How to Embellish a Quilt

Beads, threads, buttons and patches are used to decorate quilts.

Embellishments add to and enhance the colors, textures and look of a quilt -- creating a unique piece of artwork that can be admired for years to come. Common quilting embellishments include beads, buttons and fibers, which are typically added by hand or machine stitching. Other embellishments -- such as patches, pom-poms, pewter charms and faux flowers -- can also be used to decorate your quilt. Embellishments typically are inexpensive and simple to attach, and can be added to a quilt you've either made by hand or purchased.

Instructions

1. Determine the types of embellishments you wish to incorporate into your quilt. Select items that coordinate well with the colors and design of the quilt itself.

2. Spread out your quilt flat, and decide how you will position your embellishments. Place your desired embellishments around your quilt, moving, adding to or taking away from them, as desired. If you will will be including decorative stitching, you may want to sketch the design onto a sheet of paper. Play with a variety of looks until you find one that you are happy with.

3. Add your embellishments, by sewing decorative stitches and threads onto the quilt. You can use standard threads or opt for alternative fibers, such as glitter metallic threads. Other embellishments -- such as beads, buttons, pom-poms or patches -- must be hand-sewn onto the quilt. If you are adding both decorative stitching and other types of embellishments, add the stitching first.

References

• Great American Quilt: Simple Quilt Embellishment
• Adventures of a Quilting Diva: Quilt Embellishment