It drives me crazy when I'm reading the instructions to a pattern and it just says "quilt as desired". It isn't very often you get one that has suggested quilting with it. Why not? It sure would be helpful to those of us that are new to the quilting part to have a sample or two of suggested patterns. An overall pattern like stippling is nice, but what if you want to quilt block by block? I don't always want to do stitch in the ditch either. It's so difficult to see what's done on the finished product in magazines and pattern covers. Where do you get your inspiration from?

This is the quilt I have in the works. I am using Clothworks Juliana fabric - http://www.clothworkstextiles.com/collection.asp?ID=135. Any suggestions on how to quilt the individual blocks?

http://www.sweettreasuresquiltpatter...terns/C14/#p55

Beautiful fabrics!!!

But I really don't have a clue as to how you should quilt it! A different floral design in each square would be very pretty though.

I also dread those words 'Quilt as Desired' - but I suppose that since quilting is such an individual thing, it is easier for pattern makers to say that. Its kind of a no-win situation; if they suggest quilting, some won't be able to execute it, some won't like it, etc.

I love those fabrics, and if it were another pattern I might seriously consider continuing with the 'curly' theme I see in several of them. That particular pattern has so much going on with the changes of size in the blocks, I'm not sure 'fancy' (for lack of a better word only) quilting would show up very well. That, of course, is based on the picture of the pattern which isn't in the actual fabrics - seeing them put together could change everything :D

Yep - I'm pretty sure that's why they say 'Quilt as Desired'! :lol:

One of the suggestions that I read (but have not used) is to quilt from the back. If you use a backing fabric with an overall pattern - such as floral - you can follow the pattern/outline quilting on the back and the front will have an unplanned overall quilting line. The pictures I have seen on this have been pretty.

That is interesting. I'll have to watch for pictures of that.

i would do spirals or some type of paisley style design to play off the swirls in the fabric

I agree with you, we need quilting suggestions, not "quilt as desired" The quilting part is the part I am not quite so good at and I need all the help I can get!!!

I totally agree. A suggestion would help. It doesn't mean we have to do it, but would help get those ideas flowing.

I agree. I like having a suggestion as to how to quilt it. Some of my patterns have quilting suggestions and it really helps. I am still too new to machine quilting to feel at ease designing my own.

You can also stitch in the ditch around the blocks or parts of them on the front to get a placement for them and then turn the quilt over and pick the designs you want to quilt in certain locations within the blocks from the back side. I hope that makes sense.....

No suggestions on quilting but I have done that pattern using civil war repro fabrics for my brother. I tied it instead of quilting.

Always tricky when they say that! I would probably keep a curved theme going...nothing too geometric. Look forward to seeing the end result.

I think it is because there is such a different level of quilters that can piece the tops but the quilting is a whole other art if you will, they would have to include not just one idea, but a variety to cover everyone. It is just easier to say, quilt as desired. I know that even for books etc that there is a lot less for the quilting side than the piecing side. Being new to my machine, I am trying to find and learn all sorts of things and it is hard to know where to start.

Hi, As one of the more experienced hand quilters on the site I would recommend stitching about 1/4 inch inside the outside edge of each different part of the design. The pattern you are using uses a different fabric to create the effect of each shape. You might want to quilt a small motif in the middle of each square. I have a collection of cookie cutters that provide interesting simple patterns for such a project. I would also use at least one curved pattern, chain etc. in one of the borders. From the back your quilt will look great also as piecing will not interfere with the effect of the quilting.
Have fun.

Cookie cutters! I never thought of that; I'll have to look into that.