Tutorial Tuesday–The Egg-and-Dart Border

June 25, 2013
Free Motion Quilting, Egg and Dart Border

Free Motion Quilting, Egg and Dart Border

Today we are going to steal a page out of Greek Architecture.  The egg-and-dart design motif is found on ancient Greek temples and is common in classical architecture.  While it is usually carved in wood, stone or plaster, it looks great quilted as well!  The Egg-and-Dart is a perfect quilted border on any quilt.   It looks likes a frame.  

Free Motion Quilting, Egg and Dart Border

Here is where we are going:

Free Motion Quilting, Egg and Dart Border

There are three parts to this motif:  The Egg, The Dart, and The Embellishment.

It is stitched in two passes.

Begin by drawing two lines.  (The sample lines below are one inch apart.)

Free Motion Quilting, Egg and Dart Border

The Egg looks like a horse-shoe when it is stitched.

Stitch just above the drawn line a few stitches, then stitch an open oval and continue on the horizontal line a few stitches before beginning The Dart.

Free Motion Quilting, Egg and Dart Border
The Egg

The Dart is as quick as a heartbeat…

Free Motion Quilting, Egg and Dart Border
The Dart

The first pass of stitching is  alternating Eggs and Darts along the border.  Do not extend the shapes all the way to the top line–leave a little breathing room…

Free Motion Quilting, Egg and Dart Border

Stitch the second pass by stitching a straight line under the motifs and adding your Embellishment inside the Egg.

I stitched a three-pointed leaf motif, but if you have the space–try a flower or a fleur-de-lis. (See Tutorial HERE.)

Free Motion Quilting, Egg and Dart Border
The Embellishment

After the two passes are complete, stitch at least one straight line above and below your motif.  Use a walking foot if you have one.  If you stitch more than one line, a double or twin needle would be useful to keep your lines perfectly even.

I left the corners open.  A Rosette would probably be used in classical architecture in the corner, but I will add something that matches the center of the quilt–perhaps a star–as I plan to use this for The Fourth of July.

Free Motion Quilting, Egg and Dart Border

Free Motion Quilting, Egg and Dart Border

Have fun with this classical border and let me know how you use it.

I am working on a flag quilt with an egg-and-dart border that I hope to have ready by tomorrow.

Free Motion Quilting, Egg and Dart Border

Please remember to pin, reblog, and share with attribution to The Inbox Jaunt.  Please contact me if you would like to use any photos or tutorials for commercial purposes…

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8 comments

  • I ordered the CREATIVE DOODLING & BEYOUND book and I’m so excited to start playing with doodling designs. After looking at the book last night, I understand (a little better) how you can create so many new quilting designs. You are extremely talented and I always look forward to your posts. Hopefully, designs will come easier to me with the book and your encouraging designing posts. Many thanks.

    • Jane, I’m so glad you are enjoying the designs. Keep doodling-it’s the fastest way to improve your stitching!

  • Christine butt

    Love the Greek pattern I’m always excited to see what you have for us thank you so much xxxx

  • Christine butt

    Hi did you promise us a mansion or was that a joke? Xxx

    • I do promise to do more house/mansion tutorials with more elaborate doors and windows, etc. Coming soon…

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