The quilt I'm working on this weekend is one that I can't share, but I can show you how I'm quilting it. I chose an all over motif, because it's fast and I love that there aren't many threads to bury when I'm done. The design is similar to an all over loop motif, but instead of curves this motif uses all straight lines.
The most important part when quilting an all over motif is that you have a similar density of quilting across the entire space. Your triangles don't have to all be the same size or shape. The variety adds a lot of interest. If you notice that you accidentally make a giant (compared to your others) triangle, just work in some more of the large size triangles around the quilt. If you paint yourself into a corner, this motif is pretty forgiving if you have to cross over a line to get out of a tight space. And if you accidentally make a quadrilateral instead of a triangle, no big deal! My quadrilateral in the upper left probably stands out to you, but this is black on white (your thread choice probably blends better than this!) and it's a pretty small section we're looking at. I absolutely have a couple accidental quadrilaterals quilted into the baby quilt I just finished quilting. Probably nobody will ever notice, and if they do, that's fine.
If you're new to free motion quilting, or just trying a new motif, practicing by drawing on paper is a great way to build muscle memory and to practice how best to move across the space. My other advice when you start stitching this one is to try to only stop at a corner. If you stop in the middle of a straight line it's hard to continue in exactly the same angle you were going. Even if you only make a slight intentional turn in your line it will look better than an accidental wiggle. That said, once the quilt is washed* those little accidental wiggles will be harder to see.
My favorite tools for free motion quilting on a domestic sewing machine are Machingers Gloves and a Supreme Slider (also in queen size). I'm curious, does anyone use a Fabric Glide? If so, how do you like it?
*I quilt with Quilter's Dream 100% cotton batting and love the crinkled look once it's washed.
I've linked up to Tips and Tutorials Festival.
Mel
I actually have a difficult time stitching this motif. It just doesn't flow as easily for me. Hmmm...maybe I will practice some more as it looks really fun and modern!
sarah
Post authorYou could ease into it by just throwing in the occasional triangle with your go to zig zag meander. ;-) Thanks for visiting!
Yvonne @Quilting Jetgirl
Great point about not sweating it if you accidentally quilt a quadrilateral with that motif. I hope the secret sewing / quilting is going well!
sarah
Post authorThank you, Yvonne. I just finished up the binding. Now to take some pictures and pop it in the mail! I watched a lot of Season 2 of Fresh Quilting while I worked on this project, so it was like I got to hang out with you while I was sewing. (And my daughter was amused that I knew people who were on the show.) :-)
Yvonne @Quilting Jetgirl
I am so excited that you linked up with the Festival. This is a great quilting tutorial!
sarah
Post authorThank you, Yvonne! Thanks for hosting.
Anja @ Anja Quilts
I used this motif once, and I loved it. Definitely going to use it again. Good luck with your project.
sarah
Post authorThank you, Anja. Project is done, photographed, and packed up to ship tomorrow! Woohoo!