Quilting Dots and Dashes Table Runner

Today’s Topic:  Quilting Dots and Dashes Tablerunner

Welcome to Week Twenty Five of The Better Machine Quilt-a-long based on my book 25 Days to Better Machine Quilting.

Find all of the previous Lessons HERE.

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Good Morning, Quilters!

Today we are finishing up the Dots and Dashes table runner. It is the project from Lesson 23 on Design Tips.  Tomorrow, we will begin the final lesson on Custom Quilting. (page 120 of 25 Days to Better Machine Quilting).

Become a Better Machine Quilter in One Hour!

I’m running a little behind because I’ve been working on a virtual trunk show for The Road to California 2021. This year it is called The Road to Home and I will be presenting Easy Machine Quilting on Saturday, January 23 at 10 am PST. (12 CST).  We will be discussing the Four Essential Quilting skills–breaking machine quilting into smaller, easier to learn components.  And of course there will be LOTS of photos!  I would love to have YOU join me!

Road to California/Road at Home

Easy Machine Quilting-Lori Kennedy 

(IMPORTANT NOTE-You must create an account before you can sign up for classes.)

Design the Table Runner

Last week, we created the basic framework for our quilt.

First, we layered a long quilt sandwich and marked the outlines.

Then we used machine guided quilting technique (feed dogs engaged, walking foot) and matching thread to stitch the framework.

See more HERE-The Circles and Spirals Machine Quilt-a-Long

Now the fun begins–plugging in the free motion motifs!

Quilt Design

For this quilt, I chose circles as my theme and picked a  few related motifs:  Circles (Dots and Dashes)  Spirals (Silly Spirals) and The Twist.

By repeating and varying these motifs in different sizes and with different thread-the design is unified and not complicated.

Center Stripe

Use the vinyl overlay to play with the size and spacing of the central element–the Silly Spiral. 

Once you are happy with the spacing, use that measurement to place small, chalk tick marks on the quilt as a guide for quilting. This is much easier than drawing each spiral, while keeping the spacing even.

We want the Silly Spirals to be a focus motif, so choose a heavy weight thread in a contrasting color.  

Stitch the center element.

The Twist Motif

Next to the center, are two 1-1/2 inch borders.  The Twist works well in this space as the motif can be more densely quilted and therefore provides good contrast with the Silly Spirals.  Free motion quilt the Twist using a thread that matches the fabric –for even more contrast with the center element.  (I used a variegated thread for a little more interest.)

Dots and Dashes Border

For the Dots and Dashes border, I played with a variety of spacing, but decided on 1-1/2 inch apart.

Use chalk to mark the lines.  Mark both sides at the same time with a long ruler.

With contrasting thread, free motion quilt the Dots and Dashes, one side at a time.  Travel along the center line and in the side margins to connect the rows.

See Traveling, Lesson 20 page 100 of 25 Days to Better Machine Quilting)

(NOTE-This step can be stitched after completing the central spirals-if using the same thread for both areas.)

The End Caps

Free motion quilt the outlines of the large circles.

Then fill in the spaces with densely quilted, long Twist motifs.  Use contrasting thread or matching thread.

Trim and Bind!

That’s it!

You have a beautiful quilt….

All you need is a new bouquet!

Your Table Runners

What about YOU?

Have YOU started YOUR table runner?

What color did YOU choose?

What thread and batting?

Does YOUR kitchen need a fresh new look?

We’d LOVE to hear!

Your dotty quilter,

Loopy Lori

 

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 LKQ.  For all other purposes, please contact me at Lori@LoriKennedyQuilts.com.  Thank you!

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