In this video I show how to do more intricate hand quilting without marking.
I get really nervous about marking on my quilts.
Temporary markers (like water-soluble pens) disappear quickly in the humidity here.
Chalk marks disappear quickly in the time a quilt gets moved around on my sofa while I quilt it.
And the idea of marking on my quilts with anything permanent gives me the willies.
So pretty much as soon as I started quilting, I started looking for ways to do it without marking on my quilt at all. 🙂
In this video I show you the two techniques I use over and over again.
I use painters tape as a guide for all straight lines. Those can be parallel lines, squares, diamonds, stars – anything made of straight lines.
For curves I cut the shape out of felt and stitch along the edge.
Easy peasy!
Here are all my posts about layering and basting your quilt, and the final round of quilting.
- How to Layer and Baste a Quilt Sandwich
- How to Machine Quilt
- My Favorite Tip for Machine Quilting without Swearing
- How to Quilt a Big Quilt on a Standard Sewing Machine
- What Does It Mean to Start Quilting in the Middle and Work Your Way Out?
- How to Quilt Perfectly Parallel Lines
- Tips for Quilting a Cuddle Fleece Back
- Quilting with Decorative Stitching
Here are all my posts about hand quilting and Big Stitch quilting. I don’t use these techniques with fusible applique or Quilt As You Go, but I LOVE using Big Stitch Quilting with my cheater fabric.
- How to Tie a Knot
- Hand Quilting Basics – traditional hand quilting
- Hand Quilting without Marking
- Big Stitch Quilting
- How to Quilt All the Way to the Edge
Finished with this topic?
Return to the Let’s Make a Quilt main Table of Contents.
Move on to the lessons about binding and finishing your quilt.
Happy quilting!
Thank you so very much.
You’re welcome. 🙂
you are the bomb. Thank you so much for all you tip and free patterns.
Thank so much for a great , clear and simple tutorial. 👍👍 👏🤗
Wendi- I really appreciated your idea of using tape and felt. I had never thought about that before. Really helpful.
I’ve been quilting for about 12 years and have picked up some helpful hints from quilting friends. First of all I do mark most of my quilts with Crayola Washable Markers and have never had them fail to wash out. It may take two washings (rarely), but it works. Secondly, I run my thread (usually Gutterman’s) through a dryer sheet a couple of times to make sure it never knots while I am quilting. It works better than any other quilt thread application I have ever used. And last of all, I quilt with tiny #11 needles. This doesn’t leave much needle to grab when I want to pull the needle through the fabric. So I quilt with a needle nose plyers at the ready. It doesn’t seem to dull the needle and I am able to really use most of the needle before I pull it though the fabric.
Just thought these hints might help someone else.
Just don’t iron over your markings that will set the ink O always learn the hard way.
Just love your video. I have been hesitant to mark my quilts too. Will definitely be using your wonderful technique. Thanks do much. 😊
Thank you, so much for this video! It is so clear and straight forward. Like you I don’t like the idea of marking my quilts and chalk would definitely wear off at the pace I sew. Now to go and create myself some felt templates and get quilting!
I have used washable Crayola makers and have no problem with the marker coming out
Thanks Wendi!
I loved your instructions. They were very clear and you made everything look so easy! I’m going to start tonight.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year😊
Rosie
I’ve watched these first 2 videos and they have been such a help to me. I have never hand quilted before but I have a quilt that is all appliqué and I don’t see any other way to quilt it. Thank your for your basic quilting technique tips.
Hi Camey. I am doing the same now. How did you do your quilting? Thank you from a very inexperienced new quilter.
Thank you for these top stitch strategies! I’m making an all muslin quilt, and I’m definitely going to use them.