. This helps prevent any bunching or shifting of layers, ensuring a smooth finish.
3. Finishing the Quilting: Once you’ve quilted the entire quilt, trim any excess batting and backing fabric. A clean finish will give your quilt a polished look and make it ready for the final touches.

Quilting is an opportunity to express your style and creativity. Enjoy the process and let your imagination guide you!

Binding Your Quilt

The final step in completing your Crazy Cat 2 Paper Piece Quilt is binding. This finishing touch is essential for a polished look.

1. Cutting the Binding Strips: Cut strips of fabric measuring 2.5 inches wide for your binding. You’ll need enough length to go around the entire perimeter of your quilt. Join the strips together as needed to create one continuous length.
2. Attaching the Binding: Start by sewing the binding to the front of the quilt, aligning it with the raw edges. Use a quarter-inch seam allowance, and leave a 10-inch tail to finish later.
3. Finishing the Binding: Once the binding is attached, fold it over to the back of the quilt and hand-stitch it in place. This step adds a beautiful finish and ensures your quilt edges are secure.

Binding your quilt is the final step that showcases all your hard work. It’s a moment to step back and admire your creativity in action!

Conclusion

Creating a Crazy Cat 2 Paper Piece Quilt is a fun and rewarding project that allows you to express your love for quilting and cats. With the right materials, techniques, and a dash of creativity, you can create a unique quilt that will be cherished for years to come. Whether you choose to keep it for yourself or gift it to a fellow cat lover, this quilt will undoubtedly bring joy and warmth to any space. Happy quilting!