Do you love quilting but hate the hassle of free-motion quilting or long-arm quilting? Do you wish you could finish your quilts faster and easier? If you answered yes, then you might want to try quilting with your embroidery machine!
%20(1).webp "Quilts with Embroidery Machines")
Discover the captivating world of quilting with an embroidery machine as we delve into the secrets of creating breathtaking quilts. With the perfect fusion of traditional quilting techniques and the precision of modern technology, you can embark on a journey to craft exquisite quilts that will stand the test of time. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the artistry behind quilting with an embroidery machine, providing valuable insights and tips to help you create stunning masterpieces. Let's unravel the possibilities of "quilt with embroidery machine" and unleash your creative potential.
In this blog post, I will show you how to make beautiful quilts with your embroidery machine using edge-to-edge quilting. You will learn:
- What are edge-to-edge embroidery designs and where to find them
- What supplies do you need for quilting with an embroidery machine
- How to prepare your quilt sandwich for embroidery
- How to hoop your quilt and set up your machine How to load and stitch out your design
- How to finish your quilt
By the end of this post, you will be able to create gorgeous quilts with your embroidery machine that will impress your friends and family!
What are Edge-to-Edge Embroidery Designs and Where to Find Them
Edge-to-edge embroidery designs are continuous quilting designs that start at one side of the hoop and end at the opposite side. All stitching is continuous with no backtracking (unless you choose a triple stitch), and designs connect seamlessly with each other.
Here is an example of an edge-to-edge stippling embroidery design:
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
You can create your own edge-to-edge embroidery designs using embroidery digitizing software or design capabilities on your embroidery machine. You can also buy ready-made edge-to-edge embroidery designs from various sources online.
Some of the places where I love to buy machine embroidery designs for quilting are:
- [Etsy](https://www.etsy.com/search?q=edge%20to%20edge%20quilting%20designs) (My favorite shop is [JLdizains](https://www.etsy.com/shop/JLdizains).)
- [Amelie Scott Designs](https://ameliescott.com/)
- [Designs by Juju](https://www.designsbyjuju.com/collections/quilting-in-the-hoop)
- [Anita Goodesign](https://www.anitagoodesign.com/product-category/quilting/)
When choosing or creating edge-to-edge embroidery designs, make sure that:
- The stitching line begins and ends at the exact symmetric location to allow for block connection
- The design is continuous with no trims
- The motif spacing is compatible with your batting's minimum required quilting space
What Supplies You Need for Quilting with an Embroidery Machine
To quilt with an embroidery machine, you will need the following supplies:
- An embroidery machine with a large hoop (at least 5" x 7")
- A quilt top (pieced or whole cloth)
- A quilt backing (at least 4" larger than the quilt top on all sides)
- A quilt batting (at least 4" larger than the quilt top on all sides)
- Embroidery thread (preferably polyester or rayon)
- Bobbin thread (preferably matching or contrasting with the top thread)
- Embroidery needles (size 75/11 or 80/12)
- Spray basting or safety pins
- Marking tools (such as chalk, water-soluble pen, or painter's tape)
- Templates or alignment tools (optional but helpful)
- Scissors or rotary cutter
- Ruler or measuring tape
- Iron and ironing board
How to Prepare Your Quilt Sandwich for Embroidery
Before you start quilting with your embroidery machine, you need to prepare your quilt sandwich. A quilt sandwich is composed of three layers: the quilt top, the quilt batting, and the quilt backing.
To prepare your quilt sandwich, follow these steps:
1. Press the quilt top and backing fabric to remove wrinkles. I love [Best Press](https://www.amazon.com/Mary-Ellen-Best-Starch-Scent/dp/B00D5WQ2U8) for this task.
2. Lay the backing fabric on a large flat surface, right side down. Make sure it is smooth and wrinkle-free.
3. Lay the batting on top of the backing fabric, aligning the edges. Trim any excess batting if needed.
4. Lay the quilt top on top of the batting, right side up. Make sure it is centered and smooth.
5. Baste the three layers together using spray basting or safety pins. Start from the center and work your way outwards.
6. Trim any excess backing fabric if needed.
Your quilt sandwich is now ready for embroidery!
How to Hoop Your Quilt and Set Up Your Machine
The next step is to hoop your quilt sandwich and set up your machine for edge-to-edge quilting.
To hoop your quilt sandwich, follow these steps:
1. Decide how you want to orient your design on your quilt. You can either go from left to right or from top to bottom.
2. Mark a horizontal line across the center of your quilt using a marking tool.
3. Mark a vertical line across the center of your hoop using a marking tool.
4. Place your hoop on top of your quilt sandwich, aligning the vertical line on the hoop with the horizontal line on the quilt.
5. Loosen the screw on the outer ring of the hoop and remove it.
6. Place the inner ring of the hoop under your quilt sandwich, aligning it with the outer ring on top.
7. Press down firmly on both rings until they snap together.
8. Tighten the screw on the outer ring of the hoop.
9. Adjust the fabric as needed to make sure it is taut and smooth in the hoop.
To set up your machine for edge-to-edge quilting, follow these steps:
1. Thread your machine with embroidery thread in the needle and bobbin thread in the bobbin.
2. Insert an embroidery needle into your machine.
3. Attach your hoop to your machine.
4. Select an edge-to-edge embroidery design from your machine's memory or load it from a USB stick or memory card.
5. Adjust the size, position, rotation, or density of your design as needed.
6. Perform a test stitch-out on a scrap piece of fabric if desired.
You are now ready to start stitching!
How to Load and Stitch Out Your Design
The final step is to load and stitch out your design on your quilt sandwich.
To load and stitch out your design, follow these steps:
1. Press start on your machine and watch it stitch out your design.
2. When it finishes stitching, remove your hoop from your machine.
3. Cut any jump stitches or thread tails if needed.
4. Move your hoop to the next position on your quilt sandwich, aligning it with the previous stitch-out using templates or alignment tools if available.
5. Repeat steps 1 to 4 until you cover the entire quilt surface with edge-to-edge quilting.
How to Finish Your Quilt
After you finish stitching out all your edge-to-edge designs on your quilt sandwich, you need to finish your quilt by adding binding and a label.
To finish your quilt, follow these steps:
1. Trim off any excess batting and backing fabric around your quilt top using scissors or a rotary cutter.
2. Cut strips of fabric for binding according to your desired width and length.
3. Sew the strips together end-to-end using a diagonal seam.
4. Fold the strip in half lengthwise and press it flat.
5. Sew the binding strip around all four edges of your quilt using a ¼ inch seam allowance.
6. Fold over the binding strip to cover the raw edges of your quilt and hand-sew or machine-sew it in place using a blind stitch or a zigzag stitch.
7. Make a label for your quilt by writing or embroidering information such as name, date, location, etc., on a piece of fabric.
8. Sew the label onto one corner of your quilt using a whipstitch or a blanket stitch.
Your beautiful quilt made with an embroidery machine is now complete!
Conclusion
Unleash your creativity and embark on an extraordinary quilting journey with an embroidery machine by your side. With the fusion of traditional quilting techniques and the precision of modern technology, you can create awe-inspiring quilts that captivate hearts and endure through generations. Whether you're a seasoned quilter or just starting out, the possibilities of a "quilt with embroidery machine" are endless. So, equip yourself with the right tools, immerse yourself in the artistry, and let your imagination run wild as you bring your quilted visions to life. Get ready to craft stunning quilts that blend tradition and innovation seamlessly. Start your quilting adventure today!
%20(1).webp)
%20(1).webp)
