Quilting is essentially a running stitch used to hold the three layers of the quilt top, wadding and backing together.
For some quilters this is the most important and creative step in the patchwork quilting process. The quilting design you
choose can truly enhance an already beautiful piece of work.
Freehand designs
You can create quilting designs by freehand or by marking lines with dressmakers' chalk or pencils. Then either machine
or hand stitch. This is known as 'random quilting'. Templates can be used which again can be hand made or commercially
bought. There are many quilting books, which will provide templates for you to copy and use.
Hand or machine quilting
Quilting can be done either by hand or by machine. Obviously quilting by hand is a slower process but it means you can
quilt anywhere where you can place the work on your lap or use a hoop or frame to hold the fabric. For hand quilting it
is suggested you take a length of quilting thread and run it over a block of beeswax as this helps to prevent it from
knotting. The quilting stitch is a simple small running stitch through the three layers of the quilt.
Machine quilting is quicker and the beginner or even the experienced quilter may want to practice the quilting pattern
they intend to use on scrap fabric first. Machine quilting can be done with a straight sewing stitch. To stitch freehand
drop the feed dogs prior to stitching. Generally a medium stitch is suitable with machine quilting.
Traditional quilting designs
Traditional designs for quilting include feathers, stippling and cross – hatching. Contour quilting is where lines of
stitching are made within and following the lines of the individual patchwork shapes. Echo quilting follows the lines of
the appliquéd shapes creating an effect like ripples on water. Ditch quilting is where the stitches are worked directly
onto the patchwork seam lines and is used where the quilter wants to emphasise the patchwork rather than the quilting
stitches.