How to Mark a Quilt for Stippling

A quilting hoop can make hand stippling easier.

Stippling is a quilting technique of close stitches that can be done by hand or machine. It creates a textured surface, as the fabric puffs up between the stitching. By definition, lines of stippling must be curved and can never cross each other. To meet these requirements, quilters can follow a paper pattern attached to the fabric, use a quilting stencil, mark a freehand pattern or stitch completely freehand.

Things You'll Need

• Scrap of quilt fabric
• Marking tool or needle and thread
• Stippling pattern or stencil
• Straight pins

Instructions

1. 

   Find chalk and other marking tools alongside other quilting supplies.

   Mark the scrap fabric with the marking tool if you're using one. You may need to use different marking tools for different fabrics, so try them all.

2. 

   Wash and dry the fabric to test the marking tool.

   Launder the fabric as directed by the manufacturer to make sure the markings come out. Ideally, you'll use the same method to test the markings and fabric as you would for the finished quilt.

3. 

   Straight pins are easier to remove than are safety pins.

   Secure the pattern or stencil, if you are using one, using straight pins or basting stitches. Be sure to double-check the position before proceeding to mark out the pattern.

4. 

   Stippling stitches should be small and close together.

   Mark the stippling pattern on the quilt using the marking tool, as necessary. You can draw either a solid or broken line. Printable stippling patterns usually use broken lines, and stencils may have openings for either. Alternatively, you can baste in the pattern you want to follow, removing the basted stitches later.

Tips & Warnings

• Print out multiple copies of the stippling pattern if you're using tearaway paper and repeating the pattern. Make sure the copy is the right size.

• A quilter's basting gun is another convenient way to secure your pattern or stencil temporarily.

• Do not use the marking tool if its accompanying instructions contraindicate using it on your type of fabric.

• Do not iron the markings, as the heat may make them permanent.

• As you stitch through the paper pattern, make sure it's pinned securely so it won't shift as the needle punctures the paper.

References

• Quilt Bug: A Glossary of Quilting Terms and Quilt Definitions
• McCall's Quilting: Marking Quilting Patterns
• Quilting Made Easy: Stipples Made Easy

Resources

• McCall's Quilting
• McCall's Quilting: Hand Quilting