How to Machine Quilt a Trip Around the World Baby Quilt

Machine quilting takes far less time than traditional quilting by hand.

A "Trip Around the World" baby quilt makes a welcome gift for any new mom. Finishing a baby quilt doesn't have to take months. A pieced quilt can be machine quilted. Machine quilting takes far less time than traditional hand quilting. Basic straight-stitch machine quilting can be accomplished by a beginner. Simple geometric stitching on the quilt borders adds some decorative interest. Use a walking foot to prevent the fabric from shifting. A new, sharp quilting needle will pierce all three quilt layers efficiently.

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100% Cotton thread
New machine quilting needle
Quilt pattern stencil
Fabric marking chalk
Sewing machine
Walking foot

Instructions

- 1
  
  Position the quilting stencil in one corner of the quilt border. Mark the quilting design on the fabric with chalk. Reposition the template around the quilt border and continue marking all around. Make sure the design flows naturally.
- 2
  
  Insert a new machine-quilting needle in your sewing machine. Replace the current foot with a walking foot. Thread your bobbin and top thread with the 100% cotton thread. Set the stitch length at 6 to 10 stitches per inch.
- 3
  
  Insert your quilt between the sewing machine plate and walking foot. To stitch in the ditch on the quilt squares, simply follow the seam lines. Sew 1/4 inch in from the seam around the inside of each square. Keep the needle inserted in the quilt while lifting the walking foot to pivot at each corner.
- 4
  
  Machine quilt the borders by following the chalk lines. Go slow to be sure you follow the design as precisely as possible. Continue all the way around the quilt to stitch the entire design.
- 5
  
  Remove the finished quilt from the sewing machine. Carefully inspect it to be sure each square and marked line has been quilted. Brush off any chalk residue. Turn the quilt over and clip any long, hanging lengths of thread.

Tips & Warnings

White thread is most often used in quilting, but you can choose coordinating or contrasting threads to add a decorative touch.
Do not use monofilament thread. This can come undone and pose a choking hazard to babies and small children.