Materials and Tools
As a seasoned quilter with years of experience recreating Victorian designs, here's what you'll need:
- Muslin for base (10" square)
- 18" x 22" squares of assorted fabrics
- Antique lace, buttons, and beads
- Sewing machine
- Scissors
- Pins
- Needles (type depends on embellishment technique)
- Embroidery hoop (optional)
- Various colors of embroidery thread
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Draw your desired pattern on an 8" x 8" square of muslin using a stiff pencil or sewer's tracing paper.
- From your assorted fabrics, cut a piece for the center of the muslin square. Pin it to the back so the pattern lines show through the top.
- Cut a second fabric piece and place its right side over the first. Sew along the pattern's seam line.
- Open and press the seam, with right sides face down and muslin on the wrong side. Fold back the muslin and trim excess fabric 1/4" from the seam.
- Repeat, adding fabric pieces, sewing, opening, and pressing until complete.
- Once all pieces are sewn, cut the outer edges to match the muslin and trim any excess fabric.
- Embellish your block with lace, ribbons, buttons, embroidery, or beads to achieve that signature Victorian charm.
