New quilters often get frustrated when trying to select a quilting technique.

Let’s face it, quilt block patterns are very specific.  You know exactly how many squares to cut, how many triangles to stitch together and the exact size of everything.  However, once the top is pieced many new quilters feel left out in the dark as far as how to quilt their project.

That’s because the actual quilting of your project is based on personal preference.  And, many books and patterns offer no help.  Have you ever noticed that they say “Quilt as desired.”  How much help is that?

Time and Tide Quilt

Many beginners quilt their first quilt using a “stitch in the ditch” or “outline” method. This style is simple in that you just sew your quilting stitches in, or next to, the seams of your pieced blocks.

If you have made an appliqué quilt, your stitches can outline the appliqué pieces on your quilt.  While this is an easy method for hand quilting, it is much more difficult when you are machine quilting.

There are other styles of machine quilting that are easier and will make your finished quilt look beautiful.

Because sewing straight lines, especially across the seams of your quilt blocks, can be difficult for beginning machine quilters, free motion or continuous line quilting may be a more satisfying technique as you perfect your machine quilting.

If you are using your home sewing machine, simply drop the feed dogs on your machine, replace your regular presser foot with a darning foot, and stitch somewhat random designs on your quilt.  These can be squiggly designs that look like jigsaw puzzle pieces. Or you can create more identifiable designs like leaves, ocean waves or flowers.

With a little practice and a few special techniques, your machine quilting will enhance your finished quilt.  And you will finish your quilts in a shorter time frame – allowing you to make more quilts for your family and friends to enjoy!

To discover a few other finishing techniques, visit:

http://www.how-to-quilt.com/articles/2310-quilting-techniques.php

Happy Quilting!

Penny