Stunning Free-Motion Machine Quilting Using Simple Shapes

Class Preview

Incredible free-motion quilting doesn’t have to take tons of time and effort. Join festival-favorite instructor Debby Brown and learn how combining simple shapes can lead to fabulous FMQ without the fuss. It’s a faster approach to all-over designs and more!

Basic Squares & Rectangles

Meet Debby Brown and begin class by brushing-up on the theory behind the techniques, so you can better understand how the class builds on the shapes used. Then tackle a simple stencil-making method using paper and pounce powder, and move on to some fun quilting designs. Debby shows you how quilting squares and continuous curves can lead to some intriguing new free-motion favorites.

Intricate Squares & Rectangles

Clamshells look intricate, but they’re actually pretty easy! Debby shows you how to work them in a square boundary and moves on to a different method of stitching for embellished clamshell designs. You’ll also learn how chicken wire quilting (sometimes called mattress-pad quilting) can help you quickly and attractively quilt a pieced top.

Smooth Circular Designs

Get a different look from your angular shapes by adding purely rounded quilting motifs. Shells are great for filling a space evenly, while alternating them can create visual interest through contrast. You can even improvise as you quilt, skipping the stenciling to create truly unexpected designs!

Offset Circle Designs

By offsetting or shifting your boundary shape, you can create more figurative motifs such as flowers and leaves. Debby guides you through it all before shifting focus to eight-pointed designs such as stars and asterisks. Plus, find out how your FMQ foot can fill the insides and outside of your circles for various decorative motifs; they’re perfect for holiday quilts and beyond!

Decorative Diamonds

Want alternating columns? Make it happen by subdividing diamonds with diagonal lines. Then, learn to work ribbon candy diagonally or horizontally for added versatility. You’ll even discover how a diamond stencil with a center line can be just the ticket for more angular geometric designs.

Stunningly Staggered Diamonds

Get ready for a new way to use diamonds: staggered or offset diamonds! Along the way, you’ll see how to make a basic grid for a foundation and use lines, stars and ribbon candy for a fuller look. You’ll finish it all off by quilting the centers and channels (created by offsetting the diamonds) for a dissolved effect.