Applique Filler Quilting

One of the first things I tend to gravitate to when viewing a quilt show is, of course, the appliqué quilts. Besides the overall design and execution I also try to see how the design was quilted and did that quilting work with the pattern. I am by no means an expert at this, but I have come up with a few tried and true appliqué filler patterns that really help my appliqué blocks poof out and are pretty easy to do. I also have a confession to make…I absolutely STINK at stippling…truly. That being said, I’ve found that I need some specific shape to have in my head when I quilt. So, here is my latest favorite appliqué filler… the SWIRL (no imagination I know).

Here are some up close shots:

The basic idea is to keep repeating spirals throughout the background. To practice, it can be fun to doodle the pattern out with paper and pencil before quilting. It kind of gets the pattern going in your brain and hands. I like to start in the center-ish and work outward. Here are some shots of my practice doodle.

Here is a little diagram to help.

Also, I do try to outline my appliqué shapes in the quilting as well. Sometimes I am really in the groove and can get around without “accidentally” quilting the leaves and flowers…sometimes I need to “un-sew”…all I can say is practice, practice, practice.

Comments

[Jacquelilne]

Thanks so much for sharing. I am summoning up the courage to try FMQ..

[kaholly]

The 'swirl' is perfect!! You make stink at stippling, but you've got that swirl down pat!! I am going to bookmark this page so I can give it a try when I am home and at my own machine!! Thanks!

[Beth C]

I can't wait to try this. I am working on improving my FMQ skills--they can't get any worse!!!

[Di Jobbins]

This swirl is sooo much prettier than stippling - I really must try it! Gorgeous!

[Margaret]

Thank you for your tutorial on "the swirl". I have tried this pattern, and wasn't too pleased with the result, but I can see from your instructions that you are much more methodical in your approach than I was. I tried making my swirls meander all over the place, and it wound up looking messy. Your swirls look beautiful, so I will be sure and try your approach.
By the way, I can't stipple, either, and don't care to. I don't find it very attractive.

[Myra Ungerman]

I think there are more of us who CAN'T stipple than can. I actually have a template that I use (on small areas, only). I love the swirl and am going to use it in my next pieced quilt I'm working on -- it's mostly triangles and straight lines, so the swirl design will compliment it, I think. THANKS, THANKS, THANKS!!!

[Liz]

Thanks for sharing that swirl pattern! My M-I-L just bought a mid arm quilting machine, and is encouraging me to quilt a few of my quilts. You really have to visualize the design before you start sewing! Also just learned that music may help you to stay in your "creative flow". Going to try this next!

[Raewyn]

Great idea and an achievable one! I do like this swirl, and I can see it in an applique quilt I will be starting to quilt this week. Thank you for the idea!

[Penny]

I love the swirl and will give it a try as well. Can you tell us where you found the quilt hanging thing-a-ma-jig?

[kathleen]

Thanks. I trying to do more of my own FMQ especially on my smaller quilts and am always stumped as to how to fill in the background.