How to quilt a busy pattern
 

If you have a queen quilt and the pattern is really busy how would you quilt it? Busy, I mean, one block maybe all flying geese, next block, lots of HST, etc. All different blocks, all different sizes. Would you do a freehand puzzle look?

When I have a quilt that has lots of different blocks, I like to quilt each one individually with a quilting design that enhances that particular block. Did the Farmers Wife Sampler quilt, 100+ blocks and did QAYG. I had fun with each block.

You could always do echo quilting to bring out the different piecing in each block. Otherwise, I would choose an edge-to-edge pattern (such as the puzzle-look you mentioned) done with free motion quilting technique. Either way, you can't lose!

Hi, doodldoo. Yesterday I was on my work computer (don't tell my boss) and couldn't find the link for the FWS quilts. If you search The FWS Quilt-Along Completed Quilt Top and go to page 4 and page 21 there are two examples of the blocks being individually quilted. Thought this might give you some ideas.

Thanks. Going to check that site out.

I think anything that doesn't detract from the block itself works fine. The lady that quilts for me now does something different for each block when it's a sampler quilt.

IMHO Less is better. I prefer seeing the fabric and the quilt pattern rather then a lot of quilting. I probably would do a lot of SID making sure that I am within the suggested quiltiing quide recommended by the batting manufacturer. It depends on how much quilting you like. Do you like a lot or not so much. On a busy print top I did meandering just enought to be with in there suggested quide lines. Show us a pic!!!

On busy tops, what color thread do you use? I've read some that use blendy colors, some say contrasting colors. What do you use?

I think we need to see a pic to answer you. LOL

I have done shadow quilting around each block, and an all over meander. Both turned out nice. I have seen some that had a clam shell or babtist fan quilting that also looked nice. You might get some tissue paper or thin plastic and draw out a couple of ideas using a thin sharpie and then lay it over the quilt to see if you like it. Rubbing alcohol will take sharpie off of plastic.

It is Civil War Chronicles from like 2011. All those points and stuff left me, well, walking away! lol. I just got a pic off the internet.

What a beautiful quilt. IMHO I would do some SID on the areas that you can do straight and outline such as arpound each block. Then do as large meandering as far apart as the batting quilting suggestions say. This is such a beautiful pattern that I hate to see it cluttered up by quilting. show us the finished quilt!