What Are Quilters Blogging About Today?

It has been a while since we talked about zigzag quilts. In 2022 I put together several resources for you about zigzags. I will be sharing these again in this blogpost, so keep reading.

Zigzag quilts are pretty easy to piece, but how do you quilt them? You could definitely choose an allover / edge to edge design, but you can opt for a design that shows off the zigzag angles more by placing a design inside of each zigzag row. You could even do different designs in each row.

Let’s take a closer look at one design that was ...

A free pattern is worth trying, right? Especially when the fabric is free, too!

I received a bundle of cut 2-1/2″ strips of assorted blue and green fabrics. There were so many I couldn’t see them getting used any time in the near future if I added them to my general stash of strips.

So, it was a try at something new. If I did it again I would make the quilting a darker shade of brown to help tie the front, the quilting, and the backing together better. I don’t love it, but someone will. If ...

Before we delve into this week’s design, I wanted to let you know that there will be another Free Motion Quilting Summit in two weeks time! This multiple day free event focuses on all things freemotion. I think you would really enjoy taking part.

Maybe you spotted my face in amongst the teachers read more

Celtic, Austrian or Chinese knot?

This elegant freemotion border design Knot is a variation of the Ribbon Candy design. It can be used in a wider borders and a few pre-marked guidelines will help tremendously with stitching this design out evenly. 

This border design looks great in quilts with themes like weddings, knotting, Austrian knots, Celtic designs, ribbon candy, hearts, lace, and tatting.

Pattern Tutorial

It is basically one loop after the other ...

Are you looking for an adventurous quilting pattern?

The design Flight Tracker is a fun design with lots of angular shapes, making it a relatively easy allover design. This fun design looks great on projects with themes like travel, geography, airplanes, adventure, and discovery. 

Each airplane is just a little bit bigger than 1 inch, but you can go as big as you like! The design elements make it easy to fill awkward spots and the changes in direction allow enough time to think through your next step. 

Pattern Tutorial

You don’t need a ruler for this design. The ...

A while back I asked about “bonus half square triangles,” those pieces that can result from stitch-flip-trim patterns. Many said that they had a lot of them. Many said they weren’t sure how to use them.

I have been thinking about that, and found a number of uses for them. You will see some in upcoming posts.

But I also wanted to create a block that would use them specifically. The block can be created using (at least) three sizes of half square triangles: 2-1/2″, 2″, 1-1/2″. And you can make anything from a mini quilt, to ...

Go get your poofy batting out!

The elegant and random design Flutter looks SOOOO GOOD with a poofy batting, I promise!

The allover looks great on projects with themes like butterflies, nature, the sea and ocean, water and waterfalls, birds and feathers. What does this design remind you off? To me, these are fluttering shapes, not specifically a butterfly or water droplets in a waterfall.

Each feather is about 2 inches long in this sample, but you could easily enlarge that measurement. The design is especially suitable for use on a machine where you can see your fabric really well ...

Have you counted your lucky stars lately?

I hope you have your loved ones close and that they are happy and healthy. Sending out all the healing thoughts to those who need them.

The wonky diamonds in this stitch out design Lucky Stars are about 1 inch in length, but I can imagine them being at least 3 inches long too.  It looks great on projects with themes like Christmas, universe, stars, plants, vegetation, nature, jewels, jewellery.

This meandering design uses arched lines to connect the sets of 3 wonky diamonds. These arched lines make it possible to fill those ...

Spend the next 30 minutes reading and then sewing How to make a Table Runner. It won’t take long and you’ll be ready for company quick!

Today, let’s hit how to make a table runner …… with pointed ends and in 30 minutes or less.

There are sometimes more important things to do. Like decorate for the holidays. Like put the food together for the company. Like pick up the house so it doesn’t look like a dust bomb went off. The last thing you have time for is making a table runner.

But, there are times ...

Calling all 3” and 6” borders! read more

 Hi Quilty Friends!  Y'all had to know when you first saw this scallop quilt stand a few months ago that I would eventually make a mini quilt with my blog logo.  

Over the years my logo has been updated a couple of times, but the original logo was my favorite. 

Learn how to sew two stylish pillowcase styles—from the classic burrito roll method to a fun cuffed design. Whether you’re gifting to kiddos with vibrant prints or stitching up cozy home accents, this guide walks you through clever techniques like French seams and hidden cuffs to keep pillows snug and polished. No serger? No problem!

I use pillowcases as presents — they are perfect for friends gifts, house warming gifts, Christmas gifts, birthday…you name it! You can actually sew up a bunch and have them on hand for when you need them.

The fabrics I use are usually ...

Sometimes simple is best!

Today’s freemotion design is variation of the classic Stipple. The Comb design gives a bit more structure as there is a sequence of movements, but you are free to change up to rules to suit your needs!

The FMQ design is based on two shorter ‘fingers’ and one longer one. This longer one moves over the two shorter ones to ‘encapsulate’ them. If there is no room to do the actual ‘comb over’, let that longer shape move wherever it needs to go to fill your space.

Because of the ‘two short, one long’ sequence ...

Red, white and blue is a classic. Such a great color combination for the whole summer.

I thought about keeping it simple and not going over board with a mega DIY project.

This star banner can be made in a couple of hours…. perfect for those last minute BBQ’s and backyard parties.

It’s a no sew DIY project….. just right for those of you who don’t have a sewing machine yet or have one, but don’t have the time to sew!

Materials Needed:

5 strips of fabric – for the banner–  red white or blue white ticking ...

Learn how to sew a simple and striking 9+1 table quilt using basic blocks, stash-friendly fabrics, and easy piecing techniques that come together in no time.

Looking for a quick table quilt that’s simple to sew but still has that “wow, you made that?” charm? The 9+1 table quilt might be just the project for you. It’s made using ten simple quilt blocks—nine patchwork blocks and one center square that pulls it all together.

This project is perfect for using up fabric from your stash or featuring a fun panel or large print in the ...

I am totally obsessed with sardines!! They are trending big time. I have a fish keychain from Ruby Star Society, the best goofy doormat featuring a full tin of them (which my husband loves), and my favorite t-shirt is from H&M. I even found a candle at Anthropologie… and I want so much more. That obsession led me to start making some fish templates for us! I’ve already made some fish-themed charity quilt blocks and have big plans for more projects—so stay tuned. To officially kick off my sardine obsession here on the blog, I wanted to ...

Wallflowers, vintage tiles or star bursts? What does this quilting design look like to you?

The freemotion design Wallflower is a simple grid based quilting design that goes well with themes like flowers, tiling, kitchen, bathroom, vintage, retro, stars and the universe. Depending on your grid size, you may apply it as an edge to edge or as a background filler.

I lost the video footage of me quilting out this design and I had to redo it. You may spot the difference in fabric and thread colors in the photos. Redoing this design wasn’t a problem at all ...

Ready for a quick and satisfying quilt block that brings the wow without the fuss? Let me introduce you to the Chevron quilt block. This one’s a crowd-pleaser—super beginner-friendly, layer cake or scrap stash-approved, and easy to sew up when you’re in the mood for something that looks fancy but isn’t fussy.

This block is built using half-square triangles (HSTs), which means you’ll get crisp points and that classic zigzag vibe with just a few simple steps. Whether you’re whipping up a few blocks for a modern quilt layout or going all in for ...