Making Perfect Quilt Designs

You can find hundreds and thousands of models of traditional patterns for quilts like the log cabin, the paw of rabbit and all the finest examples of cover designs. The parts are accurate in size. It requires plenty of patience and precision for assembling and to produce a quality result.

There is another genre of quilt design, a free form work of art of equal quality, but a different expression. Working in a free form context, quilt design takes on a whole new meaning. Your design may be abstract, geometric, or a “painting” on fabric. Your quilt design may be simple or complex. It's all up to you.

Free form quilt designs are recommended for beginners and those of us who don't enjoy the precision piecing of traditional quilts or don't have a lot of patience. Smaller quilt designs as wall hangings are handsome additions to any room.

You can embroider pieces before piecing them to the quilt. For example, in a quilt design of farmland, with various shades of green and brown cotton depicting the rolling hills, with embroidery threads' natural sheen, you can subtly create an effect of wheat waving in the wind. Different shades of blue, embroidered in a meandering line of a river flowing through your landscape adds new dimension. Incorporating satin pieces into a design of mostly cotton fabrics adds sparkle and richness.

You can create appliqués in varying detail and materials to place strategically within your quilt design. Children love bright colors, big yellow suns and silver or gold lame moons in a landscape.

For quilt designs using the techniques described below, you'll need a piece of plain cotton cloth, and equal amounts of Stitch-Witchery® and your quilt's backing fabric.

In the planning phase, ensure your quilt designs incorporate the world of glitterati: Laces, ribbons, trims, beads, sequins, fringes, tiny flower appliqués and tassels are just a sample of enticing elements to consider for your subject and theme.

Sketch your quilt design concept on a sheet of white drawing paper, at least 18” x 24”. Use colored pencils to fill in your design areas.

Use newsprint (taped together as necessary) to sketch the finished-sized pattern. Work out the big spaces first. It helps you sketch smaller elements in good proportion to the entire quilt design.

Use a transfer pen or paper to trace shapes onto each fabric. Cut your pieces. Place Stitch-Witchery® on top of the cotton backing. Adjust the various fabric shapes in place. When you have a section in place, iron them to the backing, ironing just short of exposed bonding. Continue until all pieces are in place.

Using various widths and colors of fine zigzag stitching, stitch along the edges of each shape, thus forming a seam without a seam. Stitch finished front, with cotton backing, to your decorative quilt back. Stitch on all sides, leaving room to insert batting if you wish. Edge or finish as desired, then stitch quilting around each piece of the design. You're done! Don't forget, free form quilt designs make terrific gifts!

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