Tuesday Tutorial-The Greek Key

February 26, 2013
Greek Key Free Motion Quilting Tutorial

Greek Key Free Motion Quilting Tutorial

Today is Tuesday –and you know what that means…we are free-motion quilting!  I have a classic design for you today–The Greek Key.  But first, you have to learn a little ditty… actually it’s more like a cheer...Let’s hear it–

UP, right, DOWN, right, UP…

say it louder:  UP, right, DOWN, right, UP!

I can’t hear you ….

     UP, right, DOWN, right, UP!

(much better, thank you!)

In order to have any chance of stitching this design consistently, you must say that out loud several times before you get started….Greek Key Free Motion Quilting Tutorial

I think of this pattern as having three parts:

1.  The Box-not completely square– as the bottom line of the box does not make it to the bottom rail…

2.  The “Cheer” –UP, right, DOWN, right, UP

3.  The Escape–stitch yourself back out of the box

Greek Key Free Motion Quilting Tutorial

First draw two guidelines or “rails”–(mine are 3/4 inch apart)

Now, let’s stitch THE BOX:  Start on the bottom rail, stitch straight up to the top rail—stitch across the top rail—stitch straight down, but don’t go as far as the bottom rail—then stitch across, but don’t close the box… STOP  here…

Pause where you are (with your needle down, of course) and repeat our cheer before proceeding…UP, right, DOWN, right, UP…Greek Key Free Motion Quilting Tutorial

Now for THE CHEER…

Look at the photo below… Do you see it?  UP, right, DOWN, right, UP…

Now stitch it…UP,  a few stitches to the right, DOWN,  a few stitches to right, UP….

Stop here (with your needle down)…and we’ll look at The Escape

Greek Key Free Motion Quilting Tutorial

THE ESCAPE:    Just follow “the path” out of the box..That’s it!  You are ready to begin again.   Opa!!

Greek Key Free Motion Quilting Tutorial

As you can see, this pattern deserves its place in art and architecture…and now…

Greek Key Free Motion Quilting Tutorial

…in YOUR quilts!

Greek Key Free Motion Quilting Tutorial

Next Tuesday, we’ll be stitching the “Lovely Open Leaves”  that pair beautifully with the Greek Key...

and tomorrow is Work In Progress WednesdayA Pincushion Tutorialbe there or be square!

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