How to Apply a Motif Pattern to Quilt Fabric
Applying a motif to a quilt can act as both a decorative detail and the means of securing the three layers of your quilt together. The motif, or stitching design, you use is totally up to you. It can be as simple as running a simple stitch around the designs in the fabric or you can create your own. If you do not trust your drawing skills, you may find one you like in your favorite quilting magazine.
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Things You'll Need
- 2 fabric squares, 12-by-12 inches, prewashed
- 1 square of batting, 12-by-12 inches
- Motif pattern
- Tissue paper
- Pencil
- Quilting thread
- Needle
- Scissors
- Ruler
Instructions
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1
Place the batting between the two fabrics. Use the ruler to find the center. Run a basting stitch down the center both vertically and horizontally. This will keep your quilt block uniform.
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2
Place the tissue paper over the motif pattern. Trace the pattern. You will want a copy for each block you intend to make.
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3
Find the center of your tissue paper pattern and loosely baste it to your quilt block, making sure not to tear the tissue paper.
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4
Working from the center of the pattern outward, stitch through all the layers. Try to keep your stitches uniform.
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5
When you have completed the stitching, tear off the tissue paper and remove your basting stitches.
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Tips & Warnings
If you are applying a motif to a full quilt top, instead of basting, tack the corners of each square with a few loose whip stitches.
Other options for placing the motif pattern on the fabric are to use carbon paper and trace directly on the fabric, or to use iron-transfer paper and your home printer.
If you make a mistake, simply remove the stitches and start over.
It is important to center the fabric and the pattern to maintain uniformity.
Do not pull the basting stitch too tightly or your fabric may pucker.
