Cheladamama

https://photos.app.goo.gl/zeXbsvXM2AJd7yVb9I finished a disappearing 9 patch quilt top.I have bever "quilted" my layers together,I just tied them but am anxious to try the real thing.
I need some ideas on what design would look best here. Stitch in the ditch is one option, I have a template that is wavy like free motion, but have never done any of them. Any ideas would be appreciated!

petthefabric

A picture would be helpful.

I tried to write a few suggestions but quickly decided it's too big a topic. So......As a total novice I suggest a good basic book about quilting the sandwich.

Mkotch

I could click on the link and saw your pretty quilt. Love the colors you used. I'm no expert, but I would say on such a geometric, regular design, a swirly or curvy quilting pattern would be good.

Iceblossom

What a well behaved quilting cat -- still in the picture but not on the quilt!

For a slightly fancier than in the ditch, I really like the serpentine stitch if your machine has a setting. "You" are just sewing straight lines, the machine is making little half loops on your behalf. Because it wanders from side to side you don't have to have quite perfect seams or guidance.

I added a picture of one of my donation quilts done in a simple serpentine grid. Hope the stitching shows up!

copycat

Hi, I typed a long answer and my reply didn't post...so here is a quick answer. If you have access to quilting class, that would be the best place to start. You will gain confidence in your skills and learn so many tips in tricks on how to quilt. You will choose the design for your quilt based on your skill level. Not all designs are easy for beginners. I took a class and the teacher stressed to practice your chosen design on a scrap quilt sandwich first before starting to quilt on your quilt.

Lena1952

There are several online tutorials on free motion quilting. That would be a good place to begin. Free motion quilting is like any thing else: a skill learned. So as copycat suggested practice whatever design you choose on a scrap quilt sandwich first. It takes a lot of practice to become really good at free motion quilting. Or at least that is my experience with it. Best of luck.

QuiltMom2

Lovely top! Are you hand quilting? using your domestic sewing machine? borrowing someone's longarm? I like Iceblossom's donation quilt pictured above. If I was longarming that, I think I'd try for an allover design of some sort, maybe emphasizing the diagonals so I don't have to mark anything. Try a small practice block/piece first: it can help you decide. I sometimes go from "This isn't working" to "Hmm, not so bad." to "Hey, this looks great!"

aashley333

I am a fan of cross-hatching. I use a serpentine stitch and sew in a straight line. Hides any crookedness! I use the blue painter's tape about 2" wide and line up my presser foot with the edge as I stitch. On this wall hanging, I did this, but used a double needle when stitching.
If you have never used painter's tape, do not stitch ON the tape. Ask me how hard it is to remove then!!

Cheladamama

So many good ideas! Thank you! As for the cat, that was the look I got AFTER chasing her off the quilt!
My machine has over 100 stitches so I can check them out.I have a walking foot, and was definitely planning on practicing before I settle on anything as I'm out in the sticks so unless online,there are no classes here.
I have spent alot of time watching YouTube and other tutorials-the internet is a font of useful(and useless) info!
I will be working on the border today and hopefully will be "quilting" this weekend. Thank you for your help, this board has been so informative. I learn something on any thread! I'll be sure to post the completed piece.

QuiltE

Nice effect with the double needle work!