Top 3 Things to Consider when Choosing a Quilt Design

​    You’ve spent hours picking out fabrics to go with that new quilt pattern. Then you measured, cut, pieced, and sewed it all into a lovely display of shapes and colors. Now your quilt top is finished! You stand back to look at it, awing at the fact, you made this!

    Then you hear the quilty voice in your head reminding you,“It’s not a quilt until it’s been quilted.”

    Ok. It’s off to the longarmer. You are NOT leaving this one to sit in the UFO pile. But how do you decide what to quilt?!

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That’s the question many quilters get stuck on and the reason for so many unfinished projects in the closet. Today, let’s tackle some of the top 3 things to consider when choosing a quilting design.

 
1. Match the quilting design with the pieced pattern.

There are many styles of quilting. When trying to pick a quilting design, one thing to keep in mind is the style of quilt you have. Determining this can usually help clue you into the ideal finishing design. For example, a modernly pieced quilt with solid colors and bold shapes is usually complimented with equally sharp lines and angled stitching. While a period civil war era quilt would benefit from the feathers and motifs reminiscent of hand stitching from the past.

​Some quilts have a theme that you can take a hint from. Pairing a Quilt of Valor with stitched out stars, flags, or other patriotic symbols, is a great way to create a beautiful overall look.



​Another helpful tip is to look at the fabrics within the quilt. Are there flowers or animals in the print? Maybe you would like to include that in the quilting design as well. Shapes and lines from the piecing and print look great when mimicked throughout the stitching of the quilt.

This simple jelly roll quilt with an orange peel design is well loved and used daily.

2. What or who is the quilt intended for?

Many professional longarm quilters will tell you that there is more purpose to their quilting than just the design. After all, without the final quilting, your quilt will not hold together. You need something to keep that top, batting, and backing together and that is a longarmer’s main task!
 
If your quilt is going to get a ton of use, which I hope it does, you are going to want it to last. Choosing a design pattern that will crossover those seams and points will really help stabilize and secure them from coming loose. You’ll also want your quilt to be cuddly and soft. While batting plays a big roll in this, quilting density does too. A quilt that has a ton of tight stitching can really have an effect. You’re essentially quilting all the air out of the quilt which not only decreases the level of warmth a quilt provides but you also risk getting that over quilted or stand on it’s own look.

Truth be told though; I love a densely quilted quilt. Especially, with a more modernly pieced style. The good news is, there is a way to create balance between design and utility. 

​One solution is to use a lighter weight thread such as Wonderfil’s 80 wt DecoBob or 100 wt Invisafil. 

This modern pieced pattern from Eudaimonia Studio is quilted with pantograph design called, Arris. Texture and shadow is created by using 80 wt DecoBob thread in Dove Grey while the overall quilt maintains a lovely soft drape.

​These are two of my favorite threads when quilting. They provide the texture and appearance I desire while still allowing that flow and drape that helps a quilt to remain cuddle soft. Working with your longarmer to find the right batting, thread, and quilting density for your quilt is the best way to be sure you are happy with the end results.

Wonderfil 80 wt Decobob and 100 wt Invisafil come in a variety of colors

3. What do you want to highlight?

It’s often been said that the quilting can either make or break a quilt. This is why it takes many of us quilters so long to decide what to do for that final design aspect. It’s an important decision.

If you’ve worked hard on getting every point to match up or paper pieced beautiful and unique blocks, the last thing you want to do is have it over shadowed by a quilting pantograph. The same can be said for applique and embroidery work. It needs to draw attention - not get lost in the background. In this case, custom quilting with techniques that echo your blocked shapes, enhance the borders, and compliments but doesn’t cover up, might be a good choice.

​There are definitely edge to edge designs that can achieve the same effect. Look for designs that match your blocks sizing and have a less busy pattern. 

In the opposite scenario, sometimes a quilt top needs something more. It may be too open and have a lot of negative space or you just may not be completely satisfied with the overall look. I tell my clients all the time, you will be amazed at what the longarm can do for your quilt. With a well-placed edge to edge pattern- shapes, colors, and prints can really be brought all together in a wonderful effect.

​Thread color and weight can play a huge role in creating depth, texture, and shadow as well. Again, your longarmer can help you determine between those choices. 

This Half Square Triangle quilt needed something "more" before quilting.

The quilt design helps blend and draw your eye to the overall quilt rather than the chunky solid shapes.

Finally, you are the designer! ​

This is your quilt and your style and preferences should take precedence. You want to love and enjoy this quilt so whatever you choose to have stitched out should be something you will feel good about.

There is also something to be said for breaking the mold and letting creativity guide you. That’s how trends get started. Don’t be afraid to try something new! Remember, a finished quilt is better than not so pick a final design and get that quilt done!

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Ready to get your quilt finished?

Looking for a Longarmer? Simple Wild Roots quilting studio works with quilters throughout Zanesville, Ohio, and the U.S. with drop-off or mail in services. Browse designs and pantographs. Then fill out a request for service form to get your quilt scheduled today!
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Request Service & Finish my Quilt!

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