Which Direction Should I Quilt?

Today’s Topic:  How to Fight Quilting Enemies: Gravity and Friction

Welcome to Lesson 10 of our 2021 Quilt-a-Long,  Even Better Machine Quilting

This FREE multi-week tutorial is based on my books available in my Etsy shop:  LoriKennedyShop

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Find the 2021 QAL links HERE

Find the 2020 (25 Week) QAL links HERE

Good Morning, Quilters!

Do you ever wonder which direction to stitch a motif?

You might ask yourself, should I start on the left and stitch to the right?

Should I start on the bottom and quilt toward the top?

Or perhaps, I should start on the top and quilt down?

Chapter 10 of 25 Days to Better Machine Quilting is all about Directional Stitching!

But first, a quick announcement….

TEACHING (FREE) LIVE TOMORROW (June 15, 2021) IN ROSEMOUNT, MN

Please JOIN ME for a FREE quilting lesson!

First LIVE event in more than a year!

As a follow up to the  virtual MN Quilt Show, I will be demonstrating quilting techniques in person.

If you’ve ever wanted to try the fabulous BERNINA Q20-or any BERNINA sewing or quilting machine– this is a great opportunity! Fabulous Quilt Show pricing will be available!

Also, if YOU have any quilting questions or techniques you would like to see, I will be available all day…

(Looking forward to meeting you Cyndy!–Leave a comment below if YOU are coming and I’ll bring special treats for YOU!!)

Most of all, I would LOVE to meet YOU!!!

FREE Open House 

Quilter’s Haven 

2930 146th Street-Suite 108
Rosemount, MN  55068

Rosemount, MN 

Tuesday,  June 15, 2021 from 10-4

Which Direction Should I Quilt:  Four Factors

There are four factors that determine which direction you should quilt:

• Natural Preference
• Greatest Field of View
• Quilt Size 
• Motif

Natural Preference

Most of us read and write from left to right and I often find this is my natural preference for quilting.

Greatest Field of View

Left to right also provides the greatest field of view.  You can see where you’ve been and where you’re going.

Quilt Size

When your quilt is small, it doesn’t matter which way you align it for quilting, but as the quilt size gets larger, it is necessary to align the quilt to reduce the bulk within the sewhead. Consequently, the size of the quilt will dictate the direction of quilting.

Motif

Motifs, like vines, quilt more naturally when stitched in the direction they grow–from down to up.  On the other hand, many motifs feel most natural if we can stitch from left to right.  Doodle first, and you’ll know!

Tips for Making Directional Stitching Easier

An Open Toe Foot

Use an open toe foot for the greatest visibility of the stitching line.

Stop and Look

Okay–this seems ridiculously obvious, but sometimes when we get stitching, common sense goes out the window…

When you can’t see where you are going, stop with the needle down and do a quick look-see.  This will help you re-calibrate your stitching line.

Doodle

Doodle Schmoodle…are you tired of my nagging?  Doodling helps you develop the muscle memory for a motif.  If YOU must quilt in a direction outside of your natural preference, practice doodling it in the direction you will stitch it.

Mark the Quilt

If you simply can’t quilt a motif in the direction dictated by the quilt size, draw the motif with chalk and follow the lines.

For more tips and tricks on Directional Quilting, refer to 25 Days to Better Machine Quilting page 48!

Practice Directional Stitching

Later this week, we will practice directional stitching with the Sunny Day Medallion Quilt.

If you’d like to get a head start, make a quilt sandwich and draw a six inch square in the middle (6-1/2 inch is good too if you own that size square ruler)  Add a one inch border around the central square and then a 1-1/2 inch border around that.

Are YOU Directionally Challenged?

My family laughs–if I say “Turn Left”  we should definitely TURN RIGHT!

My internal compass is usually of 180 degrees…but sometimes only 90!

Better stick to my quilting!

But there is Google Maps to Quilter’s Haven!

See YOU tomorrow? (Please comment for a free treat!)

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!

Visit my Etsy shop: LoriKennedyShop for all of my books!  They are ALL bestsellers!