How to Quilt Roman Columns

September 10, 2019
How to Quilt Roman Columns
Buongiorno, Quilters!

Inspired by my recent vacation, today we will learn How to Quilt Roman Columns.

But first…did you know there’s a difference between Greek and Roman Columns?  Greek columns are structural, whereas Roman columns are decorative.

There are four styles of ancient columns:  Doric, Ionic, Corinthian and Tuscan. Read more HERE 

Doric columns are stout and plain

Ionic columns have scrolls

Corinthian columns are decorated with leaves and flowers.

And Tuscan columns were not grooved and were not decorated

My quilted columns are Ionic columns–purely decorative!

How to Quilt Roman Columns

Begin by drawing two parallel lines.  In the sample below, the lines are 3 inches apart.

Begin stitching just above the lower line.  Stitch a line perpendicular to the drawn lines.  Stitch a rounded tip and stitch back down.

 

Column motif, step one

Repeat this shape two times, curving at the bottom as well.  Add a line on the right side and stop just above the column of stitches.

 

column motif, step 2, Lori Kennedy Quilts

Add a concave line, ending on the left side of the column.

How to quilt a Roman Column

Closely stitch the curved line from left to right and again from right to left, adding a spiral on the left side.

Stitch out of the spiral, then stitch over the top of the column to add a spiral on the right side.

How to quilt Roman columns, steps

Next, echo stitch out of the spiral and down the right side of the column.

How to quilt Roman Columns, photos and steps

Stitch under the column and add a spiral.

Echo stitch the lower part of the column and add a spiral on the right side.

Add a few curved lines to complete the column and travel to begin the next motif in the border.

columns motif

If you would like to stack columns, when you stitch the right spiral, echo stitch to the top of the spiral.

columns, background fill

Echo stitch the top of the column and begin the next motif on top of the previous column.

Column motif, Lori Kennedy Quilts
How to Quilt Roman Columns as a Background Fill

To fill in a large, negative space, closely space rows of stacked columns.  Offset the scrolls so the motifs fill the space.

How to Quilt Roman Columns, Lori Kennedy
Doodle First!

I don’t mean to nag….

While you are doodling, try to create your own version of the Roman columns–perhaps Corinthian style with flowers and leaves!?

Doodle and Stitch Roman Columns
You might also like:

The Greek Key and The Easy Greek Key

What about YOU?

Has travel inspired the way YOU quilt?

Does architecture inspire YOUR designs?

How will YOU use the Roman Columns motif?

We’d LOVE to hear!

PS…All tutorials, images and information are the property of Lori Kennedy quilts and are intended for personal use only.  Feel free to re-blog, pin or share with attribution to Lori Kennedy Quilts.  For all other purposes, please contact me at Lori@LoriKennedyQuilts.com.  Thanks!

For more step-by-step tutorials and skill building exercises, check out my books:

MORE Free Motion Machine Quilting 1-2-3!

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12 comments

  • Suzanne

    Oh boy, this takes me back over 50 years when we learned about these ancient column styles in my high school art class. Isn’t it fun how we can find quilting design inspiration all around us – everywhere! All we need to do is open our eyes and look.
    LOVE your columns motif!

  • Cindy Bauer

    I’m working on a Halloween Runner. Can not pull up ‘Seven Spooky Motifs’. Have you taken it down?

  • Marvelous!

  • Barbara Schumacher

    I’ve been following you on this web site for some time. You have really inspired me to do more free motion. I got to see you at the Wisconsin Quilting Expo last week and really enjoyed your talk. To Bad you didn’t bring any luck to the Bears last Thursday. You were brave to wear orange and blue in Wisc.

  • Sandra Taylor

    Beautiful!!! Thank you Lori!!!!!!

  • cyndy ponczek

    You are such an inspiration! My quilting teacher told me about you awhile ago and just now checking you out! Love your stuff!

  • I like, now I’m going to have to find, to think of how or what I can use it on. Thank you!

Comments are closed.

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