Hi kathbug,
Quilting is fun and finishes off the quilt in such a way that makes it last much longer, adds interest and can add to the design. My suggestion to you is to check out a book from the library on just quilting. ( You could buy one too, I am talking about economy quilting) There are many of them out there and hopefully there is a good one at your local library.
You see, understanding the quilting process has many different sides to it. Also the way a quilt is quilted is really dependent on it's use. Is it a utilitarian quilt? A masterpiece? A baby quilt? All have thier own type of quilting that could be applied. Some with light, medium or heavy quilting. Then there is the concideration of the design and how it will lay after it is quilted (supported) by where the stitches will cover and what is not.
There is also what type of batting, threads, backing. Ect ect... you see?? Many people don't read what comes next after making the top. That is a shame, because the creative process of designing and executing the quilting onto the quilt is FUN!
Give yourself the gift of reading and understanding the quilting, you will be much more confident and know better what a quilt needs.
I hope I didn't go on too much. But, I wish someone had explained this to me years ago. I sometimes use both the walking foot, fmq, and outline (echo) quilting. Combining the different stitching on one quilt to finish it.
Last edited by RedGarnet222; 04-05-2013 at 08:07 AM.