Quilting Dot-To-Dot by Cheryl Barnes
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
01-16-dot 9/13/06 8:27 AM Page 3 Contents Introduction. 4 Chapter 1: Quilting Dot–to–Dot Machine Quilting Dot–to–Dot . 5 Free-Motion Popularity. 6 Chapter 2: Building Blocks Choosing Designs . 7 Resizing Patterns. 9 Marking Patterns. 10 Chapter 3: Stepping Stones Steps to Free-Motion Success. 11 Stepping Stones Practice Sets . 12 Using the Practice Sets. 14 Exploring Pattern Choices . 15 Chapter 4: Machine Quilting Allover Designs Pantographs/Edge–to–Edge Quilting. 16 Quilting on a Quilting Frame . 17 Chapter 5 Borders, Corners & Sashing Sets . 18 Blocks: Squares, Circles & Frames. 32 Special Occasions: Juvenile & Holiday. 44 Companion Sets: Matching Elements. 59 Allover Designs: Edge-to-Edge Pantographs. 86 Multi–Line & Bonus Patterns . 97 Spotlight on Quilting Class Ideas & Special Events . 110 About the Author . 111 Cheryl Barnes ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Quilting Dot•to•Dot 3 01-16-dot 9/13/06 8:27 AM Page 5 Chapter1:Quilting Dot-to-Dot Machine Quilting Dot-to-Dot The Quilting Dot-to-Dot technique is an easy to understand method of learning and/or teaching machine quilting that guides quilters through a series of step- ping stones towards free-motion quilting confidence. This quilting technique works on the same principle of the Dot-to-Dot coloring books enjoyed by children and adults alike. In the example below, it is not necessary that you know how to draw a turtle—you just need to get from one dot to the next in the right order to create your masterpiece. 2 3 1 44 4 47 45 26 34 43 46 16 5 17 25 27 13 15 8 33 35 9 6 42 7 A new way to quilt shapes by following the dots 18 12 10 41 11 14 32 Dot-to-Dot 28 36 19 24 40 ❍ Dots divide the stitching path into the basic shapes which 21 29 20 30 31 37 39 can be practiced and stitched as quilting patterns, improving 22 your machine quilting. 23 38 Old-fashioned children’s book version of drawing ❍ Dots help identify recurring shapes and design elements Machine Quilting Dot-to-Dot works on the same principle. It divides quilting pat- when selecting and auditioning coordinating patterns. terns into small sections of stitching, identifies recurring shapes in the pattern, and ❍ allows the quilter to focus on stitching just one part of the design at a time. Dots remain consistent on patterns of all sizes or when the basic shapes flow in different directions along the stitching path. Notice the stitching paths between the dots are either straight lines or curved lines ❍ of varying arcs that flow in different directions. These are the basic shapes that can Dots create a focus point for your eyes to move towards, be practiced using my Stepping Stones to success (chapter 3, page 11), helping you and a target for your needle to reach as you are stitching. to learn at your own pace and become confident with free-motion quilting. ❍ Dots can serve as a place to stop, rest, breathe, stretch, Eventually your eye will be trained to automatically break quilting patterns into change direction, adjust the placement of your hands, sections and recognize the basic shapes that make up your chosen pattern. You will and check your progress. gain confidence the more you use this technique, and dividing any quilting pattern into stitchable shapes will become second nature. Cheryl Barnes ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Quilting Dot•to•Dot 5 01-16-dot 9/13/06 8:27 AM Page 6 Quilting Dot-to-Dot Free-Motion Popularity The popularity of free-motion quilting has grown to new heights, resulting in tech- niques, products, and equipment all focused on making quilting the quilt easier Building Blocks for every quilter to accomplish. The unique effects that can be created with plan- ❍ ning and auditioning—everything from thread, batting, and quilting designs— Choosing Designs . have increased the level of recognition of quilting to an admired area of artistic Selecting, sizing, and placing the quilting patterns expression, and not just an afterthought to quickly finish the project. ❍ Marking Patterns . Redefining Free-Motion Quilting Transferring the quilting pattern to the fabric The definition of free-motion quilting has expanded in part because of the grow- ❍ ing selection of sewing machines, home quilting frames, shortarm, and longarm Free-Motion Quilting . machines. All require the quilter to use free-motion quilting techniques. Free- Quilting the stitching path of the chosen pattern motion quilting is now defined in two ways: The typical quilter has a “stash” of quilt tops painstakingly pieced, 1. Quilting stitched by moving the fabric freely in all directions under the lovingly admired, then gently folded up and stored away. It’s time needle of any size or type of sewing machine to unfold those quilt tops, select the perfect quilting design, and 2. Quilting stitched by freely moving the machine over the surface of the quilt them into finished quilts. Let Quilting Dot-to-Dot: Patterns for fabric by means of any home frame or professional quilting system Today’s Machine Quilter be your guide to releasing your personal style of creative free-motion quilting. Identifying the Building Blocks of Quilting The three building blocks of machine quilting represent the steps that should be Quilting Dot-to-Dot is for everyone who ever thought, “I’m afraid considered as you plan, stitch, and transform your quilt top to a completed quilt. to try machine quilting . I can’t stay on the line,” or “I’m a new The building blocks remain the same for all free-motion quilters no matter what quilter and I can’t even stipple!” type of machine, frame, or system you are quilting with. 6 Cheryl Barnes ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Quilting Dot•to•Dot 01-16-dot 9/13/06 8:27 AM Page 7 Chapter2:Building Blocks Choosing Designs By the time a quilt top is completed you have invested time choosing the pattern and auditioning a variety of fabrics, making sure the combination of colors, lights, darks, solids, or prints is just right. This planning time insures you will be pleased with your quilt top when it is finished. The next step in the quilting process is to invest time studying your quilt top and exploring your quilting pattern options. Find a convenient place to hang the completed top or spread it out on a flat sur- face where you can look at it from different angles over a period of several days. Selecting quilting patterns and their placement on the quilt top can become a fun and exciting creative outlet when you see the end results and enjoy the process. Identify Shapes and Sizes Begin by identifying the traditional areas to be quilted. Include blocks, borders, sashings, and setting squares/triangles. Trace these areas onto see-through trac- ing paper or Golden Threads Quilting Paper (see page 110), and pin on the quilt top. Look for unusual shapes and patterns that will fill the outlined area. Create new areas by adding two or more small sections together or dividing a large one Often the same quilt top offers the choice of traditional or irregular-shaped areas. Can you see any more options? Can a large area be divided into smaller sections? into smaller spaces. For quilting pattern ideas, start by collecting clues from the quilt top and the finished quilt. Tips from the Top • Is the piecing pattern traditional/contemporary or geometric? • Does the fabric have a theme or is it seasonal, juvenile, or elegant? • Will the quilting be the focus or add background texture/movement? • Is it a scrap quilt, art quilt, heirloom, folk art, or historic quilt? • Was the top made following the rules for a contest or challenge? Consider the Finished Quilt • Is the quilt a gift and, if so, what are the recipient’s interests? • Was the top made for a birthday, anniversary, or other occasion? • Will it be used as a wallhanging, bed quilt, or baby quilt? • What thickness and type of batting will be used? The small and large block choices are easy to visualize. Consider placing designs to highlight the diagonal layout of the pieced blocks. • Is there a deadline for finishing the quilt or time for extra quilting? Cheryl Barnes ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Quilting Dot•to•Dot 7 01-16-dot 9/13/06 8:27 AM Page 8 Chapter 2: Building Blocks • How much machine quilting experience do you have? Now that you have collected clues from your quilt top, have fun and flip through the following pages marking the patterns you wish to audition. Audi- tioning a pattern is as simple as copying it on Golden Threads Quilting Paper and pinning it over the area where it will be quilted. It is best to audition a vari- ety of patterns before making your final decision. Below is a list of questions to ask about each of your design choices before you begin quilting: • Is the pattern sized properly for the area to be quilted? • Will the pattern(s) evenly distribute the quilting over the quilt top? • Can one pattern be repeated in different areas or be divided to create smaller patterns adding design consistency? • Do the designs complement the quilt top, adding visual interest and/or contrast? • Can secondary patterns be created by placing repeats of the same block or bor- der patterns next to each other? The two thin borders can be quilted separately or as one wide border. Notice the interesting options for block shapes and/or repeating shapes into one of the borders. The patterns in this book have been marked with colored icons that can help you select patterns that coordinate the theme, category, or style of your quilt top.