Have you ever considered using an embroidery machine for foundation piecing perfectly pieced quilt blocks? Neither had I! But I'm so glad someone has! M.E. Time - creator of exclusive machine embroidery projects - is introducing Perfectly Pieced- a system for piecing (and quilting!) perfect quilt blocks in the hoop on an embroidery machine. I've been intrigued by the concept of foundation piecing a quilt block in the hoop and I've been SO excited to try it out.
M.E. Time (i.e. Machine Embroidery Time) sent me the July box of their new Perfectly Pieced monthly subscription product to preview. The Perfectly Pieced quilt blocks method is ingenious and allows you to piece AND quilt a quilt block with game-changing simplicity of accurate piecing and quilting in-the-hoop of your embroidery machine. This post is sponsored by M.E. Time but all thoughts, experiences and opinions are my own.
How to Foundation Piece Perfectly Pieced Quilting Blocks in the Hoop
Even if you don't have an embroidery machine, you might be interested to see the creative way this is done.
The concept is similar to foundation paper piecing where there is a template design you use to build the quilt block with accuracy, ensuring perfect points every time! This system has all of the benefits of foundation paper piecing, but you're working right-sides up - no working from the backside by flipping the foundation upside down, folding and trimming, etc. Basically foundation piecing but SO much easier.
Here's how it works: choose the size block you want to create from the digital files. The block is available in 2", 4", 6", and 8" sizes. Hoop a lightweight stabilizer as your foundation and the block diagram will then stitch directly onto the foundation - just like a foundation paper-pieced block. Follow the included instructions for the order to build and stitch your block.
Another option is to stitch the batting in place before piecing the block. Once the block is pieced you can add the quilting while the block is still in the hoop. It's genius! The batting is stitched down first and then trimmed before adding the fabric. This will leave ¼" seams around the edge of the block so there is no batting in the seams. Then the build the block and quilt. And voila: perfectly pieced quilt blocks every time!
You can even do multiple blocks in the same hoop. This month's block was super simple but creates so many design options based on color or block placement.
And there will be new blocks and exclusive quilting designs released every month!
M.E. Time Perfectly Pieced Subscription Information
These blocks are part of the July Perfectly Pieced subscription from M.E. Time. Each month M.E. Time will release a new block (with multiple size options) as well as new exclusive background quilting files (customized block-by-block files as well as allover quilting files). You can subscribe to only receive the digital files (blocks + quilting + instructions and fabric requirements) or you can subscribe to the Doorstep subscription box that includes all of the above digital files + a curated bundle of fabric, notions, coordinating spool of thread.
Here is what the July Perfectly Piece box contains:
A curated fabric bundle with reds, blues, pinks, and aqua fabrics, a spool of thread, a box of wonder clips, and the printed instructions to walk you through the steps to assemble this month's block.
The instructions are SO well done - easy to follow, clear diagrams and sets you up for success right away. I suggest printing out all of the additional digital instructions so that you have them handy for easy reference.
As with any new technique, I recommend a practice block to get the hang of what you're doing. Here's mine. I used some leftover charms and had fun building the block and checking out the exclusive quilting design that came with the block file.
Foundation Pieced Quilt Blocks in the Hoop
Here are some of the projects I made with this month's block + box. I used the fabric included in the box and also mixed in some of my own stash to get more projects!
I made a couple of pillows with the 6" and 8" blocks. For these two projects I used the all-over quilting design to give them more of a stipple effect. I pieced the blocks with batting and then choose the allover wave design for the quilting.
The files for this Wave machine quilting design also correspond to all sizes to use with the Clear Blue Tiles machine quilting system. So you can use this quilting design on any future project!
These pillow came together SO QUICK. Once you have your fabric cut and ready to go, you can build the blocks relatively fast. Then set them to be quilted while you prep the next hoop!
I'm also having fun making a mini quilt with the 4" size block and a different color palette. Here's where it's going right now. For this one I used the more structured quilting design in the blue thread included in the box.
There are endless creative possibilities with and the game-changing simplicity of accurate piecing and quilting in-the-hoop. That means: perfect points, corners, and ¼" seams every time!
My verdict:
Machine piecing and quilting in the hoop is AWESOME. I had so much fun creating these projects. I'm already hooked and so excited for next month's block! You can order this month's box and/or subscribe to future collections here.
You can also cancel or skip your subscription at any time through your membership account and there are no M.E. Time membership fees.
Want a video of what this all looks like? Check out this quick video from M.E. Time:
And just to clarify: each Perfectly Pieced is available as a monthly doorstep subscription OR a monthly digital subscription. ALL subscribers receive the following through their M.E.Time account:
- One quilt block in four sizes (2x2, 4x4, 6x6, and 8x8)
- Exclusive background quilting files (customized block-by-block files as well as allover quilting files)
- Project charts with instructions for completing the projects
- Digital embroidery files
- Fabric requirement charts
The Digital subscription is a great option if you don't need more fabric, but only want the digital files.
The Monthly Doorstep subscription includes all of the items listed above, plus a collectible box delivered to their home that includes:
- A curated fabric bundle (with enough fabric to complete the project)
- Printed, step-by-step instructions for completing the block
- One coordinating spool of thread
- One notion
- One tip card wall collage piece
Additional M.E. Time subscriptions include the The Bella Box - which I also love - available twice per year in the Spring and Fall, and Collectible Christmas, available November 2022. M.E. Time is a direct-to-consumer subscription service under the parent company, Kimberbell, who's products are available through quilt shops. While this is a separate brand from Kimberbell, you can expect the same exceptional quality from M.E. Time.
I'm curious to hear what you think. What do you think of the possibilities of foundation piecing in the hoop? I'm still wrapping my head around those options - I think there are SO MANY. And I can't wait to try more!
Sharon D Luedeman
I don't see any info on pricing for the doorstep subscription or the digital files only.
Amy
The Doorstep monthly box is $49 and the Digital monthly subscription is $19.