Seminole Style Piecing using 2 1/2" strips - Quilting Tips & Techniques

This video shows an idea for using some 2 1/2" strips to make some Seminole style patchwork. This style of patchwork can be done using different size strips. Strips are joined together, then sliced and stitched back together, off-setting each time. The patchwork is trimmed so it can be stitched in with other fabrics.
‪@GourmetQuilter‬

[@paulinelarson465]

I grew up in West Palm Beach Fla. in 50's- 60's. Seminole Indians had palm frond thatch roofed huts set up in the city park beside Intercoastal Waterway. The women used treadle sewing machines to demonstrate piecing these bands. They sold clothing made with them to tourists. Also had jewelry and carvings made by the men. I enjoyed watching them sew, there are MANY different patterns, with different significance. Sometimes, if they were not busy with tourists, my parents would visit with the adults while I "played" with the girls. Older girls cut the strips and youngers matched up the colors. One was in my school class and we had same name ! She had black braids and mine were blond ! My favorite dress was bright yellowgreen with yellow, orange, purple, pink, red in the bands. We even visited a town on edge of the Everglades several times. My father was an artist and I cherish the watercolors and colored pencil pieces he did in collaboration with a native artist.

[@GourmetQuilter]

Oh that is so interesting, thanks so much for telling us that

[@cwctlh]

Thank you so much for sharing your experiences! You had a rare opportunity to learn so much about the tribe, its traditions, and its members and you made most of it in a very loving and respectful way. I'm approximately your age. I grew up in Miami, so I wasn't as close to where the Seminoles live but we did have an opportunity to visit now and then and see their traditional handicrafts being made and for sale. I went to Florida State University, where the athletic teams are named the Seminoles and I still live in Tallahassee. The administration students, alumni, alumni, and fans are sometimes very respectful in the way they honor the Seminoles, but there has been a history of portraying the Seminoles in a manner that's innacurate or downright disrespectful. I made a Seminole patchwork a few years ago and used Seminole patchwork strips as trim for clothes that I sewed for my nieces when they were kids. I love the tradition, process, and appearance and there are so many options for patterns, color combinations, and uses.

[@kimbasandy1096]

Lovely session as usual. Tip: sew a strip of white fabric on either end of the Seminole strip before trimming down, that way you don't lose or end up with half of the top and bottom diamond 😉

[@debbiedobbins6785]

That was really neat to learn. I had never seen a Seminole sewn before. Thank you for taking the time to show us. Excited to try this tomorrow. 😊

[@chrisfruits8702]

I belong to a couple of different quilting groups on Facebook. I can’t tell you how often I see your tutorials recommended for group members who want to learn a technique. Thank you for all the assistance your videos give to many Quilters!

[@GourmetQuilter]

Oh my goodness, thank you so much. The internet is a wonderful place!

[@cindymcfarland4686]

I've made many seminole borders using 1.5" strips. It is a really fun technique and the final results are awesome. Super tutorial!

[@conqueringmountscrapmorewi2509]

Such a beautiful quilt block and border! Thanks for sharing your inspiration!

[@GourmetQuilter]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@1LonelyCoyote]

I have been wanting to use this pattern as a border for awhile now, and you have demonstrated wonderfully, each little step. Thank you for your tutorial, I will be trying it this weekend.

[@paulinelarson465]

If you make your strips close to the length needed to fit what you are making - you can sew the two short ends together, making a cylinder. That can be trimmed at long edges and inserted into a gathered skirt or sleeve. For flat use, once you have the cylinder, trimmed at long edges, it is easy to cut at a balanced spot, that avoids so much waste on short edge.

[@janetmathias1766]

Funnily enough I am working on a quilt which uses long strips like this (5 strips wide) going from top to bottom of the bed (it’s not my pattern). Have done 5 lengths so far. It is great to see you actually doing it, tips on pressing, & particularly the trimming, which I have not started yet. Thanks!

[@gingertea5006]

Thank you for explaining this so clearly - I will try it because I love Seminole piecing

[@GourmetQuilter]

You’re welcome 😊

[@clombard7134]

After learning this technique I've used it to experiment with various widths and amount of strips. Thank you for the inspiration and lesson!

[@Washiela]

I've never sewn seminole before, but you have encouraged me to try. Thank you Susan-Claire - I have also subscribed 😍

[@debbiestallard694]

Love your examples and your teaching ❤

[@jesspeak7543]

Just the technique I was looking for, thank you for a clear and concise tutorial.

[@sandan2358]

I’d like to give that a try, thanks for the demo.

[@minniegonzalez591]

I’ve always wondered how this was done. Thank you so much.

[@sallynoel3563]

I have learned so much from you!! Thank you again for a wonderful video!

[@GourmetQuilter]

You are so welcome!

[@bethjones8998]

Thanks for the demonstration- great information

[@kimwinn7813]

Great tutorial. I'm doing this tomorrow. Thanks!!!!

[@jackietucker8942]

Fun lesson

[@user-qr1tm6zo4v]

Очень красиво, спасибо большое.Привет из России!!!!!.

[@GourmetQuilter]

Thank you, you are welcome

[@Amal2365]

Thank you so much 😊

[@GourmetQuilter]

You're welcome 😊

[@reporterschreibicus]

Спасибо!

[@laurelpaulson-pierce942]

It should be mentioned that this method is named after the Seminole tribe of indigenous people from the South East U.S. (especially Florida). In the 1880's after contact with the European Colonists, many tribes acquired sewing machines, which were operated by hand cranks. They developed this method of multi colored strips as they were working with small scraps of fabric.

[@GourmetQuilter]

Hi, thanks for that. As I am in New Zealand, I don't always know all the history information and it is so interesting.

[@T_i_n_a_]

👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼

[@pooie0116]

You can reduce the possibility of bias stretch by stay-stitching all the way around 1/8" away from the points of the red squares before you trim off the white at 1/4".

[@brendahamrick9337]

How many of the two and a half strips can you put together to make it longer or do you have to sew your individual sets together to make long?Thankyou.

[@GourmetQuilter]

Hi, I don't really understand your question, sorry. You can make it as long as you like by adding more pieces.

[@LAPescetto]

What model of Bernina are you using in this tutorial?

[@GourmetQuilter]

Hi, I am using a Bernina 570QE - great machine!

[@cathytyrrell5502]

You can waste less by making a vertical 90 degree cut (no allowance for seam) at the point where centre diamonds meet. This should not be but at the very end of the strip. Then stitch the blocks at the uncut ends together in the same way used to make the strip. Your cuts now form squared ends to your strip.