50 State Tutorial

After I posted pictures of the China Province wall hanging, I had a lot of people ask me how I did it. I figured since I was doing the same thing with my 50 State Swap, I would just put together a small tutorial so you can see...it's much easier to explain using pictures than words. So, without further ado...

First, I printed out a map the size I wanted America to be. I only have an 8.5 x 11 printer, so that's why it looks all frakenstein like. I had to blow it up in sections and tape it together to be big enough.

Next, I traced all the lines and state names on the map with a sharpie marker. This is an important step as you will see next.

Then, I flipped the map over. If I didn't use the sharpie, I wouldn't be able to see the lines on the back side of the map.

Next, I traced all the states on to 2 sided fusible web. The brand I use is Steam-A-Seam 2, which I buy at JoAnne's. Remember, you need to trace the mirror image of the states onto the fusible web.

This particular brand of fusible web peels off in two distinct layers. Make sure you are tracing on the side that remains with the fusible as you can see to the left. The other layer will be peeled off so it can be stuck to your fabric, you don't want to peel off your picture before you cut it out!

Next, cut out all of the states leaving a little wiggle room if you have it, if not don't worry since you will be sewing around all the sides of each state.

Next, stick the fusible to the WRONG side of your fabric for the state it is supposed to represent. Using a dry iron (no steam), quickly set each state by putting the hot iron on the fusible for a second or two. ***If you use a different brand of fusible, please follow their instructions. I only know how the kind I am used to works.***

Cut out each state directly on the lines. Keep the other piece of fusible cover paper on it, which also has the state initials, so you can remember which state it is.

Start peeling off the backing and applying the states to your background fabric. They won't be permanantly affixed until you iron them down, so you can move them around until you get them just right.

When you've got all your states where you want them, fuse them down by ironing over the whole thing with steam. It only takes a few seconds to fuse them down.

Then, you would make your quilt sandwich and sew around the states using an applique or decorative stitch. Just make sure whatever stitch you use sews onto both states that are touching each other. I used a pretty thick stitch for the province quilt.

I am not done with this one yet, but will post a picture when it's completed. Hopefully this makes sense. :)