Quilting Designs

Another solution is to quilt double lines (similar to what you might see in plaid fabric). Try it in a one-inch grid with a quarter-inch "shadow" line.

When thinking of marking tools, remember this rule: Test the marking tool on a scrap of the fabric from your quilt to make sure it will come out as you expect. Mark on the scrap then follow the manufacturer's directions for clearing away the mark. Some pens and markers are air soluble, while others require washing.

More Quilt Designs
Quilt evenly over the entire quilt. Check the batting directions for the recommended amount of quilting to avoid shrinkage, puckering or bagginess in your finished quilt. If you breeze through this the block but stumble on the sashing, try quilting in a traditional design to keep the quilting even.

Another key to quilting design can be found in the units of pieced blocks. For instance, if you're quilting a Saw Tooth Star design, you might mimic the Flying Geese element by quilting triangles designs into the block, or you might choose a simple square (mimicking the center unit of the block), or you could stitch the design that four Flying Geese would make if they were nestled together in a square.

Simply Quilts Quilting Tips:

• To avoid knots and breakage when hand quilting, never use a thread longer than 18 inches.
  
• If you're sending your quilt out to someone else for quilting, talk to them about your vision for the quilt. A little communication can go a long way toward meeting your expectations.