Something was said during one of my online quilt groups few weeks ago that really got me thinking. I quilt with some excellent quilters and a lot of them are commissioned to make quilts for organizations, as well as enter their quilts in major contests (as well as bring home the ribbons). One quilter discussed how she was making a Winnie the Pooh quilt for a contest and told us she could freely use all the characters from the Hundred Acre Woods because they were all old enough to fall in the realm of Public Domain…except Tigger. He was introduced later and is not public domain. The quilter would have had to receive permission to use Tigger, and since that is a bit of a hassle (and usually the answer is “No”), she wisely opted to leave the striped-tiger-wanna-be out of the quilt.
Well, that conversation spun around in my head for days. My thought went back to a small quilt I made several years ago (and is still in my possession) featuring the book Charlotte’s Web. I used all the images of the animals, as well as Charlotte, on the front of the quilt, but never thought about public domain at all. Since the quilt still lives with me, I think I’m safe, but if I had decided to sell the quilt, I could possibly face some legal issues. So today, I would like to briefly go over exactly what public domain is so we can continue to make wise quilting decisions.
Briefly, public domain covers any work published prior to January 1, 1923. These works are no longer protected by copyright. The rules get a bit murky for works published between 1923 and 1978. Those are a little more complex and several factors must be reviewed to determine the copyright status of any work created or first published during this period. But this means that all those old quilt blocks we love so much are all public domain. We can use them freely and without fear of any legal repercussions. However, if they are used in a pattern we purchased, again the situation gets murky. While the blocks are definitely public domain, the directions for the pattern are not. This means if we make the pattern and plan to sell the quilt or make the quilt as a raffle quilt, we need to receive permission from the quilt designer.
Today, a copyright lasts for the entirety of the creator’s life plus seventy years. The copyright protects against unauthorized copying or other use of various types of creative works. Works eligible for this protection under copyright include patterns, diagrams and instructions for making quilts, written materials that talk about quilts and the making of quilts, and quilt designs, regardless of whether those designs appear in a pattern or diagram for the quilt, in a software program that lets the user make the quilt, or in the quilt itself.
For most quilters, this isn’t something we need to worry about if we’re making any quilt for ourselves or intend to give the quilt as a gift. No money is exchanged. However, if there are plans to sell the quilt or use the quilt as a raffle quilt, permission from the designer should be sought.
For us applique quilters, a bit more research may need to be done, as we tend to use flowers and figures and all sorts of things in our applique. My Charlotte’s Web quilt? Well, it’s a good thing I’ve never decided to sell it. EB White didn’t publish the children’s classic until 1952. However, let’s say you wanted to make a quilt with the characters from Peanuts. Various characters have been introduced over a period of years. How do you know which ones fall into public domain and which ones are still copyrighted? The best piece of advice I can give is to research each character. And in the case of our beloved Snoopy and his cohorts, they will not fall into public domain until 2071. They were created in 1950 and Charles Schultz passed away in 2000. But Sunbonnet Sue? Use her freely. She’s public domain.
A great example of how some characters are now in public domain while others still exist under the cloak of copyright.
Okay, quick update on me. As you are reading this I have had my third chemotherapy infusion (four more to go). My first one went pretty well, but I was really sick with the second one. I have one every other week and for the first six days after the infusion, I’m super tired and sick. The good news is the doctors have given me good meds, but sometimes even they are not enough. Friday I found myself back at the hospital suffering from dehydration. The doctors changed up my meds, so they work more effectively, and things are better. I’ve lost some weight (54 pounds). My hair is falling out – not chunks at a time but I find several strands on my pillow in the morning and in my comb. My energy levels are below average to super low.
But this, too, shall pass. The good news is my oncologist told me I’m in his top 1% of patients tolerating and responding to this type of chemo for pancreatic cancer. My infusions literally last three days. I have two at the hospital on Wednesdays and then one comes home with me. It’s attached to me by a super-hip fanny pack and I get disconnected from it on Fridays.
My guild – God bless them – have worked to have our meetings Zoomed so I can be “there” even if I’m not there in person. I’ve received cards, food, visits and sweet messages of encouragement. Keep the prayers and good thoughts coming. They mean more than I can ever express. Through this situation I’ve realized something very important. No matter how bleak the situation is, there is still good in this old world. People, overall, are kind and good-hearted and helpful. And we are all more alike than different.
Until next week,
Much love and stitches,
Sherri and Felix
PS – My infusions are early on Wednesdays. During this time, I will still publish a blog, but it may not be posted until late Wednesday afternoon. Just keep an eye out – I promise the blog will be up.
Quilting is a wonderful hobby. I always call it art, because it is. I mean, how many people can take perfectly good pieces of fabric, cut them up into hundreds of pieces, and make an entirely different piece of fabric that’s quilted through three layers, bound, and serves to beautify the area it’s displayed in or keep you warm and snug at night like a comforting hug? But quilting is more than that. It does things for you that you may not have realized. Quilting is a wonderful way to relax, and in today’s fast paced and overly stressful world, finding ways to unwind and promote well-being is crucial. Quilting stands out more than other therapeutic activities due to its unique blend of creativity and mindfulness. The art of quilting allows folks to express themselves artistically and offers a wide range of therapeutic benefits that can improve mental, emotional, and even physical well-being.
Understanding What Quilting Is
Before jumping into the therapeutic aspects of quilting, I think it’s important to have a deeper understanding of the art of quilting itself. It’s a traditional craft which involves stitching together layers of fabric to create a quilted textile. Although its origin can be traced back centuries – from ancient Egypt to medieval Europe and colonial America — quilting has evolved over time, incorporating various techniques and styles which reflect different cultures and individual creativity. Quilting is not just a simple sewing technique. It is a form of artistic expression that has captivated and fascinated people for generations. The process involves carefully selecting fabrics, cutting them into precise shapes, and stitching them together to create a cohesive design. Each quilt tells a unique story, with every stitch representing a moment of creativity and passion. Initially, quilts were purely functional. They kept us warm and provided comfort during cold weather. However, quilts also served as a social connecter. Women would gather together, sharing stories and laughter, as they stitched their quilts, creating a sense of community and connection.
But quilting evolved from simply a method to the means of keeping us warm at night. It took on a new dimension as they became more than just a practical item – they became works of art. Quilters started experimenting with different patterns and designs, pushing the boundaries of their creativity. Intricate geometric shapes, vibrant colors, and detailed stitching techniques became the hallmark of a well-crafted quilt. Quilts have continued to evolve to reflect changing trends and cultural influences. From traditional patchwork quilts to modern art quilts, each style tells a unique story and offers a glimpse into the quilter’s perspective and personality. Quilts have become a way for individuals to express their creativity and showcase their unique sense of style.
Techniques and Styles
We quilters use lots of different techniques to bring our creations to life. We make patchwork quilts, sewing together small block units of squares, rectangles, and triangles to create intricate patterns and designs. This particular technique allows quilters to showcase their skills in precision cutting and sewing, resulting in visually stunning quilts.
Applique quilting – which happens to be my favorite – is another popular technique that adds depth and dimension to a quilt. Quilters attached pieces of fabric onto a background fabric (by hand or machine) creating beautiful motifs and designs. This technique allows for endless possibilities, as quilters can experiment with different shapes, sizes, and colors to create unique and eye-catching designs. And despite how “complicated” this technique can look, it’s actually really forgiving.
Free motion quilting is a technique which allows quilters to create intricate and detailed stitching patterns. By using a sewing machine with the feed dogs lowered, quilters have the freedom to move the fabric in any direction, creating beautiful and complex designs. This technique requires skill and practice, but the results are truly breathtaking.
Another technique used by quilters is foundation paper piecing. This method ensures precise and accurate quilt blocks. Quilters sew fabric pieces onto a paper foundation, following a predetermined order and pattern. This technique is perfect for creating intricate designs that require precise measurements and angles.
Quilters also have the freedom to experiment with different styles. From traditional to contemporary, from abstract to realistic, quilting styles are as diverse as the quilters themselves. Some quilters draw inspiration from nature, incorporating floral motifs and earthy colors into their quilts. Others find solace in geometric shapes and bold, vibrant colors, creating quilts that are modern and eye-catching.
The ability to express yourself through quilting is a large part of its therapeutic power. Quilting allows you to escape from the stresses and chaos of everyday life and immerse yourself in a world of creativity and self-expression. The process of selecting fabric, designing, or choosing a pattern, and stitching the quilt together is not only relaxing, but empowering.
How Quilting is Therapeutic
All of those quilting techniques and styles are wonderful parts of quilting. However, another equally brilliant part of quilting is its therapeutic benefits. Yes, quilting offers numerous therapeutic benefits. Engaging in this creative process can be a form of meditation and a means of emotional healing that promotes overall well-being.
Quilting as a Form of Meditation
When quilters immerse themselves in the process of quilting, they enter a state of flow where time seems to stand still. Focusing on the intricate stitches, the choice of fabrics, and the overall design allows the mind to relax and let go of everyday worries and stressors. This meditative state promotes a sense of calm and inner peace, similar to the effects of traditional meditation practices. Furthermore, quilting offers a tangible result of the creative process. Seeing a quilt come together, block by block, gives quilters a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, boosting self-esteem and confidence.
Emotional Healing Through Creative Expression
Quilting also serves as a powerful tool for emotional healing. The act of creating something beautiful from raw materials can be empowering and uplifting. It allows individuals to express their emotions and experiences through the choice of colors, patterns, and designs. The quilt becomes a visual representation of their journey, providing a sense of closure, healing, and personal growth. Moreover, quilting can help individuals process difficult emotions, such as grief or trauma. As we stitch and create, the rhythmic and repetitive movements offer a cathartic release, and this allows us to channel our emotions into the quilt. This is a pretty awesome process, as it helps folks find solace and acceptance.
Quilting is a Form of Art Therapy and There’s Some Serious Science Behind It
While the therapeutic benefits of quilting are widely acknowledged, it’s essential to understand the science behind the general topic of art therapy. Numerous studies have explored the psychological and neurological impact of artistic activities, shedding light on their profound effects on well-being.
Engaging in artistic activities, such as quilting, triggers the release of endorphins, which are the “feel good” chemicals in the brain. The endorphins promote a sense of pleasure, reducing stress and anxiety. Artistic activities also stimulate the brain’s reward center, increasing the dopamine levels and promoting feelings of satisfaction and motivation. Which means to me that quilting really does help keep you sane and get you through life’s rough patches and major battles. Additionally, art therapy provides a creative outlet for self-expression. Through the creation of art, individuals can communicate thoughts and emotions that may be difficult to put into words. This process can enhance self-awareness, promote introspection, and foster personal growth and resilience.
Besides all of these wonderful art therapy aspects, there are also neurological benefits to art therapy. Studies have found that engaging in creative activities stimulates neural pathways, improving cognitive function and enhancing problem-solving skills. The action of quilting requires both artistic and mathematical thinking, activating different regions of the brain and fostering neuroplasticity, which is crucial to maintaining brain health (so quilting is good for your mind!). Art therapy has also been found to regulate the stress response system, reducing cortisol levels and promoting a sense of calm. This can have a profound effect on mental and physical well-being, as chronic stress is linked to a range of health issues, including cardiovascular disease and weakened immune functions.
Stress Relief and Relaxation
In a world of constant stimuli (which only seems to be getting worse and worse with each passing day), finding moments of peace and tranquility is essential for maintaining a healthy mind. Quilting provides a much-needed escape from the stresses of daily life. The rhythmic and repetitive nature of quilting can induce a meditative state, calming the mind and reducing anxiety. The focus required to stitch and piece together fabrics redirects attention away from negative thoughts and worries, promoting a state of mindfulness and relaxation.
Cognitive Stimulation and Memory Enhancement
Quilting is not just an artistic pursuit but also an intellectual one. Choosing fabrics, designing patterns, and solving puzzles of color and shape stimulates the brain, improving cognitive function and problems-solving skills. Additionally, quilting engages memory recall as quilters must remember specific techniques, patterns, and measurements. The mental exercise involved in quilting helps keep the mind sharp, particularly in older adults, reducing the risk of cognitive decline and conditions such as dementia.
Boosting Creativity and Self-Expression
Expressing yourself creatively is deeply fulfilling and can have a positive impact on overall well-being. Quilting allows individuals to explore their artistic side, experiment with color combinations, and develop their unique style. It encourages creative thinking and problem solving, fostering a sense of accomplishment and self-expression. Quilters can convey emotions, stories, and personal narratives through their fabric choices and quilt designs, turning their creations into a tangible and meaningful form of self-expression.
Social Connections and Community Building
Quilting has a rich history of bringing people together. Joining quilting groups, attending classes, or participating in quilting bees not only provides opportunities to learn new skills but also fosters social connections. Quilters often share their knowledge, exchange ideas, and offer support to one another. The sense of belonging and fellowship found within quilting communities can combat feelings of isolation, enhance social skills, and promote well-being.
Fine Motor Skills and Hand-Eye Coordination
A craft/art such as quilting requires precision and dexterity, thereby promoting the development and maintenance of fine motor skills. The repetitive nature of stitching, cutting fabric, and manipulating small pieces enhances the hand-eye coordination, making quilting a great activity for individuals of all ages. These are particularly beneficial for older adults, as they help maintain manual dexterity and hand strength.
A Sence of Achievement and Legacy
Quilting is a tangible art form that allows individuals to create lasting legacies. The completion of a quilt project brings a sense of achievement and pride, boosting self-esteem and self-confidence. Quilting can become cherished family heirlooms, passed down through generations, symbolizing love, warmth, and the skill of the creator. The knowledge that one’s work will endure beyond their lifetime can provide a profound sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Quilting is far more than just a craft. It is a therapeutic journey that nurtures our minds and bodies. Whether you’re a seasoned quilter or a novice eager to embark on this creative adventure, pick up that needle and thread, and let the positive effects of quilting transform your life – one stitch at a time.
I felt I really needed to nail down how therapeutic quilting is before I move into telling you how quilting has helped me cope in the past and how it’s helping me deal with things now. You know, life is not scripted. I mean, as we come into our “own” – graduate, begin building our adult life – we have a certain script written in our heads: What we expect, what we want to happen. However, life is funny. I didn’t expect my dad to have cancer (ironically the same kind as I have) in 2005. I didn’t plan on my daughter developing cervical cancer or my brother having Multiple Myeloma. I assumed, in my naivety, that life would cycle as normal.
That definitely was not the case. Those were some difficult curve balls, but one thing I can testify to in all of them is quilting really helped me mentally and emotionally. And now, trying to navigate through this particularly rough patch in my life, I’ve found myself on the receiving end of news that is really life-altering. When you get a cancer diagnosis, you’re bombarded with a LOT of information, and most of it’s in terms you’ve never heard before. Doctors talk about treatments and medications and labs and vitals and dozens of things most of us only have to deal with once a year when we go in for our annual physical. You’re overwhelmed. Not with just the information, but with decisions, logistics, and side effects. Things which are routine suddenly can become dicey. And while prayer does definitely help, it’s quilting that has calmed my soul. The rhythmic pull of needle and thread, the ability to still be productive even when I’m at one of the rare moments in my life when I have to slow down and think about me, is an awesome, calming thing. It allows me to think a bit more clearly and slows down my racing heart.
And for that, I will be forever grateful for the art and craft of quilting.
Most quilters realize that neutrals play an important role in making quilts. Neutral fabrics are crucial in quilting because they provide balance, allow featured fabrics to stand out, and create a sense of calm and sophistication. They act as a grounding element, preventing a quilt from appearing too busy or overwhelming, and help to define the overall design. In the past, neutrals usually referred to gray-, black-, white-, or cream-colored fabrics. This definition has changed over the past several years, and now we see almost any color can be used as a neutral – as long as it does the job of a neutral. However, for this blog, we’re primarily going “old school” and discussing the use of white, cream, black, or gray neutrals.
Traditionally, neutrals are used as background fabrics for brightly colored or patterned patches to help them stand out and create a visually appealing contrast. They are also used to create negative space. Sometimes these areas are smaller, like in “traditional” patchwork quilts, but more contemporary quilts incorporate large areas of neutral fabric for negative space and surround them with a few pieced blocks. This can highlight the design elements within the blocks and create a modern feel. With this blog I would like to take neutrals and place them in unusual places in traditional blocks so we can study the effect of changing things up. Most quilters like to change a few things in a quilt to truly make it their own. Substituting a neutral for a print is the easiest way to do this and it’s relatively easy to do. You just have to think out of the box a little bit.
Let’s start with a easy, traditional block – the Nine Patch. Conventional Nine Patches look something like this:
There are squares of color fabric separated by neutrals. However, when you flip the script and have squares of a neutral separated by squares of colored fabric, you get this look:
And when you combine them in a quilt, it looks something like this:
Nine Patch Quilt with one row of “traditional” blocks followed by a row of “non-tradition”, neutral-heavy Nine Patches.
Now lets take a bit more complicated block, the Bear’s Paw (also called Hand of Friendship). Traditionally, the block looks like this:
But when you begin to remove the focus fabric from the larger block units and substitute neutrals, the block looks like this:
You also can substitute the block’s rectangle units with a neutral and get this look:
Or this look:
Both of which can result in quilts that look like this:
Traditional Bear’s Paw Quilt
Non-traditional Bear’s Paw Quilt.
Another non-traditional Bear’s Paw
And one more non-traditional Bear’s Paw. Isn’t it wild how a block (which has always reminded me of Delectable Mountains) now looks like a Star Quilt? All this magic simply brought to you by simple fabric substitution!
Now you can begin to see it’s really easy to re-design a block simply by switching up fabric placement: Substitute a neutral for a colored patch of fabric.
Let’s continue on and do a little more “radical” replacement. By taking a block with many units and substituting a neutral for several of those units, you can come up with a completely different look. So, let’s take this block:
And begin to replace some of the colored fabric with a neutral to change its look.
What you’ll find is not only do the blocks take on an entirely different look, but when those blocks are placed in a quilt, the results can be stunning.
When you set them on point, the look is even more striking.
All of these quilts are so much fun, and the secondary designs are pretty cool!
If you decide to try this design idea, there are a few neutral fabric issues to keep in mind.
The sky is literally the limit. Pair a soft cream with a deep charcoal to create a striking impact or use subtle variations in tone, like ivory against light gray, to add movement and energy.
Incorporate neutral prints with small motifs such as polka dots, stripes, or florals to add visual interest while maintaining the neutral palette. Solid colors can appear “flat.” Tone-on-tone or neutral-on-neutral adds movement and interest.
Consider undertones. Neutrals, like gray and beige, can have either cool (blue, green, or purple) or warm (pink or gold) undertones. Match the undertones of your chosen neutrals to the dominant colors in your quilt project for a harmonious look, or experiment with contrasting undertones to create visual intrigue – for instance, pair a warm neutral with a cool color palette.
As always – remember there are no do-or-die rules in quilting. There are lots of good suggestions, but no hard and fast rules. Personal preference plays the most significant role in quilting. Experiment with different combinations and see what feel right for you and your desired aesthetic.
If you’ve read any of my blogs about thread, you may remember a few things about my relationship with it.
I am a self-professed thread snob. I am picky. And I don’t like the cheap stuff.
For piecing, I like a 2-ply, 50-weight thread – usually either Aurifil or Wonderfil.
My overall plan with piecing any top is to reduce bulk as much as possible in the seams, so I like a thinner thread that’s strong. But that’s for piecing. When it comes to the applique and the quilting process, I have a confession to make – I like thick thread and I cannot lie. While my selection in piecing thread is pretty tame and consistent, my choices in quilting thread run all over the map. If I just want lots of lush, quilting texture, I go for a thin thread, such as Superior Thread’s Micro Quilter. It’s a 100-weight thread which simply melts into the background and leaves lots of wonderful texture behind. If I’m quilting a lap quilt, cuddle quilt, charity quilt, or just a quilt with no other special purpose other than keeping folks warm, I tend to reach for a 40 to 50-weight thread. However, if I want my quilt to bring the drama, if I am confident in my quilting stitches, I reach for a 12 to 30-weight quilting thread. If you remember anything about thread weights, the higher the number, the thinner the thread. So while a 100-weight Micro Quilter may be super thin, a 12 or 30-weight is super thick. With this type of thread, the quilting definitely either co-stars with the piecing or is the star of the quilt itself.
Left to right: 12 wt. cotton thread, 40 wt, polyester thread, 50 wt. cotton thread, 60 wt cotton thread, and 100 wt polyester thread.
In today’s blog, I want to show you how lovely this thicker thread is and how to incorporate it into your quilts or your quilting projects (this thread works really well with bags). I also want to give you a few hints about how to prepare your machine for this thread (we’re talking about domestic machines in this blog, not long arms), how to quilt with the thicker thread, and what are some pitfalls to avoid. First let’s talk about sewing machine needles.
Preparing Your Machine to Sew with Thicker Thread
The smaller the sewing machine needle number, the finer the needle. This type of needle can be used for thin threads, such as silk or an 80-weight or above. The higher the number, the larger the eye of the needle, and the better it’s able to handle thicker thread. Typically the most commonly used sewing machine needle is a 90/14 (the first number – in this case 90 – is the European number; the second number – in this case 14 – is the American number). However, for thicker threads, the eye of the needle needs to be larger to accommodate the fatter thread. A topstitching needle is a good choice as they have both a larger eye and a deeper groove along the needle shaft. Another good choice is a 100/16.
A universal, topstitch, or jeans needle works well with heavy thread. In this blog, I found the jeans needle worked best with the 12-wt cotton thread.
Tension adjustments may also need to be made. Thicker threads may require loosening the tension slightly to prevent the bobbin thread from pulling through to the top and to ensure the thread lays flat.
Use a thinner thread in the bobbin than on the top. This can minimize tension issues and bulk when machine quilting. A 50-weight thread in the bobbin works really well.
You may want to skip using your automatic needle threader if your machine has one. It may not work with the thicker thread. Plan to thread your machine manually.
You also may want to skip using your automatic thread cutter when sewing with heavier thread. Often the automatic cutter won’t play nice with the thicker thread.
Lengthen your stitch. While the thicker thread is lovely, it does create a bit of bulk that could bunch up under your presser foot. Lengthen your stitch just a bit. My M7 is factory set at a stitch length of 2.5. I lengthen my stitch to 3.1 to 3.5 to keep the fabric feeding evenly over the feed dogs.
If your machine has fancy, decorative stitches, play with those using thicker threads. Avoid densely stitched patterns, such as the satin stitch, because those can become bogged down with the heavier thread. But open-ish designs, such as the ones below, are great. It’s like the thicker thread punches the design work up a notch or two.
Because of how dense these stitches are, they would not work well with thick thread.
These stitches would work well with thicker thread because they are more open and not densely stitches.
Don’t be afraid to experiment. Try different needle sizes, different tension settings, and different stitch lengths to find out what works best for your specific machine and thread combination.
Taking a Closer Look at Thicker Thread
In many ways, finding a good, heavier weight thread is just like determining a good piecing thread. You want a thread that’s not linty, has no slubs, and the plies hold tightly together. If the thread is 100% cotton, a long staple cotton will work better than a short staple one. Unspool several inches of the thread and run it between your index finger and thumb. If you feel any bumps, discard the thread. These are slubs and all they will do is aggravate you. They won’t go through the eye of the needle and will jam up the stitching process.
If you’re working with a polyester thread, chances are there won’t be any slubs. But what I have found out through the years is that some sewing machines can be pretty persnickety about thick polyester thread. Some machines like certain brands better than others. Generally my M7 plays well with every brand except Glide. For whatever reason, those two do not work well together. I’ve tried different needle sizes, different needle brands, all types of tension adjustments, but the fairy tale is just not happening. I simply don’t quilt with Glide.
Just like with sewing machine settings, don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of thread so you can see what types and brands work well in your machine. Just remember to keep a 50-weight thread in your bobbin. And one final word – hand quilting thread is generally a thicker thread, but you don’t want to use it in your sewing machine. Some hand quilting thread is glazed, meaning it has been treated with beeswax or some other substance to keep the thread from tangling and knotting during the hand quilting process. The beeswax (or whatever is used to glaze the thread) can rub off in your tension disks and cause a lot of trouble.
At this point in my quilting blogs, I know I sound like a broken record, but here I go one more time: Practice. Practice. And practice some more. Even if you’re pretty proficient in the machine quilting process, heavier weight threads just give a bit of a different feel when you quilt with them. Make some small-ish quilt sandwiches and get ready to play.
The first step I want you to take is to thread your machine with the heavier thread on top of the machine, making sure you have a top stitching needle, 90/14, or 100/16 needle inserted in the machine. Wind a bobbin with 50-weight thread and drop in your bobbin case and then attach the walking foot onto your machine. While yes, you can certainly free motion quilt with the heavier thread, starting out with the walking foot allows you to get a good feel for the differences in the weight of a thicker thread without having to worry about manually controlling your stitch length. Lengthen your stitch length, slow your stitching speed down, and then begin sewing simple, straight lines across your quilt sandwich. After you’ve completed a few, stop and admire the thread. Do you like what you see? Is the thicker thread showy enough for you or do you want to kick it up to a 12-weight just to see how it looks? Compare the stitching with this type of quilting thread to some quilting performed with a 40 or 50-weight thread. The stitches made with the lower weight thread seem to melt into the background when compared to those stitches stitched with the heavier thread.
Left is a 50 wt thread, in the middle is a 12 wt and on the right is a 40 wt thread. You can see how a 50 wt may not bring so much attention to your quilting stitches, but the 12 and 40 wts would bring them front and center
Remove the quilt sandwich from your machine and with a marking pen, draw some zigzags across the top. Re-insert the sandwich under your needle and stitch the zigzags. Repeat the exercise but this time try Greek Keys, Squares-in-a-Square, and any other design (such as gentle curves) which can be performed while using your walking foot.
I had issues with the 12 wt thread “flattening out” on the curves. I played with the tension and changed the needle, but the curves did not stay “curvy” with the 12 wt. I had no trouble with the 40 wt.
Once you’ve tried these stitches out with your walking foot, try one of your more “open” decorative stitches. By open, I mean any decorative stitch that doesn’t require a close placement of the stitches, like a satin-type stitch
These are stitched with 40 wt. I think I give my decorative stitches short shrift and I have hundreds of them on my machine. There is so much I can do with them. And I was able to perform all three with my walking foot.
Sometime these stitches can be performed with the walking foot still on your machine, but others may require you to switch to an open-toe type of foot. Consult your sewing machine manual to check the requirements for your machine. Once you have the correct foot on (or can continue to use your walking foot), try a few of the open designs with the heavier thread.
The stitches with thicker thread look so different than those made with a traditional 50-weight thread. And while you’re test driving these stitches, it would a good time to note on your quilting sample what these could be used for. Scales on a fish or butterfly wing? Flower details? Bird wings? Heaven knows most of us have at least a dozen fancy stitches on our machines. Now is a great time to use them!
Let’s try free motion quilting with the heavier thread. This is a little trickier than quilting with a walking foot, but it’s still not too difficult. There are two very important guidelines to remember with this exercise. First, slow your stitching speed down. I generally do not free motion quilt very fast even when I use a 40-weight thread, but I still need to slow down a tad more with the heavier-weight thread. This slower speed helps keep the thread from “bunching” and assists in the second guideline, which is be sure to lengthen your stitch to a little longer than 1/8-inch. With free motion quilting, the feed dogs are dropped, and you control the stitch length. It honestly takes a bit of practice to manually lengthen the stitch.
Once you’re consistently keeping a longer stitch length, try some of your “go-to” free motion patterns. I think you’ll be surprised how different they look with a heavier weight thread.
I am loving the look of the 12 wt thread in free motion form (thread on the right). Surprisingly, it gave me absolutely no issues in free motion.
One last tip about quilting with a thicker thread. There may come a time when you would like the heavier weight thread to showcase the quilting on the quilt back. This is especially true if the quilt back is a solid color. Using a thicker thread on the back could definitely bring the zing. When this is the case, simply quilt your quilt from the back instead of the front. Thread the machine as normal, with a 50-weight thread in the bobbin, but when you position the quilt sandwich, place it with the back of the quilt face up, and quilt per normal.
Thinking Outside the Box with Machine Applique
Normally, when quilters begin discussing machine applique, three types of stitches are involved in the conversation: The blanket stitch for raw edge applique, the hem stitch for prepared edge applique, or a variation of a zigzag stitch which can be used for either raw edge applique or prepared edge applique. Right now, I want to banish all three of these from your mind as we move into the final part of this blog. That’s right. You have my permission to pretend they simply do not exist. I also want you to forget about 40 or 50-weight thread used in most machine applique projects.
Let’s take a fresh look at machine applique and this time let’s pull in some heavier weight thread and some of the decorative stitches on your sewing machine. You can completely change the way your applique looks. First, let’s take a look at the decorative stitches on your machine. You’ll need a stitch that can be easily manipulated around the edges of the applique pieces, just like the blanket or blind hem stitch. These are a few from my M7 I think would work well. They are open (so the thicker thread won’t bunch) and can be controlled enough to stitch around the applique pieces to keep those in place.
Any of these stitches would work well with machine applique
From there, you’re applique pieces are a blank canvas. You can use those thick threads and fancy stitches to define and design petals, flower centers, and leaves…
I used 50 and 40 wt threads and a few metallic ones to add details to these coneflowers.
Give figures such as my favorite Sunbonnet Sue a complete make over…
This Sue has 50 and 40 wt polyester and cotton threads and uses four different applique stitches. With a little imagination you can really dress up your applique!
And add delicate details in thread which would be a pain in the tookus to make with fabric.
Or punch up standard blanket stitch into something just a bit more exciting.
Blanket stitch in 50 wt
Blanket stitch in 40 wt polyester. Not only is the stitch a bit more prominent, but it also has a sheen that cotton thread doesn’t.
Incorporating heavier threads into quilting projects expands so many creative possibilities and allows you to break through the standard designs. It adds a layer of fun and new possibilities to even the most traditional designs. Thicker threads give more texture to quilting stitches and makes for striking applique work. Experiment! Push the boundaries of what you traditionally do! Break out your thicker thread and set aside some time with it and a scrap quilt sandwich. You’ll not be disappointed. It is truly time well spent.
