quilting style Definitions

The following paragraphs explain a few quilting definitions. These definitions help make it clearer what services are offered by Sunflower Quilting.

Edge to edge/pantograph – A continuous line quilting pattern from one edge of the quilt to the other, repeated in rows for the length/width of the quilt. Rows are designed to interlock to give an all-over pattern on your quilt, there are many patterns available.

Basting – Long tacking stitches are done in rows from edge to edge or as a large meander over your quilt sandwich. Easily removed, saves you pinning on the floor or table top.  For the hand quilter this makes it a bit easier to get going on the hand work.

Freestyle – An all-over freehand design to suit your quilt top.  No pattern followed, it’s all from my head and specific to your quilt.

Custom– Quilting designs that complement and enhance the quilt top, includes stitch in the ditch, sashing patterns, block motifs and more. Pricing reflects the density and complexity of the custom designs.

Binding – A range of services from cutting the binding from your fabric, applying by machine only, to completing by hand.

Mail Order – If you are happy to view photos and quilting patterns via email or online I can meet your quilting needs even if you are not nearby.  Let’s make use of the technology and make great quilts.

What type of quilting should go on my quilt?

When you come to the quilting stage there are some factors you should consider when deciding the quilting style:

– Use of the quilt – will it be a bed quilt, wall quilt, cuddle up on front of the TV quilt? Have you made it for a child? Is the intended recipient male or female? The answers to these questions will guide you in your choice of quilting.

– Function of the quilting – Have you spent many hours piecing a fantastic quilt? The quilting should enhance your piecing.

Sometimes the quilting is designed to be a dominant feature, sometimes the quilting is purely functional.  My job is to know the difference and help you work out what you’d like to see on your quilt.

– Thread colour – the quilting thread can be a feature or blend into the piecing.  Depending on your quilt, you can use more than one colour.

– The recipient of the quilt – male, female, child, teenager, baby or friend – Do they have specific tastes or themes? Flowers, abstract, nature, geometric. e.g. Perhaps a floral design is not ideal on a man’s quilt.

– Health issues – This may determine your choice of batting to allow for ease of laundering and avoiding allergies.

The quilting done on your quilt is completed by me using a hand-guided machine, as such there may be some small variation in the pattern which ensures your quilt’s uniqueness.

Quilt Preparation

Quilt preparation is important as it can impact the finished result.

  • You should make sure your quilt top is pressed well and that all the seams are flat with none changing sides halfway through a seam. This is especially important when doing custom quilting.
  • Cut all the loose threads from the back, especially high contrasting colours next to each other. Once it’s there it’s very hard to get out.
  • Check that your blocks and borders lay flat and are not ‘wavy’. Uneven piecing or fullness cannot always be absorbed into the quilting.
  • Does the border have numerous seams? Stay stitching around the outer edge will help keep it together. A line of stay stitching around the very edge of the quilt on your domestic machine to hold all the seams together.
  • Backing fabric pressed well and pieced or cut to be 3-4 inches (20cm) longer and wider than the quilt top. Please make sure the backing is squared ready to use, seams pressed open. This certainly saves time and costs for piecing the backing.
  • Batting also should be 3-4 inches (20cm) longer and wider than the quilt top.  I have batting available or I am happy to use what you provide, as long as it is of reasonable quality.

Backing fabric

Think carefully about the fabric you choose to go on the back of your quilt.

  • Choose as good quality as you can afford. 100% cotton is recommended.
  • Fabric that compliments the top and thread colour will give a pleasing result. Most thread is matched in the bobbin and will show both sides of the quilt.
  • If you choose a contrasting thread colour a busy print on the back will disguise the quilting. Especially if there are numerous stops and starts as in custom quilting.
  • An all-over quilting pattern with a plainer backing fabric will allow the quilt to become reversible. Two quilts in one!

Please feel free to browse the website for further information, or text/call me on  0416 462 615 to discuss your quilting requirements.


Sunflower quilting – Phone 0416 462 615 or email.
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