Decorative Stitches for Modern Quilting Pt. 2

*As I am trying to update this new blog of mine, I'm bringing some content I wrote previously on the Art Gallery Fabrics' blog. This post was written on May 1st, 2012.

Hey everybody!

In the 1st installment I've talked about how straight lines or geometric quilting create more impact and how that can be complemented with thread color as well. I also showed you how to do this block step by step here.

In this installment I'll show about different decorative stitches and how the stitch can portray a certain style. By altering the combinations between stitch and color you can create infinite moods with the same elements. In the following blocks I will demonstrate exactly what I mean:

The first of our decorative stitches is what I call the Triple X-Cross Hemstitch. This could be an easy transition for the craftier quilter going into the modern quilting trend. The pattern of the stitch adds an element of the “homemade” style while the freshness of the fabric colors highlights the contemporary elements in this block. If you like this crafty, heavy stitching look, this one is for you!

This is what the finished block looks like...

The second block displays a Rick-Rack Stitch. In fact, this is a triple zig-zag stitch. It is the solid example of how a simple change in the density of the stitch can make the quilting motif more special and interesting. When combined with uncommon color groups, the stitch adds to create a more cultural block.

Here is how the block looks when finished...

The third stitch is the Tribal Hemstitch (shown below) merges modernity in the geometric stitch and in the background it works with a classic yet refreshing palette. Its tribal-looking quilting motif brings in an ethnic air that makes this block an eclectic one; catering to many different styles. If your machine has this stitch, go for it because it's really fun!

Ohhh look at how nice it is coming out....

And this is the final result...

On this fourth block you can see a Ladder Stitch. This intricate yet geometrically simple stitch is very modern. Its straight and enclosed angles provide a depth within the block; almost providing a 3D effect that earns this block an award for “The Most Modern”.

This is the finished block...

The final stitch is the Single-Diamond Overcast Stitch. This stitch provides subtlety against the greens and blues chosen for this block, and it offers a soft approach toward the modern world of quilting. It’s a simple transition that will go a long way.

I love the look of this block...

These are the first set of examples of how a change of stitch can unwrap an infinity of styles, and create a greater impact when used instead of the regular straight stitch. If you have all these stitches in your sewing machine, it's time to put them to good use... don't you think?

I love this kind of tutorials and I hope you like them too!! If you have any questions or comments, please let me know, I love to read your comments :)

Stay tuned for the final set of examples and I'll teach you a trick on how to hide the threads that remain when you are quilting blocks individually.
  
XO,
Pat

Using Decorative Stitches in Modern Quilting - part 1

*As I am trying to update this new blog of mine, I'm bringing some content I wrote previously on the Art Gallery Fabrics' blog. This post was written on March 27th, 2012.
 
Modern quilting is a growing trend and as more and more blogs begin to feature this style we see that many favor the straight line for quilting motives. Because solids are used alone or in combination with prints, quilting thread colors and quilting motives take a new and central stage in the look of the finished quilt.

Do you have decorative stitches built in on your machine?

Have you ever thought that if you choose a geometric quilting motif as a design for your finished quilt, these forgotten "I don't know what I can use them for..." stitches can give your quilt a terrific and oh... so different look? Why only use our first choice, the all time known straight stitch? Another reason to use geometric quilting motives is that is much easier to handle under a home sewing machine, so no necessity to send it to the long arm quilter and you can practice yourself!!

In these tutorial series I want to show you how different decorative stitches not only break free of the norm but can also add a high contrast visual appeal to your blocks.


For demonstration purposes, I'll work with blocks instead of a finished top. This idea can work great with any quilt as you go project. All blocks will be created with my Pure Elements Solids to maintain a modern look but showcase how much impact one stitch can make. I also used white thread on all blocks, so there is a consistency and you can look at the stitch itself. You'll use the color of your choice, of course :)

In order to get a very straight line, you will have to do some some markings:

• Using a washable fabric market, draw the motif you would like to quilt. In this case, I've done a 16 patch grid as an example.

For the first block, I want to show you a stitch that is used for fabrics that have spandex in its composition: the TRIPLE STRAIGHT STITCH. It's a fairly simple, but will have the simplicity of a straight stitch combined with the boldness of 3 threads in each stitch.

• Choose this stitch in your sewing machine and start stitching following the lines of the grid (please note that each sewing machine brand and model may have the stitch in a different location on the menu).
• Stitch very slowly (because this is not the usual straight stitch and the needle will move to the left and the right or back and forth depending on the stitch).  

Here I am almost finishing with the stitching :)
The straight line or geometric quilting has more impact when solids or open prints and contrasting color threads are used.

This is how the finished block will look at the end.

I'm sure you are asking: "why do I have to leave that long thread tails?" If you plan to do a quilting motif that doesn't cross over between blocks, you need to hide the threads. Be sure you leave a long thread tail before start each quilting line and when you are about to cut the thread. At the end of this tutorial we'll show you a trick on how to hide all threads.

The finished block ironed (lightly from the back for demostation purposes).

 Here is a close-up view of the stitching. Cool, right?

In the next installment of this tutorial, I'll show you 5 new decorative stitches that can transform the look of your quilt.

Hope you enjoyed it! If you ever quilted this way, let me know how you liked it and what stitch you used!

XO,

Pat