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Machine Quilting

BACK: Basting the Layers
NEXT: Adding the Quilt Binding



Brother SA187 Metal Open Toe Freemotion Quilting Foot Machine quilting permanently holds your layers together. It also adds depth and design to your quilt top. You have many choices when it comes to quilting your layers.

The photo on the left shows an example of "free motion quilting." You'll have plenty of time to learn that later. I just wanted to show you how creative you can get with your quilting stitches!

In this lesson, you're going to learn the "stitch-in-the-ditch" method. It's simple to do because all your stitching lines are straight. It's also good for beginners who don't want their quilting stitches to show. "Stitch in the ditch" means you stitch in the seam lines on the top side of your quilt.

Be sure to read my helpful quilting tips before you begin.


What You Need
Walking Foot
Cotton/Polyester Thread for Top of Machine
A Neutral Color Like Gray
Cotton/Polyester Thread for Bobbin
Color That Matches Background Fabric


Before you start quilting your sampler, it's a good idea to practice on scraps first. Here's how to do it:

Cut a 5" x 5" layer of fabric, batting and backing. Adjust your tension until stitching lines are smooth. Check for puckering on the backing as well. When you're happy with this setup, start on your quilt.

Stitch in the Ditch


Stitch close to the seam line (in the ditch). Stitches and seam line should touch, but not overlap.

Stitch Close to Seam Line



Step 1

Prepare Your Machine

  • Attach your walking foot.

  • Insert sewing needle (size 80/12).

  • Set machine at 8 to 10 stitches per inch, or 3.0 on computerized machines.

  • Thread your machine.
Step 2

During this step you're going to lock your stitches at the beginning and ending of each seam. Please refer to the diagram below for stitching help. Time to quilt!

NOTE: Stitch seams in direction of arrows.
  1. Stitch sashing seams.

  2. From center of quilt and working toward the top, stitch horizontal seams. Don't stitch outer border seams yet (see red lines).

  3. Repeat for bottom half of quilt.

  4. Stitch vertical lines, starting with inner seams first.

  5. Stitch border seams.

Machine Quilt in Direction of Arrows


With practice, machine quilting becomes easier. That's when you can experiment with more challenging designs. You've come a long way. Take a breather. When you return, you'll add the binding.

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BACK: Basting the Layers
NEXT: Adding the Quilt Binding


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