Instructions on Simple Quilting

A simple quilting design can complement many quilts.

While the quilting pattern on a patchwork quilt is sometimes subtle, it would be a mistake to consider it a secondary part of the quilt design. The quilting pattern must complement the patchwork design, allowing both to work together in the final piece. Simple quilting designs can be very effective, and some quilt tops would only look correct with simple patterns sewn in. The basic rule that elaborate tops call for simple patterns can be true for most quilts. Any quilt can benefit from basic classic quilting designs, as long as the feel of the quilting complements the feel of the top.

Things You'll Need

• 1/4 inch masking tape
• Fabric marking pencil
• Cups and saucers
• Cookie cutters

Instructions

1. Create "stitch-in-the-ditch" quilting for a very elaborate patchwork top. If your top has many differently shaped pieces, sew a quilting line 1/4 inch inside each seam in your top. This quilting will emphasize your patchwork design by echoing all the shapes of your patches.

2. Draw diagonal lines across the entire quilt top for quilts with a lot of different directions, like Log Cabin or Friendship Star. This simple design can cover the entire top without detracting from any of the design elements. Stick 1/4 inch masking tape to the quilt top as a guideline and you won't even need to mark the top.

3. Make a clamshell design by drawing a line of half circles at the bottom edge of the quilt. Outline half a cup to create the circles. Move the half circles to a space between two half circles to create the next row up. Keep drawing rows of half circles, each row off-center from the one below it.

4. Draw the Baptist Fan quilt design by drawing a larger half-circle in one corner of the quilt. Make this by drawing halfway around a saucer. Move the saucer down 1 inch and draw around it again. Move the saucer down a third time and trace it again. You now have a fan design. Make rows of these fans, overlapping the edges to connect them as a whole.

5. Trace outside cookie cutters or other solid shapes for a whimsical look that is still simple to do. This method is good for children's quilts or more casual throws. Position the solid shape in random directions on the quilt top, marking around the shape. Move the shape and mark again, keeping the drawn shapes no more than 4 inches from each other.

Tips & Warnings

• There is no single correct way to design your quilting. Try different styles on paper, and ultimately do what looks right to you.

References

• All People Quilt: Quilting Design Gallery

Resources

• Examples of other simple quilt designs