Four Secrets to Better Spirals
Good Morning, Quilters!
Thank you all for participating in the Open Line Friday discussion on Stabilizing…Be sure to read all the comments–it was very informative! Once again we have proven that 10,000 heads are better than one!
SPIRAL LOVE
I love Spirals! I’m pretty sure every quilt I’ve ever made includes some variation on Spirals.
However…Spirals can be challenging. Stitching one continuous line with even spacing is not easy.
My first ever blog tutorial was Four Steps to Perfect Spirals HERE
(I didn’t even stitch the steps back then!)
At the time-I recommended stitching the spiral with one continuous, fluid motion.
A NEW WAY TO STITCH SPIRALS
Begin by drawing two parallel lines.
Start quilting in between the two drawn lines.
Curve around, brushing the top line and stop in the center (between the two drawn lines–next to your starting point)
Secret ONE
In order to have room for the second half of the spiral, you must leave a large gap above the bottom line.
Secret TWO
It is possible to stitch a spiral with a stopping point.
Why is a stopping point so important?
Stopping points allow you time to adjust your hands or adjust your quilt….or time to just think–about where you are going next and what the spacing should be.
Continue the Spiral:
After pausing, reverse direction. Stitch down and around, brushing the bottom drawn line.
A COMPLETE SPIRAL
Stop on the right side of the spiral between the two drawn lines.
Secret THREE- The beginning point, middle stopping point and the ending of each spiral all line up in between the two drawn lines.
Add another Spiral…
Secret FOUR
Add scallops above and below the row of Spirals to create large Spirals.
Be sure to maintain the same spacing that was in the Spiral–otherwise it will look like an echo-stitched Spiral–a subtle difference….
Of course, there IS one more secret to Spirals…
I know YOU can guess?!?
DOODLE FIRST!
For more machine quilting motifs and tips, try one of my Craftsy classes at 50% off–Limited time only, so hurry!
Now that YOU know The Secrets to Spirals are you ready to give it a twirl???
Happy Swirls and Twirls!
Lori
PS…All tutorials, image and information are the property of Lori Kennedy at The Inbox Jaunt and are intended for personal use only. Feel free to re-blog, pin or share with attribution to The Inbox Jaunt.
Great tips, Lori! Can’t wait to try them out. Whenever I think I’m FMQ-challenged, you post something to encourage me and give me confidence. You’re the best!!
Awesome! The secret about lining up the three stopping points and expanding the spirals with scallops are so helpful for me. Thank you.
What a great way to describe it Lori! I was trying to describe it to some students yesterday and it was hard to put into words.
So glad!
Nice explanation