What is a good continuous-line design for a newbie to use?

Question

I am working on a big quilt. Want to get it done fast and still have it look good for my customer, because I am still learning.

Answer 1

You didn't specify the type of design you are looking for, so let me give a couple suggestions.

1. If you are doing freehand, consider an overall meander with a few focus designs scattered randomly. Choose a focus design that complements the quilt, and perhaps you can plan to stitch those in blocks that are relatively plain, so they show up.

2. if you are doing a pantograph, consider one that is larger scale since you want to get it done quickly. I think newbees should avoid all pantographs that have any symmetric shape like perfect circles, squarres, triangles, hearts, stars, etc. (use templates for those shapes). They are harder to do well. Instead, choose a design that is open, flows smoothly and hints at a design.

3. If you just need a little inspiration, try a stencil. There are several designers that have continuous line designs, just perfect for machine quilting. Choose a stencil with a design that complements the quilt, and is connected with a meander-like line.  I suggest using a pounce pad, and chalking a few repeats. Don't worry about following the lines exactly. Get creative, let the stencil be a suggestion, not a roadmap. After a few rows, you may not even need to pounce the stencil.

Good luck ! and Happy Quilting.

Pat Barry

Answer 2

It sounds like you want to use a pantograph on a mid or long-arm quilting machine.  I suggest an open, flowing pattern that does not require too much small arm movement.  There are lots of them available.  Some just seem to move you right along with them. Thank goodness!

Here are some tips for choosing your pattern:

1. Find a pattern the flows evenly and smoothly.

2. Avoid designs with hearts, circles or geometric patterns.  It’s difficult to make both sides match when you are going up one side and down the other.  You’ll have time for those designs when your arms are more practiced.

3. Avoid a lot of pronounced points.  It’s hard for a beginning quilter to pull back out of those points quickly enough to avoid knotting and breakage of threads.  And you DON’T want to take time for that!

3. Since you want speed, choose a pattern suited to the size of your machine.  Generally the largest your machine can handle will speed you through the quilting.  But, beware -while a 24” machine can handle a 15” pantograph, by the end of the quilt, when it’s all rolled up on the machine, you may not have enough maneuvering space for that big pattern.  So plan to lose a couple of inches when you’re doing a king-sized quilt.

4. Plan ahead for the last row.  You may have to successfully cut of a few inches of the design.  Some patterns are more adaptable.

5. Just because you’re a beginner doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with some simple pictorial patterns.  Flowers, animals, plants are all organic.  A few wobbles in your stitching line won’t hurt the effect a bit.  So give them a chance if they fit the character of your quilt.

 Have fun! We’ve all been there before you and are still loving it!  Judy