These pins make perfect quick gifts. This one has a diagonal grid that spices up a neutral background fabric. See other finished pins with each group. Thicker melton cloth can be cut and sewn without preparation. Although melton has a nap, you don't need to maintain the nap direction when piecing.
Light playing on the nap as it falls in different directions creates a rich fabric.
How to piece the patchwork Basically, the patchwork process involves repeatedly slicing and joining sections of fabric to get an effect you like. Second, I sew continuously from one pair of fabrics to the next, which keeps the presser foot at the same level and allows each new seam to begin at the very beginning. It also saves a lot of thread. An open-toe appliqu foot allows you to see exactly where you're sewing, although an ordinary presser foot will do. I use clear monofilament most of the time, and only switch to the smoke thread for all-dark colors.