Color Outside the Lines Quilt-Along: Week 9 Tips

What are some tips for preparing my quilt backing?

• Your backing should be at least 4" larger than your quilt top on all sides.
• Press backing seams open to reduce bulk.
• Use a 1/2" seam or a true 1/4" seam (not a scant 1/4") for the backing seams.

What type of batting is best for this quilt?

The batting you choose should complement the nature and use of your finished quilt. Check package labels, talk to other quilters, and test samples to find a batting with the qualities that are important for your project.

See our batting guide here.

How do I sandwich my quilt top?

Layering the quilt top, batting, and backing before quilting is an important step in preparing your project for quilting. There are a few different methods to choose from -- read more about them here, then pick your favorite!

Here are three ways to baste your quilt.

How do I choose a quilting design for this quilt?

• Think about the personality of the quilt: Is it formal or whimsical, modern or traditional, elegant or casual? Consider stitching motifs that match the mood of the quilt.
• Evaluate the quilt's intended use and recipient: Are you making a quilt for a baby or child, which will get plenty of use and likely be washed and dried? In this case, an allover design might be best. It it an heirloom quilt that will be displayed on special occasions? More elaborate quilting may be called for in that case.
• Keep a three-ring binder of quilting designs, including sketches or printouts of designs you want to try or actual "stitchouts" of patterns you've mastered. If you're sending a quilt out to be finished, see if your quilter has such a book showing what allover, edge-to-edge designs are offered. These may be free-motion designs or pantographs (patterns that are rolled out behind the machine and followed with a laser stylus).
• Get creative with custom quilting. If you want more than an allover design, consider custom quilting, which can range from stitching in the ditch to feathered wreaths to interlocking circles or other shapes. If you're sending a quilt out to be finished, see if your quilter has photos of custom quilt previously done.

See more tips for preparing your quilt for quilting here.

I don't have a longarm. Can I quilt this on my domestic sewing machine?

Absolutely! We made a video of three simple designs you can quilt on your domestic machine (they're perfect for all skill levels).

Watch the video here.