Owens Corning

Rediscover Paper Patchwork Furniture

Quiltmaking has become very popular and patchwork quilts are often found in country homes. The early American patterns are easy to copy because most are made up of squares and triangles. While traditionally created by stitching fabric pieces together, these folk designs can be reproduced by cutting the pieces from a variety of colorful, patterned wallpaper that are then arranged and glued to furniture. It's an interesting way to cover an old or ready-to-finish blanket chest.

Blanket Chest
A blanket chest is the ideal project for this technique because it has square, flat surfaces. When finished you will be surprised at how much the object looks as if it were covered with fabric patches. However, no sewing is required, only accurate cutting.

Favorite Patterns
A star pattern is the most popular and there are many variations from which to choose. The Log Cabin is made of squares and rectangles and is an easy geometric design to create. Irish Chain is another popular quilt pattern that is made up entirely of squares, usually just two colors like white and blue.

Materials Needed
A variety of wallpaper sheets (a discontinued sample book can be obtained from a local wallcovering store), white glue, craft knife, straightedge, heavy paper like a manilla folder, tracing paper, pencil, tape, spray varnish, sponge and a quilt pattern.

How To Do It
Trace the quilt pattern pieces and transfer it to heavy paper. Cut out this shapes to use as templates for cutting the paper pieces. Follow the directions for making the quilt, but rather than cut the pieces from fabric you will cut them from wallpaper with the craft knife and straightedge. Most fabric measurements include a l/4 in. seam allowance which you will not need. Spread glue on the back of each paper pattern piece and build your quilt blocks according to the quilt directions. Since your blanket chest is smaller and a different shape than a quilt you will adjust the design accordingly. Coat the entire piece with spray varnish or brush on a coat of clear, satin polyurethane. Let dry thoroughly.

Copyright Leslie Linsley, author
Reprinted with permission, HouseNet, Inc.

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