Good Morning, Quilters!
Thank you again for helping us celebrate the birth of our grandson, Henry. There is nothing like being a Grandmother! (Though I’m having a hard time thinking of myself as a grandmother…)
Today I have a simple motif for you…if you keep it small (less than two inches)–it’s an EASY motif. As the motif gets larger, it adds to the challenge level as it can be difficult to stitch long straight lines on a domestic sewing machine. I recommend keeping this motif less than five inches wide.
Begin by drawing two parallel lines. In the sample below, the lines are 1-1/2 inch apart.
In this sample, the lines are four inches apart.
Next, use a ruler and chalk to mark angled lines.
It is not necessary to make true triangles or to keep all of the angles the same. It is more interesting if the “triangles” aren’t really triangles.
Begin stitching on one of the parallel lines. Stitch parallel lines back and forth to fill the space.
Then turn the corner and stitch parallel to the first drawn line.
Using the darning foot as your guide. Try to keep it the same distance away from each line.
At each corner, stitch over a few stitches and begin the next “triangle”–always stitching parallel to your drawn lines.
This is a great pattern to help you develop your eye for spacing. Keep your eye on the distance between the presser foot and the previous line of stitching–the lines don’t need to be perfect–we want a hand made (not computer stitched) quilt!
If your border is wider than you can handle comfortably…stitch multiple rows of the pattern and add a little something between the rows rather than enlarging beyond five or six inches. (Any curvy motif like spirals or leaves or flowers would look nice here--See all the motifs HERE).
REMEMBER–Whenever you encounter a motif that is difficult to stitch on your domestic sewing machine, try a “work around”.
Often the new pattern is even better than the planned motif and no one will be the wiser that you really wanted to stitch an eight inch border with this motif!
As Tim Gunn would say “Make it Work, People!”
Make sure to drop by tomorrow to see this motif “in action”.–It might surprise you!
Happy Stitches!
Lori
NOTE-This tutorial was stitched on my BERNINA 770QE with it’s bright light and huge bobbin…using Aurifil cotton thread in the bobbin and Sulky 40wt Rayon on top–love that sheen–and the two threads lockstitch beautifully!
PS…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!
