Hello all... I'm ready to start hand quilting this quilt and have decided to put a fleur-de-lis inside all the large diamonds. I think I want to outline the diamonds with smaller diamonds inside by simply following the edge of the diamonds... let's see, how to ask this... OK... on the larger-of-the-smaller diamonds, just outline... on the really small diamonds, outline the larger piece made of 4 smallest diamonds... Here's my question... how far from the seam to quilt? I'm thinking either 3/8" or 1/2"... the medium-sized diamond is 3.5" across and 5.75" long... I hope this makes some sense? I'm trying to attach two photos, one of a close-up... Here goes...

And thank you, in advance, for weighing in!!

When I handquilt, I try to avoid the seams if possible so I would quilt at least 3/8" inside the diamonds. That's a beautiful quilt! Good luck with your handquilting.

I don't hand quilt, just wanted to say what a beautiful quilt you have and how time consuming that pattern is to get done as nicely as you have. Great Job!!

sounds like you have a good plan- as for the distance from seams- try the 3/8" and see if that works for you- if not- try a bit more-
i think the 3/8" is going to be great!

I usually do about 1/4" inside the shape when I'm outlining - far easier than in the ditch when handquilting. Take a piece of masking or painters tape and measure out your thoughts on different diamonds side by side to get a visual. On the small ones I'd probably be as close to the seam as possible.

You have a beautiful scrap quilt. I've never seen that pattern before. I prefer quilting 1/4 or 3/8 inch from the seam. That allows the pattern to show the best IMO.

Thanks everyone for your input! The quilt really wasn't that difficult... It is a pattern called "Diamond in the Rough" from the December 2006 issue of American Patchwork and Quilting. The designer is Heather Mulder Peterson. I've had the top completed, except for the outer border for several years now... just waiting until I could decide to get going on hand quilting... The images in the magazine show lovely, intricate machine quilting, but since this is for my sweet DH, I wanted to work it by hand... He's being very sweet about it too. I guess I'm mildly concerned about the open spaces left if I simply quilt 3/8" inside the smaller diamonds. So many quilts I see seem to have virtually every bit of space filled with quilting... Should I be concerned? Again, thanks for all the lovely comments!

I like minimal quilting; altho the overly quilted quilts I've seen on here are lovely, I think the quilting overwhelms the piecing. You have a great idea about the fleur de lis in the larger diamonds; if you outline your diamonds 3/8" and then do the fleur de lis I think this would be filled in nicely. Also, since it's for your DH this is a less feminine but attractice quilting pattern.

(I hope I didn't offend by saying I don't like heavily quilted quilts--sorry it's just a personal preference).

You are so much like me-- I don't trust my own judgement on designs or color selection,etc. You've made some great choices--jump in!!!

thank you, Jan... I marked the calendar last night... quilted the first two small diamonds...

I really do appreciate the feedback! I'll try to let you see the finished product... someday!! :-D

Happy Quilting!!