Good Morning, Quilters!
Whether you are celebrating Advent or Hanukkah, candles are central to the holiday season. Today, we will learn to machine quilt a candle. This tutorial works whether you are stitching on a domestic sewing machine–like I do, or on a long arm. Candles are great border motifs, or stitch a single candle or several candles together in the center of the block.
Christians celebrate Advent-a quiet time of preparation and waiting. We light four candles on each Sunday of Advent. The candles represent the light coming into the world as we prepare for Christ’s birth. Read more at Loyola Press.
For Jews, Hanukkah is a celebration of the victorious Maccabean Revolt and the rededication of the Temple. During the celebration, the candles are lit on eight nights to represent the miracle that one days worth of oil lasted eight days. Read more at My Jewish Learning
HOW TO MACHINE QUILT A CANDLE
Begin by drawing two parallel lines. In the sample below, the lines are 3/4″ apart.
Begin stitching on the bottom of the candle. Stitch the left side of the candle, then stitch a small eye shape. Leave a small gap on the left side.
Curl in and stop at the center. Stitch a small straight line extending above the oval.
Add a flame shape and a smaller flame inside of the first one.
Stitch down into the oval and to the left side of the candle.
Add a wavy line of dripping wax.
Stitch the right side of the candle and add a curved line from right to left. Echo stitch the line.
Add another line from right to left and echo stitch back to the right lower side of the candle. Begin the next candle in the row..
Add candles to a wreath, Menorah, a birthday cupcake!
The only trick to machine quilting a candle is to begin with a drawn line or a ruler to keep the edges straight.
I can see this on any holiday or celebration quilt.
How will YOU use the Candle FMQ Tutorial?
We’d LOVE to hear!
Lori
You might also like How to Machine Quilt a Dreidel HERE
PS…If you like these motifs and tips, be sure to check out my book, Free Motion Machine Quilting 1-2-3 or any of my Craftsy Videos!
PPS…All tutorials, images 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. For all other purposes, please contact me at lckennedy@hotmail.com. Thanks!
