All Projects
Patchwork Quilt Top
Create an I Spy quilt using our Patchwork quilt top instructions. An I Spy quilt is essentially a game of hidden treasures created into a quilt, and is a fabulous idea for young kids. Using different fabrics of your choice, an I Spy quilt allows them to spot different objects and items on the fabric, assisting their learning and sense of vision.
Not only is it a fun, creative game for the kids to enjoy, it can also be decorative and adds a great touch to their bedroom or play room.
Materials
- 45 pieces of 6 ½ x 6 ½ inch squares - see picture to the right (we used various novelty fabrics)
- Grey piecing thread
- Batting 44” x 52” (112cm x 132.5cm)
- Backing 44” x 52” (112cm x 132.5cm)
- Quilt binding 12” (30cm)
Fabric preparation for Ronald McDonald House Quilts
- Use only new materials
- Fabrics should be prewashed, clean from chemicals, smoke and pet hair
- No choking hazards – like beads, buttons, gems or rhinestones
Patchwork piecing tips
- Use a shorter stitch length when piecing for a stronger seam e.g 2.0
- Piece with a ¼” foot to ensure exact seam allowance
- Press seams to one side, seams can be nested together when stitching the rows.
Making the Nine Patch block
A “Nine Patch” block is made of 9 squares stitched in 3 rows of 3 squares. Select 9 x 6 ½” fabric squares and sew together to create the block. Make 5 of these Nine Patch blocks.
To vary up our quilt and make it more interesting, we will make these Nine Patch blocks disappear by cutting them in four!
Disappearing Nine Patch
Using a large ruler, cut through the centre of the nine patch square aligning the 3” line on the ruler with the left-hand seam of the centre square. Rotate the block pieces and cut them in half again. This yields 4 x 9 ¼” blocks.
The Nine Patch block has disappeared and a new set of blocks has been created!
Piecing the quilt top
Stitch the blocks together in rows of 4 x 9 ¼” blocks. Then piece the rows together matching the seam lines where necessary.
Preparing your quilt for machine quilting
What you need:
- Batting 44” x 52” (112cm x 132.5cm)
- Backing 44” x 52” (112cm x 132.5cm)
- Batting and backing measurements provided are approximately 4” bigger than the quilt top.
- Quilt top and backing should be square.
- Trim all threads from quilt top and back
- Press the seams ensuring they are flat with no seam twists.
- Layer the quilt top onto the centre of the batting and backing (quilt sandwich)
- Choose your method of basting together the 3 layers
- Quilt using your walking foot or embroidery machine.
Quilting binding
What you need:
- Quilt binding 12” (30cm)
- Cut 4 x strips 2.5” wide across the width of your fabric
- Join together using a diagonal seam to make one long strip
- Fold in half and iron
- Attach to the edge of the quilt with your walking foot
DONATE SOME TO A CHARITY
These quilts can also be donated to charity. If you want to contribute to a great cause, the charities listed below accept handmade quilts for their patients. Just send your creations in to the mailing address provided.
Are you a charity that would accept this item? Contact us to have your details added here.
Queensland
Little Stars Kids
Address:
Corporate House, Gasworks
Lobby 1, Level 2, 76 Skyring Terrace,
Newstead QLD 4006
Australia
The quilts will be donated to children aged from 3-12 years old and base colour suggestions are navy/red for boys and green/pink for girls. As the age range is varied, minimal use of overly patterned fabrics is preferred.
Ronald McDonald House
View locations throughout Queensland →
You will need to ensure that your project complies with the following requirements, as these donations will be going to vulnerable children at the Royal Children's Hospital.
- Quilt is between 100cm and 110cm square
- Only new materials are to be used
- The quilt must be clean and free from chemicals, smoke and pet hair
- The quilt must not have any choking hazards like buttons, beads, gems or rhinestones
New South Wales
Aussie Heroes
Address:
PO Box 248
Cherrybrook NSW 2126
Australia
You will need to ensure that your project complies with Aussie Heroes' requirements. View quilt specifics here →
Wauchope Patchwork Quilters
Address:
PO Box 100
Wauchope NSW 2446
Australia
You will need to ensure that your project complies with the charity requirements. View the quilt specifics here →
Ronald McDonald House
View locations throughout New South Wales →
You will need to ensure that your project complies with the following requirements, as these donations will be going to vulnerable children at the Royal Children's Hospital.
- Quilt is between 100cm and 110cm square
- Only new materials are to be used
- The quilt must be clean and free from chemicals, smoke and pet hair
- The quilt must not have any choking hazards like buttons, beads, gems or rhinestones
South Australia
Mary Potter Foundation Inc
Address:
Connery House
Calvary North Adelaide Hospital
89 Strangways Terrace
North Adelaide SA 5006
Australia
The Mary Potter Foundation ask that any quilt donation is close to 48" square using lightweight thin wadding.
Ronald McDonald House
View locations throughout South Australia →
You will need to ensure that your project complies with the following requirements, as these donations will be going to vulnerable children at the Royal Children's Hospital.
- Quilt is between 100cm and 110cm square
- Only new materials are to be used
- The quilt must be clean and free from chemicals, smoke and pet hair
- The quilt must not have any choking hazards like buttons, beads, gems or rhinestones
Victoria
Lifes Little Treasures
Address:
Life’s Little Treasures Foundation
1/21 Eugene Terrace
Ringwood, VIC 3134
Australia
You will need to ensure that your project complies with the following rules, as these donations will be going to vulnerable babies.
- Please only use new materials
- Materials need to be clean and free from chemicals, smoke and pet hair
- Item cannot have any potential choking hazards such as buttons, beads, hems or rhinestones attached
Ronald McDonald House
View locations throughout
Victoria →
You will need to ensure that your project complies with the following requirements, as these donations will be going to vulnerable children at the Royal Children's Hospital.
- Quilt is between 100cm and 110cm square
- Only new materials are to be used
- The quilt must be clean and free from chemicals, smoke and pet hair
- The quilt must not have any choking hazards like buttons, beads, gems or rhinestones
Inspirational Quilts
Address:
23 Glendalough Court
Watsonia North VIC 3087
Australia
Inspirational Quilts prefer the quilts to be created with kids designs as they will be donated to the Royal Children's Hospital.
South Eastern Centre Against Sexual Assault and Family Violence
Various locations
View contact details →
Western Australia
Comfort Quilts Against Cancer
Address:
Comfort Quilts Against Cancer
PO Box 966
Northam WA 6401
Australia
Ronald McDonald House
View locations throughout Western Australia →
You will need to ensure that your project complies with the following requirements, as these donations will be going to vulnerable children at the Royal Children's Hospital.
- Quilt is between 100cm and 110cm square
- Only new materials are to be used
- The quilt must be clean and free from chemicals, smoke and pet hair
- The quilt must not have any choking hazards like buttons, beads, gems or rhinestones
Tasmania
Ronald McDonald House
View locations throughout
Tasmania →
You will need to ensure that your project complies with the following requirements, as these donations will be going to vulnerable children at the Royal Children's Hospital.
- Quilt is between 100cm and 110cm square
- Only new materials are to be used
- The quilt must be clean and free from chemicals, smoke and pet hair
- The quilt must not have any choking hazards like buttons, beads, gems or rhinestones
Australian Capital Territory
Ronald McDonald House
View locations throughout ACT →
You will need to ensure that your project complies with the following requirements, as these donations will be going to vulnerable children at the Royal Children's Hospital.
- Quilt is between 100cm and 110cm square
- Only new materials are to be used
- The quilt must be clean and free from chemicals, smoke and pet hair
- The quilt must not have any choking hazards like buttons, beads, gems or rhinestones
Free Embroidery Designs
We're excited to offer our free Echidna designs available for download. These free designs are perfect for those at a beginner or an advanced level. Add these designs to your stash and create incredible embroidery!
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Sewing, Quilting and Embroidery Machines
Interested in learning how to sew, quilt or embroider? Take a look at the innovative Brother machines available for purchase at Echidna Sewing. Wherever possible we will beat any deal and you will always receive ongoing service and support!
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Learn to Sew or Embroider with Echidna Sewing
Come along to our fun-filled classes to learn more about sewing, embroidery and crafting. Classes cater for all skill levels, whether you're just starting out or already have advanced knowledge.
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Echidna project material/ fabric requirements are an indication only and can seem to be generous. This has been intentional. Should you make a cutting or embroidery mistake you will have sufficient fabric to rectify your error.