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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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!?

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: