narnianquilter

Here is a quilt top I just finished for our baby boy due in about 12 weeks (yeah I know cutting this one close!)

My first quilt was for my daughter and was all done by hand because I didn't have a machine- now I do. So my question is, what is the best way to machine quilt this thing? I know HOW to machine quilt, I am just really unsure as to what type of pattern/design to quilt in.

Also bear in mind that I have 12 weeks before our little man gets here, so simple is better!

Jo M

How about cross-hatching all around the center circles and stars in the border? I like cross-hatching in "boy" quilts because it's not too fussy or cutesy.

patchsamkim

Cross hatching would work good. Concentric circles to carry through the center pattern could be another possibility. Meandering with swirls? Just meandering? Guess it would depend on just how much work you want to put into the quilting.

narnianquilter

What is cross hatching? I am a newer quilter and don't have all the terms down yet. I think I will probably stitch in the ditch around my circles, but I am worried that anything swirly will look too girly.

Tartan

Crosshatching is basically a large grid done on the diagonal of the quilt surface. Think 2 inch squares and you will get the idea. Quilting crosshatching can be one by stitching along painter's tape or by using the bar that fits on the back of some sewing machine feet that allows you to follow previous lines of sewing. Great quilt top by the way!

HillCountryGal

If this were my quilt, I'd not stitch-in-a-ditch. I would stitch 1/4" inside each red & white circle + the star.
Then think rays of sunshine going out from the center. Stitching straight lines out to the border. For the border, I'd do the 1/4" stitch again.

narnianquilter

Thanks for all the suggestions! I at least have a direction to take it now! Hopefully in the next few weeks you guys will see a completed project up here!