Hello Fellow Sewing Enthusiasts! It’s Luna here.
My journey with my embroidery machine was full of surprises – I discovered it could not only handle in-the-hoop designs and free-standing lace, but also help me quilt! From piecing blocks to adding finishing stitches, the possibilities seemed endless.
Edge-to-edge quilting became my go-to technique, simplifying the quilting process by eliminating the need for manual free-motion quilting or the exhaustive use of a long-arm machine. Stick around for a step-by-step guide on transforming your quilts with your embroidery machine!
Understanding Edge-to-Edge Embroidery
Ever wonder about edge-to-edge embroidery? Imagine a design that flows from one side of your hoop to the other, connecting to the next with seamless continuity. There’s no turning back with these designs – unless you opt for a triple stitch to make a statement.
I once whipped up an edge-to-edge stippling design, freehand style, just to see what my machine could do. And while there are many terms for this technique, they all describe the beauty of continuous, all-over quilting.
Crafting Your Own Edge-to-Edge Designs
With embroidery digitizing software, creating these designs is a breeze. I take joy in sketching out patterns or borrowing ideas from quilting books and libraries to bring to life on my machine. It’s all about the perfect design symmetry and uninterrupted stitching that respects the batting’s quilting space.
When time is short, I turn to favorite online marketplaces for ready-made designs. Here’s where I find my treasures:
- Etsy (especially JLdizains)
- Amelie Scott Designs
- Designs by Juju
- Anita Goodesign
Prepping for Quilting: The Essentials
Before diving into the quilting pool, let’s talk supplies. The right needle and thread can make all the difference, as can the choice of batting. And if you’re wondering about hoops – bigger often means better for large projects.
Let’s not forget about stabilizing. Sometimes, if you’ve got the right batting and fabric combo, you can skip it. But for those who want a safety net, there’s stabilizer batting. And when it comes to hoops, I’m all about those magnetic ones for easy rehooping.
Embroidery Machine Quilting: A Step-by-Step
Ready to quilt? Start by pressing your fabrics and creating a smooth quilt sandwich. Then, strategize your quilting route, keeping in mind design orientation and hoopings required. Here’s where planning meets creativity!
And as for actual quilting, it’s about lining up, avoiding thread knots, and ensuring a seamless transition from one section to another. With a little patience and precision, you’ll be moving through your quilt with ease.
Don’t let the edges intimidate you. There are clever ways to handle them, ensuring every inch of your quilt is beautifully covered.
So, there you have it, a sneak peek into the world of quilting with an embroidery machine. Remember, this is just the start – there’s also piecing quilt blocks and so much more. Keep an eye out for more tips and tricks on my blog!
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Technique | Edge-to-Edge Quilting |
| Software | Embroidery Digitizing |
| Needle & Thread | 75/11 Needle, 40wt or 30wt Thread |
| Batting | 80/20 Cotton/P
oly or Lightweight Polyester |
| Hoop Size | Largest Available |
| Stabilizing | Optional, based on material quality |
| Design Planning | Orientation, Size, and Hooping Strategy |
| Quilting Process | Align, Stitch, Rehoop, Continue |