I have done a number of hand appliquéd wall hangings with my longarm. I'm computerized but if you take your time and use a short stitch length you should do fine with a domestic machine. Use a very fine 60 wt thread like Superiors Bottom Line or silk thread. If you match the zig zag thread as closely as possible in color you shouldn't notice the stitch in the ditch. Stitch as closely as possible to the zig zag. I'd try a sample first to see if you like it. I would not echo quilt. Use your creativity and do something grass like in the green, some clouds and something to indicate wind in the sky. Show us pictures of what you decided to do when you are finished.

Hi Cheryl,

thanks for your response! Yeah, the creative quilting part for the background, meadow, tree branch etc will be the relatively easy parts...at least in figuring out what I want to do...probably not the quilting itself, lol! I think when two other members mentioned echo quilting they meant just once, so more what you're talking about, outline quilting. Since my zigzag stitches are different colors according to which piece was appliqued I'd rather not try to match the zigzag thread for each element and end up with different colored quilting stitches on my backing fabric. I'd like to just do a light cream colored thread which should almost disappear (?) on most of my fabrics. That's why I thought of the idea of the top quilting stitch coming up underneath the zigzag. I'm sure someone has tried this before?? I suppose I'll just have to get some batting next tuesday and try it out on some scraps to see if it will work as well as it seems to in my imagination. :-)

Thanks and yes, I'll definitely post how it turns out!

I hand quilt and machine quilt. I get what your saying about the motified hand stitch under the zigzag, let me know how that turns out that would have to be a done with a really small needle depending on your stitch length of your other handquilting. It's an adorable quilt and btw I see your in Germany as well!!

FuzzyKitten .... I would suggest that your initial outline around the animals use invisible thread. I use YLI Poly quite often to quilt where I need it stitched, but don't want to see the stitching. You can stitch just outside of the satin stitch you used to applique the items down. They sell the invisible thread in two colors - clear or smoke. Sometimes the smoke color is the best so you might want to purchase a spool of each and try them out to see which you like.

Poly thread is very thin, I usually use a 60wt thread in the bobbin when I sew with Poly. Use a small eye, sharp needle - one you would use for silk. You may need to play with your tension. I strongly suggest making a small practice quilt sandwich to play around with to make sure that thread, needle and tension are all playing nice with each other.

After that you can echo quilt with whatever thread you want to use.

I love that quilt by the way!! Adorable!!

I can't offer advice on the quilting, but your quilt is absolutely precious!

Hey everyone,

thanks again for your help with this quilt. Here it is finished, for anyone interested in how it turned out!