Ask Penny Halgren

Some quilters have a particular style they stick with throughout their craft. Others like to experiment with different patterns, stitches, fabrics, etc. There are basic quilting techniques every quilter should know about, whether they opt to use them or not.

Technique #1: Quilting in the ditch

When quilters refer to quilting in the ditch, they actually mean they are quilting along the seam lines in their quilt top. The seams of the pieced blocks actually are the guide for the quilter who quilts in the ditch. When you flip the finished quilt over, you will see an outline of the pieced quilt top.

Quilting in the ditch can be done by hand or by machine. If using a machine, it is good to know up-front that using a long arm sewing machine for this technique is generally more difficult than quilting with a regular sewing machine. However, with a little practice, either machine is capable of the technique.

Technique #2: Outline quilting

Outline quilting is similar to in the ditch since it uses the block design as its base. However, outline quilting does not stitch into the seams of the block design. Instead, the quilting outlines the block design, about one quarter inch from the pieced seams. As with quilting in the ditch, the outline quilting will show the quilt top pattern on the back side of the quilt.

Outline quilting is appropriate for hand, sewing machine or long arm machine quilting.

Technique #3: Continuous curve quilting

The simple way to explain continuous curve quilting is that it is outline quilting with edges that are rounded rather than pointed. This quilting gives a slight scalloped effect to the quilting design.

Since continuous curve quilting also follows the quilt top design, the back side of the project will reflect the front pattern. The difference is that instead of sharp, crisp points and edges, the lines will be slightly curved.

The continuous curve quilting technique may be done by hand, sewing machine or long arm machine.

Technique #4 Quilt tying

Tying a quilt is a fun and quick quilting technique. The technique is generally seen in simple patchwork designs, but can be used with any quilt block pattern. The reason tying is often seen in simple patch designs is that the tie itself becomes a focal element of the quilt. Using ties with elaborate block patterns might distract from the beauty of the quilt.

To tie a quilt, use a needle with an eye large enough to thread yarn through. With your yarn-threaded needle, stitch down from the top of the quilt and bring the yarn back up to the top. Tightly knot the thread as if you were simply hand tying a knot in a shoe. Snip the yarn to even lengths, and your first tie is complete!

Technique #5 Continuous line quilting

There are several methods of continuous line quilting. The technique is exactly what it sounds like, a continuous line of stitching.

Stippling is one type of continuous line quilting. Squiggled lines that resemble jigsaw pieces make the continuous line design. Meandering is another type of continuous line quilting. It is random continuous lines.

If you are an in the ditch quilter normally, give another technique a try. If you normally quilt by hand, give machine quilting a try. If you have never tried tying a quilt, give that a try. Experiment with continuous line quilting, stippling and meandering. Experimenting with a variety of techniques not only adds variety to your work, but it teaches skills that keep your craft exciting and interesting.

Penny Halgren
Master Quilter