Welcome to Week 1 of the Merry Christmas Darling Quilt Along!
I’m so glad you’re here! I’m Nannette of Chenille-It, and I’m thrilled to host this Quilt Along featuring the Merry Christmas, Darling panel quilt from Vanessa of Lella Boutique. For years, I’ve been embellishing Vanessa’s Christmas panels with Chenille-It, and it feels like each one gets better than the last. This Merry Christmas, Darling panel from her Berry and Pine collection is no exception!
Check Your Supplies
Before we dive in, let’s double-check to make sure you have everything you need. Here’s what’s required for the Chenille-It Quilt Along:
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(1) Merry Christmas, Darling panel from the Berry and Pine collection by Lella Boutique for Moda Fabrics.
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4 yards of backing fabric.
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Washable glue stick (Elmer’s School brand works great).
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Chenille-It Blooming Bias in the following colors and widths:
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1 roll + 10 yards of White 3/8" Chenille-It
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6 yards of Just Peachy 3/8" Chenille-It
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9 yards of Red 3/8" Chenille-It
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3 yards of Tangerine 3/8" Chenille-It
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1 roll of Evergreen 3/8" Chenille-It
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1 roll of Black 3/8" Chenille-It
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1 roll of Light Grey 3/8" Chenille-It
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12 yards of Jade 3/8" Chenille-It
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1 roll of Black 5/8" Chenille-It (for binding)
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NOTE: If you’re missing supplies, we still have a few Merry Christmas, Darling kits available. [Click here to shop!]
Week 1: Words
This week, we’re starting with the lettering in the center of the Merry Christmas, Darling panel. Using the 3/8″ White Chenille-It from the kit, we’ll outline the words with Blooming Bias strips. The 3/8” width is ideal for tight turns and sharp curves, making it perfect for the script font design.
Today’s class is available on the Chenille-It YouTube channel, so I’ll just highlight the basics here:
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Begin by gluing the Chenille-It in place along the lettering.
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While using a glue stick is optional, I highly recommend it—it’s the easiest way to hold the Chenille-It in place, and the glue washes out completely later.
The process is simple. Glue the Chenille-It directly onto the panel, carefully following the lettering as though you’re writing it. Since Chenille-It is perfect bias, it bends easily around curves. If you encounter a particularly tight corner, simply fold or flip the strip as needed. Remember, there’s no right or wrong side to Chenille-It!
Once everything is glued in place, it’s time to stitch. Shorten your stitch length slightly (around 1.5–2.0) to secure the Chenille-It properly, and aim to keep your stitches as centered as possible. If adjustments are needed as you go, don’t worry—you can move things around when necessary.
Be sure to watch the video for step-by-step instructions and additional tips.
Post for Prizes! #MerryChristmasDarlingQAL
Let’s make this Quilt Along extra fun! Share your Week 1 progress on social media using the hashtag #MerryChristmasDarlingQAL to enter this week’s prize drawing.
The prize for Week 1 is a Merry Reindeer Pillow Pattern from Lella Boutique + (1) package of 3/8”-wide Cinnamon Chenille-It (to create the fluffy fur)
Good luck, everyone, and have fun! I’ll announce the winner in next week’s post. Thanks for joining—let’s get started!
If you have any questions that aren’t answered in the YouTube video, please drop them in the comments below. Chances are, if you have the question – someone else probably does too! You can also ask them directly on the YouTube video!
See you next week!