Quilting is an art form that allows us to express creativity, tell stories, and create beautiful and functional pieces. While traditional quilting techniques have their charm, there's something uniquely appealing about adding a touch of handmade texture to our quilts. Enter "Big Stitch Quilting," a technique that uses thicker threads and larger stitches to create a bold and distinctive look. In this blog post, we'll delve into the world of Big Stitch Quilting, including the threads, needles, when to use it, and a detailed step-by-step tutorial to get you started.
Thicker Threads and Brands to Use:
The key to achieving the desired effect in Big Stitch Quilting is selecting the right threads. Look for threads that are thicker than regular quilting threads, as they will be more visible and create a bold statement. Perle cotton threads are an excellent choice for Big Stitch Quilting. Brands like DMC, Aurifil, and Presencia offer a wide range of perle cotton threads in various weights, ensuring you find the perfect thickness for your project. Perle cotton threads come in different colors, providing endless possibilities to complement or contrast with your quilt top.
For Big Stitch Quilting, a popular choice of thread is Perle cotton thread. The weight of Perle cotton thread used for Big Stitch Quilting is typically in the range of 8 to 12. The higher the number, the finer the thread. However, for Big Stitch Quilting, you would want to use a thicker thread to create a bold and textured look.
Perle cotton thread in the range of 8 to 12 weight is thicker compared to regular quilting thread, and it helps create visible stitches that add texture and a handcrafted appearance to your quilt.
When selecting Perle cotton thread for Big Stitch Quilting, consider choosing a weight that complements the scale of your stitches and the overall aesthetic you want to achieve in your quilting project.
Needles for Big Stitch Quilting:
Choosing the right needle is crucial for a smooth Big Stitch Quilting experience. Look for hand-sewing needles that have a large eye to accommodate the thicker threads. Embroidery needles or Big Stitch needles are specifically designed for this purpose and are readily available in most craft and sewing stores. Brands like Tulip, Bohin, and John James offer high-quality needles that make the quilting process enjoyable and efficient.
When to Use Big Stitch Quilting:
Big Stitch Quilting is a versatile technique that can be used in various quilting projects. Here are a few scenarios where Big Stitch Quilting shines:
Modern Quilts: Big Stitch Quilting adds a contemporary touch to modern quilt designs, enhancing the overall visual impact.
Handmade Gifts: Quilting gifts for loved ones become even more special when you add the personal touch of Big Stitch Quilting.
Art Quilts: In art quilts, Big Stitch Quilting can act as an additional layer of artistic expression, drawing attention to specific elements in the design.
Visible Embellishment: Use Big Stitch Quilting to emphasize certain patterns or motifs, adding texture and depth to your quilt.
Step-by-Step Tutorial:
Now that we have covered the basics let's dive into a step-by-step tutorial on how to do Big Stitch Quilting:
Materials Needed:
Quilt sandwich (quilt top, batting, and backing)
Perle cotton thread (choose the desired thickness and color)
Hand-sewing needle (Big Stitch or embroidery needle)
Thimble (optional but helpful for pushing the needle through the layers)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare Your Quilt Sandwich Start with your quilt sandwich, consisting of the quilt top, batting, and backing. Ensure all layers are smooth and free of wrinkles.
Step 2: Thread Your Needle Thread your hand-sewing needle with a length of perle cotton thread. You can either use a single strand or double up the thread, depending on the thickness and look you want to achieve. Knot the end of the thread.
Step 3: Start Stitching Begin stitching from the backside of the quilt, bringing the needle up through all layers to the front. Leave a small tail of thread at the back to secure the stitches later.
Step 4: Make the Big Stitches Now, create larger stitches than you would typically use in traditional quilting. The size of your stitches will vary depending on your preference, but around 1/4 to 1/2 inch is a good starting point. Keep the stitches evenly spaced for a neat look.
Step 5: Secure the Stitches After you have stitched the desired length, take the needle back down through all layers to the backside of the quilt. Secure the stitches by making a small knot and weaving the thread tail into the quilt's layers.
Step 6: Continue Stitching Repeat steps 3 to 5, quilting your desired pattern or following the design of your quilt top. As you progress, you'll notice how the thicker threads add a beautiful texture and handcrafted charm to your quilt.
Step 7: Finishing Touches Once you have quilted the entire project, admire your handiwork! Trim any loose threads and give your quilt a gentle press to make the stitches settle in.
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