It's a great idea! I have done it, and it is a *lot* easier than straight-line quilting. I used a walking foot, which was really helpful both in terms of keeping the layers together and helping me keep the curves loose. I actually prefer these wavy lines to straight lines for many quilts. The wavy lines end up with a much softer look to them. And, it has the advantage of being a very easy way to quilt.

It's best not to do a grid; just lines all going in the same direction. As soon as you do a grid, whether the lines are straight or wavy, you run into the problem of tucks and puckers where the lines cross. While this issue can be overcome, it's one that you want to avoid until you are sure you know how to avoid the problems.

I call that "my way" because I can't for the life of me sew a straight line, even if I mark one with a ruler. I recently saw a site somewhere that called it "organic" quilting.

This is how we were shown in a FMQ class I took. Took some getting used to but I like it.
I also use the walking foot on thicknesses.

Thanks to all who gave their opinions on this topic. I learn a lot when I come and read.
Althought I am a handstitcher mostly, I do like to fmq on doll quilts and smaller mini's.

I did your way of wanting to quilt on mug rugs ( I know it is a major size difference) but it worked so well, and looked so nice - I got many compliments of them, as I made them for gifts for Christmas... Good luck - and give it a try....

I really like this idea.
I love that a website calls it "organic", that's great!

I wonder if it would look cool to have them all start close together and then kind fan out and be further apart on the far end? Like rays of sunshine.

Make a practice sandwich of junk fabric and batting and give it a whirl. Better to find you don't like it on a throw away scrap than on the real thing!

I agree with all of this! And you absolutely can do wavy lines with a walking foot - I do it all the time - as long as the curves are gentle.

Alison

Yeah, go for it!

I like the fan idea. Do the first one from corner to corner, then start the next ones a little way from the start of the first. Add lines wherever the lines are getting farther apart, so that the last lines at the bottom of the quilt, and the one side, are getting very short. You will just have to figure out how to finish off the starts of all these lines. I would pull the threads to the back and tie them.