"Quilt As Desired"

How does a quilter determine what is the best quilting pattern when instructions say "quilt as desired"? Expert Alex Anderson has these quick tips.

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Filed under: Quilting, Crafts

Fill the space. The quilted flower design seen here doesn't do a very good job of this point. When you have a template that's small for a space, draw it out then enlarge it on a copy machine and use the larger version.

Avoid over-stippling. It makes the quilted area stiff.

Balance the quilt design — making the amount of quilting even throughout the quilt. Here's an example of nice balance.

Don't be afraid to cross pieced lines with one quilting pattern. The results can be terrific.

Have a motif that looks like it needs just a little more? Try a background grid like the one seen here. The lines and curves work to complement each other.