Quilt the layers together - Machine Quilting or Hand TyingYou can either use a sewing machine to join the layers, creating a lovely frame around the embroidered squares, or you can hand tie the quilt, which gives a rustic yet charming look. The ties add another textural element to the quilt.
Click here to jump to hand tying.
Continue reading below for machine quilting.
If you're making the 18 image quilt you will need to mark the borders before machine quilting, as shown.
Using chalk or a water-soluble marker draw a line on the borders as pictured.
Use the 6" squares as a guideline.
Mark all four borders.
Walking foot attachment
A walking foot attachment for your sewing machine is necessary because it will keep the layers of fabric from shifting as you sew. Our Minky backing is so thick and soft that the walking foot makes quilting a breeze.
Stitch on both sides of the marked line. We prefer to stitch 1/4" to 3/8" on each side of the line or seams.
The dark lines in this diagram indicate the completed stitching line.
Roll the quilt towards the center on both sides leaving a space in the middle where you will begin stitching. Starting at one, side stitch horizontally across the quilt, unrolling and rolling each side as needed until you reach the end. Repeat on the other side until the quilt is complete. Turn the quilt vertically and repeat the process.
Again, stitch 1/4" to 3/8" on each side of the seams. The stitch length can be 2.5 to 3.0, or 8-12 stitches per inch.
This creates a lovely frame around the embroidered squares.
Once the machine quilting is complete...
Trim off the excess batting and backing. The quilt is now ready for you to attach the binding and finish the corners.
This is another traditional but very simple technique that will secure all three layers. We love this rustic yet charming look. The ties add another textural element to the quilt.
Pin or mark at every intersection, in the center of the alternate squares and around the borders at 6" intervals.
Measure to find the center of every fabric square for tie placement.
Here's how to hand tie:
Using a large darning needle #14 to #18 and pearl cotton #3, cut a 36" length and thread your needle. Insert the needle through all three layers.
Pull the thread through, leaving a 2" tail.
Step one of the square knot.
Completed square knot.
Trim, leaving at least 1" of thread hanging.
Finished knot.
Continue tying at the intersections and in the middle of all alternate blocks.
Once you have tied the entire quilt, trim off the excess batting and backing.
The quilt is now ready for you to attach the binding and finish the corners.
