Tip of the Week: Quilting Options
by Karen Childress
We published this tip in early 2015. Since we have so many new subscribers to the Quiltzette, we're offering it again.
So, you've finished your beautiful quilt top, table runner, or wall hanging and now you have to decide how to quilt it. Good news . . . you have many options! Small projects such as table runners and place mats can easily be quilted on your home sewing machine, and many of our customers quilt very large (think queen size) projects on their machines.
1. Stitch in the ditch. This technique is a "must know" for anyone who pieces/quilts. Simply stitch along your seam lines to hold top, batting, and backing together. I increase my stitch length a little bit when doing stitch in the ditch and match my thread carefully to the fabric so that any little "misses" don't show. Plan your "route" so that you start and stop as few times as possible and use a securing stitch each time to do start and stop.
2. Stitch alongside the ditch. Stitch 1/8 or 1/4 inch on one or both sides of your seam lines for an echo effect. Here you can chose either matching or contrasting thread. Variegated thread is always a fun option for quilting, too.
3. Simple quilting designs. For this method use a marking tool to indicate where you plan to stitch. Engage the guide that attaches to your presser foot and you can draw only one line across/down the middle of your project and then stitch, for example, 2 inches on either side of that line, working your way out to each edge. Stitch in the other direction to create a crosshatch design.
4. Decorative stitch quilting. I did this on a set of place mats recently and the quilting came out great. I chose a decorate stitch that had a design element similar to what was in my fabric and stitched over the top of my seams. Quick and easy!
5. Free motion. You need a free motion foot (sometimes called a darning foot), the ability to lower your feed dogs, and a willingness to practice, practice, practice. Spend time doodling on paper before you practice on fabric to get the designs you are interested in stitching to translate from your fingers to your brain.
6. Hand quilting. Yes, some of us still do this. We recommend Gutterman hand quilting thread and the 17" square Q-Snap frame that fits nicely in your lap. We have both at the shop.
7. Quilt by check. We are fortunate to have access to many experienced and talented long arm quilters. If you're not up for doing your own quilting, simply write a check and turn the task over to an expert.
Happy quilting!
