QUILT DESIGN

Quilting Patterns

Edge to Edge Patterns

Edge to Edge designs are designed to be continuous, all-over quilting designs.

This type of machine quilting involves rows of quilting worked from one side's edge of the quilt across to the opposite side edge, with a repeat of that row through the quilt. Patterns are designed so that rows are nested, resulting in an even spread over the quilt.

When recommending designs for clients I like to select patterns that will enhance their quilt's design and not overpower it with dense quilting.

Digitised

The designs are digitised and sized to suit each quilt and stitched-out using a computerised system, providing an endless variety of patterns.

Density can be adjusted if required.

Inside Borders

Edge to Edge patterns can also be used inside the quilt's borders, stitched from inside the border edge to border edge. The border is then quilted separately using a complimentary pattern.

Affordable

Edge to Edge quilting is affordable and sure to be within your budget.

If your finished quilt is to be a wedding, anniversary or birthday gift, every effort will be made to finish it in time.

Featherise Pattern by Lorien Quilting on Quilt for Debbie

Lorien's "Featherise" Pattern on Charm Pack quilt made by Irene for Debbie
Long Arm Quilting by Irene

Block and Motif Designs

Block and Motif designs are typically used in Custom Quilting where a suite of individual but complimentary designs are quilted onto each pieced block, in and around blocks, around appliqué and embellishments, and on borders.

Blocks are typically mixed and matched, with stippling filling in the white spaces.

Borders can include a corner block with a complimentary border design in between the corners or be a continuus frame around the border.

Block and motif designs feature flowers, insects, feathers and seasonal motifs as well as geometric patterns and textures. Geometric designs and the popular architectural designs look great on modern quilts.

The recommended websites below have block catalogues with thousands to choose from. They are categorised by type and style to make it easier to choose.

It is best to discuss the use of blocks with Irene to ensure you get the best results.

Custom Quilting

Appliqued Heart quilt showing
custom quilting techniques

The applique has been stitched and echo quilted to give the applique prominence.
The area inside the heart is freehand stitched using rulers. The outside area is freehand quilted using Irene's design.
The quilting is dense, so as to highlight the quilting on the large, unpieced areas of the quilt.
Quilt by Jennifer, Custom Quilting by Irene.

Choosing a Pattern

There are four main criteria to keep in mind when selecting suitable quilting patterns:

Complement

Choose a pattern 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

Ensure that the density of your quilting pattern is balanced throughout the quilt, including the borders. Consider the back of the quilt.

A more dense pattern can be used as the top's pattern. The quilting design will then be highlighted.

Definition

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 many 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 with a higher loft batting will produce the desired result.

If the quilt will be a wall hanging then some stiffness will assist hanging.

Detail of Irene's Kaleidoscope quilt densely patterned for wall hanging
Click/Tap the image to view the quilt

This bed quilt by Libby Wilson shows Lorien's "Featherise" pattern
which is less dense and balances with the patchwork design.
Click/Tap the image to view the quilt

Learning More About Quilt Patterns

The best way to become skilled at choosing quilting patterns is to view what others have done by attending quilt shows and joining a quilting group and assessing the groups' quilts in a supportive and constructive envIronment.

Many pattern decisions are based on the feel or impression of the quilt. Who the quilt is for, how and where it will be used will affect the pattern choice. The pattern could be a symbol of a personal relationship, such as hearts, flowers, water effects, wind, a child's favourite design or reflect a seasonal change.

When planning the quilting stage of your quilt, one approach is to make photocopies and overlay the patterns on the quilt. If you like a pattern but would like it more or less dense, it can be adjusted when digitised to suit your quilt.

Recommended Pattern Catalogues

The Intelligent Quilting site includes many well known designers. The site is well set out, allowing selection of patterns using multiple filters. Start your search from the Pattern Styles menu.

Please note: If you require an edge to edge pattern that Irene doesn't have in her catalogue, she will purchase and download the pattern in a format suitable for her quilting machine.

Block and motif designs will be charged at the cost shown on the respective websites, as they are rarely re-used for other clients.

Irene's Pattern Catalogue

Links to Recommended Pattern Catalogues