Friday, May 24, 2013

Matchstick Quilting

Matchstick quilting is a simple, no-mark free form design that is beginner friendly and quick to quilt. (Click on the photo for a closer view). 
 

Stitching horizontal lines of varying widths gives a nice surface texture to this orange batik that looks like a sunset sky.


Top Thread: Superior Thread's King Tut (Color 912--St. George)
Bobbin Thread: Isacord (Color: Wine)

Matchstick quilting can be completed using a walking foot. The walking foot provides some control with the feed dogs up. The foot has openings on either side that serve as a guide to see previously quilted lines.


Finish a line of quilting by stopping the needle in the "ditch"--the sewn seam joining two pieces of fabric.


Pivot and stitch in the ditch for 2-5 stitches, depending on the spacing width desired for each line.


With needle down in the ditch, pivot the needle and reposition the quilt to begin another line of quilting.


Continue in this manner, varying the width of the lines. Sometimes it's easier to backstitch in the ditch rather than turn the quilt around completely.

The final line here is quilted about 1/8" away from the outside seam (the ditch). Take a few small stitches at the end and leave thread ends to knot off and bury in the batting.

Copyright ©2013, Sharon Baggs

1 comment:

  1. Thanks! Someone mentioned this term today, and I was clueless. I appreciate your clear explanation and photos.

    ReplyDelete