CHQ QAL - Quilting the top!

Were here, almost at the end; quilting the top/batting/back is the culmination of all the work to date. I feel very strongly that how you will quilt the quilt needs to be part of the planning process from the beginning...whether simple, functional, ornate, or over the top...whatever you choose, remember the composition of the entire piece needs to flow together. Consider the fabric, the blocks, the style, and the use of the quilt. Quilting is very personal, some quilters send everything out to be professionally quilted, others do their quilting by hand, some feel that they must quilt their quilt themselves; otherwise it's cheating. Want to know what I think? I think whatever works best for you, is what is right. It's your quilt, you decide its destiny! I'm all for using the skills of a professional quilter, but if you're nervous, and have never quilted a quilt by machine before, I would like to encourage you to trying quilting this small piece using a walking foot...if you don't have other plans.

• Prepare the quilt back if necessary (pieced backs)
  •     The quilt batting  & back should be 3 to 4" larger than the top
• Layer the quilt top, batting, and backing together.
  • I use Hobbs Fusible Batting all the time, it is simple to use, and PERFECT for this type and size of project.
• If using fusible batting, pinning is not necessary, otherwise pin layers together
• Familiarize yourself with your selected batting - depending on the type of batting (cotton, poly, bamboo, etc) the distance between quilting lines can vary greatly.
• Prepare you sewing machine for quilting, with either a walking foot or free motion foot
• Get quilting!

 
I choose to use the edge of the walking foot as a measurement guide. I began stitching along the column, and continued the length of the column, and created four lines of stitching on each side of the column. As well as four lines of stitching on the left and right edges of the quilt.

Let's talk about thread...

For this quilt I used Gutermann thread, 50 weight in a matching color. I'm a huge fan of Gutermann thread, they have an extensive range of colors, and the quality is excellent. Another thread that I frequently use for quilting is YLI's Silk Thread, 100 weight. This silk thread is thin, strong, and wonderful to work with. I also like to use this thread for hand sewing down the binding since it sinks into the fabric so well. I selected Gutermann for this quilt, because I had it in a matching color.

TIP...If you have difficulty stitching straight, use painters tape to create a straight line guide, then stitch next to the tape. When finished, simply pull it off the quilt, and reuse it on the next area of stitching.

 
After all the quilting is completed, trim excess batting and backing from the perimeter of the quilt

 
All done, ready to bind!!!

 
How will you quilt your quilt? I can't wait to start seeing your photos on Flickr!

xoxo,

Cherri

Comments

[Mary Escott]

Hi - Sorry to ask such a basic question, but do i use a specific thread for quilting ? Thanks.

[patricia]

Thanks for the painters tape tip. Painters tape is the duct tape of women. Love that stuff. I love your tutorial, too. Thank you so much.

[susanne]

I was planning on vertical lines echoing the columns, too! Great minds think alike. Thanks again for such a fun, quick little project.
I see a Tempest in my future also.

[Sequana]

Me too. Since I see these columns as tall city buildings with lights, the vertical lines were my first choice.

I have some new silk thread from Superior that I want to try on this.

[Kathy]

I so love straight line quilting. It's so classic. What sewing machine do you use? Just curious, I'm researching buying a new one and want to get an idea of whether people like the one they have.

[Cherri House]

Hi Kathy,

I have a Bernina 440, as well as a Brother 1500 straight stitch machine...both are great to work with.

[Cheryl Allison]

I bought a walking foot two years ago, but have been too scared to try it. I hand quilted a project last year because I was afraid to mess it up using the machine. Perhaps I will take the plunge soon. Thanks for sharing. Your quilt is beautiful!

[Susanne]

Quilted and ready for binding. I love the masking tape tip. I used 2 widths of tape for my vertical lines. Can't wait til Tuesday!

[Mary Escott]

Hi All done. I too hadn't used my walking foot but i took the plunge and it turned out ok. I too have a Bernina 440 and am very pleased with it. The only thing that i might not have got right was the stitch length - i couldn't seem to alter that, other than that i will always use this foot now for quilting the top. Thanks for making me feel that i should try it!

[laura]

what a perfect little quilt! like a wonderful piece of pound cake, or a sugar cookie---just enough but not too much. I make baby quilts for a local charity, and have been casting about for a new pattern to use, as I like my charity quilts to be both lovely and relaxing and flexible about fabric choice. This is perfect!

[Andie]

Hi I just found this blog post. I love this quilt! I have been trying so hard to find a link to the original post and pattern but I'm having trouble. Could you please point me in the right direction?

[Andie]

I found the link. Thank you!