How to… Make a Quilt with Ed Curtis

Learn how to make your very own work of art, as contemporary artist Ed Curtis takes us through his step-by-step guide to crafting a modern take on the classic.

1. The Base Fabric:
Cut the base fabric for all the appliqué panels. I used plain white poplin cotton, roughly the size of a double bed.

2. Prepare the Fabrics:
Press all the Liberty fabrics to ensure they’re smooth and ready for layering onto the base fabric.

3. Design the Initial Layout:
Start with the lighter floral fabrics. Lay them onto the base layer and use a removable textile pen (one that disappears with ironing) to draw out the first shapes.

4. Attach the First Layer:
Pin the drawn shapes onto the base layer. Using a wide zigzag stitch, sew along the pen lines. Cut around the outside of the shapes, saving any excess fabric for smaller appliqués later.

5. Build the Layers:
Continue layering and stitching additional fabrics, building the design as you go.

6. Incorporate Patchwork:
Once a significant portion of the white base layer is covered, stitch a row of patchwork squares along one side of the quilt. This adds a classic quilting element to contrast with the free-flowing appliqué shapes.

7. Add Star and Spiral Details:
Overlay star and spiral shapes using an appliqué spray glue, then stitch them down.

8. Create and Add the Liberty Logo Design:
• Locate a Liberty logo or artwork you’d like to incorporate.
• Using Photoshop, select and enlarge the desired section, then print it out.
• Assemble the printed design by taping the pieces together, then cut it out to create a template.
• Use a white chalk pencil to trace the template onto black fabric, cut out the shape, apply spray glue, and carefully attach it to the quilt. Stitch it in place.

9. Press as You Go:
Press each appliqué shape after stitching to keep the layers smooth and secure.

10. Add the Liberty Storefront:
To add a distinctive element, create a miniature version of the Liberty storefront. This step is time-intensive but adds a recognizable and whimsical touch to the quilt.

11. Fill in the Design:
Continue layering and stitching shapes until the white gaps are filled and the overall composition feels balanced.

12. Assemble the Quilt Sandwich:
• Place the wadding between the completed top layer and a backing fabric.
• Use spray glue to adhere the layers together, ensuring the quilt is smooth and stable for stitching.

13. Quilt the Layers:
Using invisible nylon thread, stitch the layers together. Switch to a free-motion embroidery foot for flexibility in the stitching design.

14. Trim and Bind:
Once the quilting is complete, trim away any excess wadding and bind the edges to finish the quilt.