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In the Gardens of the Taj Mahal

This oriental-themed quilt features the designs from the Peacock Set in the cross-stitch technique.

The finished size of the wall hanging is about 22" x 28".

We used about 1/2 yard of yellow fabric, about 1/2 yard of bright blue fabric, and about 1/2 yard of patterned fabric.

We also used fabric for backing, polyester felt as a stabilizer and batting, and small embellishments like metal leaves and hot-fix crystals.

Either fabric glue or Steam-a-Seam2, fusible web, is helpful for the arch applique.

Cutting:

On the yellow fabric, mark a rectangle measuring 14" x 20". Do not cut it out yet. You can cut it out after the embroidery.

Out of blue fabric, cut:

2 strips measuring 1 1/2" x 20,
2 strips measuring 1 1/2" x 16 1/2"
3 strips measuring 2 1/2" and the length of the width of the fabric (for binding)

Out of patterned fabric, cut:

2 strips measuring 3 1/2" x 16 1/2" and
2 strips measuring 3 1/2 x 28".

Out of the same fabric, you will also need to cut 2 applique arches.

To make a template for the arches, take a sheet of Letter-size paper. With a pencil and a ruler draw a line 1" from the left long edge of the sheet. Then draw another line 1" from the upper edge of the sheet. In a free hand style, draw an arc in the corner connecting the points where the lines meet the edge. Measure 1" from the pont where the two lnes intersect, mark these spots and draw another arc between them. Cut out the template. Use it to cut out 2 arches, facing in opposite directions.

Embroidery:

Mark the position the embroidery on the yellow rectangle. Leave about 2" from the lower edge, about 1" from the left and right edges, about 6" from the upper edge, and leave about 6" between the peacocks.

Stabilize the fabric with polyester craft felt , or your favourite iron-on stabilizer. Make the embroidery of the peacocks.

Assembly:

Cut out the yellow rectangle with embroidery. It should measure 14" x 20".

Place the arches on top of the yellow rectangle. They should be framing the peacocks. Using fabric glue or Steam-a-Seam2 fusible web, adhere the applique to the fabric.

Sew the 1 1/2" x 20" blue strips to the upper and lower edges of the yellow piece.
Sew the 1 1/2" x 16 1/2" blue strips to the left and right edges of the yellow piece.

Sew the 3 1/2" x 16 1/2" patterned strips to the left and right edges of the working piece.
Sew the 3 1/2" x 28" patterned strips to the upper and lower edges of the working piece.

Quilting:

Now place the backing on a flat surface (table) face down. Cover with batting. Spread your panels over it.

Pin all three layers together with 1" pins. Quilt or sew the applique edges with the zig-zag or blanket stitch. Quilt the rest of the quilt in a free-motion style. We quilted a vine with leaves between and over the arches.