Choosing an Edge to Edge Design
Learning More...
View the Quilting Designs page for an overview of Edge to Edge and Block quilting designs.
The very best way to become skilled at choosing a quilting design is to view what others have done by attending quilt shows and/or joining quilting groups and assessing their quilts using these basic criteria.
When planning the quilting stage of your quilt, create a diagram of your quilt, then make photocopies and try out several patterns.
View the Quilting Designs page for an overview of Edge to Edge and Block quilting designs.
The very best way to become skilled at choosing a quilting design is to view what others have done by attending quilt shows and/or joining quilting groups and assessing their quilts using these basic criteria.
When planning the quilting stage of your quilt, create a diagram of your quilt, then make photocopies and try out several patterns.
Basic Criteria
There are four basic criteria to keep in mind while browsing through a design catalogue for a suitable edge to edge design:
There are four basic criteria to keep in mind while browsing through a design catalogue for a suitable edge to edge design:
Does it Compliment the quilt
Is the Density balanced
How much pattern Definition is desired
How much Drape is required
Compliment the Quilt
Choose a design that won't overwhelm or underwhelm the quilt.
Aim to compliment the quilt by considering the overall design, who it is meant for, and the ultimate use of the quilt.
Density Balance
Ensure that the density of your quilting design is balanced throughout the quilt, including the borders. Consider the back of the quilt.
Definition of the Quilt Pattern
Quilting shows up best on light, solid fabrics and with a higher loft batting.
Darker fabrics or fabrics with busy prints tend to hide the quilting pattern.
For some quilts the quilting pattern and its definition is secondary to the pieced design.
Choice of thread colour can make a big difference to the definition.
Drape
Drape describes the degree of stiffness of a quilt. The more densely quilted, the less drape and vice versa.
If you want the quilt to be comfortable, soft and warm, then a less dense pattern combined with a higher loft batting will produce the desired result.
If the quilt will be a wall hanging then some stiffness will assist hanging. A more dense pattern can be used, as the top's pattern and quilting design will be highlighted.
Choose a design that won't overwhelm or underwhelm the quilt.
Aim to compliment the quilt by considering the overall design, who it is meant for, and the ultimate use of the quilt.
Density Balance
Ensure that the density of your quilting design is balanced throughout the quilt, including the borders. Consider the back of the quilt.
Definition of the Quilt Pattern
Quilting shows up best on light, solid fabrics and with a higher loft batting.
Darker fabrics or fabrics with busy prints tend to hide the quilting pattern.
For some quilts the quilting pattern and its definition is secondary to the pieced design.
Choice of thread colour can make a big difference to the definition.
Drape
Drape describes the degree of stiffness of a quilt. The more densely quilted, the less drape and vice versa.
If you want the quilt to be comfortable, soft and warm, then a less dense pattern combined with a higher loft batting will produce the desired result.
If the quilt will be a wall hanging then some stiffness will assist hanging. A more dense pattern can be used, as the top's pattern and quilting design will be highlighted.
Detail of kaleidoscope quilt densely patterned for wall hanging
Click to view the Quilt.
Click to view the Quilt.
Less dense "Two Fold Feather" pattern by Lorien Quilting - Quilt by Jenny
Kaleidoscope quilt, highlighting the dense, well defined pattern in the light fabric and how it disappears into the busy border print and blocks.
- Quilting Design Overview
- Choosing a Design
- Pro-Stitcher
- Lorien Quilting
- Lisa Calle
- Patricia Ritter
- Jessica Shick
Quilting Designs
