This blue Hopscotch cot quilt is part of a wholesale order that I've been working on.

It started life up on my felt wall, where I chose the 9 or so prints that I'm going to use and decide on the layout. I do a certain amount of swapping blocks around until I'm happy with the combination of light and dark prints and then I leave it be, so that I don't over think it and lose the spontaneity.

 

I was torn at first about the best way to quilt this design. Because it's just straight forward square blocks, I usually quilt following the seams (not in the ditch because that can weaken the stitching and I think often looks messy - but alongside the seam), but that tends to make this size of quilt feel quiet stiff. Freehand machine quilting makes quilts all drapey (it's a word!) and I love the feel of it, but I wasn't sure to begin with whether or not it would end up making the quilt look too busy, what with competing with so many different prints as well as so many straight lines.

In the end though I decided to go with the freehand quilting and I'm really pleased that I did. As well as loving the way it looks (super crinkly) I really enjoying this form of quilting so much more than any other. I think that freehand quilting is akin to zips for a lot of people, with it being assumed that it's difficult and that you need some kind of special foot etc to do it. Which couldn't be further from the truth, at least as far as freehand quilting is concerned - I don't know about zips, I'm too scared to try because it's too difficult....

All you need to quilt freehand is a darning foot and the ability to lower the feed dogs and away you go. I always draw a freehand pattern all over the quilt top first, using a water soluble pen (check it does wash out before doing this!!) because I find it much easier and I get a strange satisfaction from following the line, it's like one of those follow the path quizzes that Bella loves to do.

I also always use Sulky Variegated thread when I freehand quilt because I love the subtle changes in colour as you follow the meandering lines.
For me, the fun thing about a simple quilt design like this, is giving it added movement and depth, whether it's through the actual quilting or the choice of prints or just the thread you use. Such fun.

Comments

[Mrs Bun]

Thanks for that help. It turns out to be great timing for me as I've been trying to work out how to freehand quilt without bodging it up completely.

Lisa x

[Andi]

A lovely little quilt.
Love the pink version too!!
Andi :-)

[hazeljoy]

have you moved the sofa?

[Anne Marie]

That is such a cute quilt. I loved reading about your process and the fear about freehand quilting as I am fced with the same fear. I usually decied to quilt by hand which takes lots of more time but is also very satisfying. You´ve made me want to try freehand though. Thanks for sharing!

[dottycookie]

Ah, drawing the pattern on with washable marker - genius! I can follow lines, but if I try to just go with the flow I end up all bunched in one corner. I shall definitely have to try that trick.

I love the colours and patterns you've chosen,

[Pomona]

It's a lovely quilt, and you make it sound so easy!

Pomona x

[Joanne]

What a gorgeous quilt, love the look of the pink one to.
I might have to give free hand ago I thought you need a special machine. Thank you for sharing.

Joanne

[Sam]

Awesome! What stitch length do you go for when quilting?

[French Knots]

Brilliant, I'd not thought of drawing on the line to follow so have never tried freehand quilting - Thank you for solving the problem!

[janjan]

I think you've done a cracking job Manda. It does take time to master freehand stitching so I reckon you've done brilliantly. Glad you've used a darning foot. We were taught to do it with no foot at college and it's not funny when you're sitting in A&E with a broken needle through your index finger! Keep safe xxx

[Meredith]

I love your blog! So beautiful and inspiring. Freehand machine quilting has always been a bit intimidating to me -- I never even looked into doing it, but I do love the wrinkly look of a quilt with all that quilting. You make me want to try it!

[Kristy]

You'll have to give me a lesson one day ;)

[Luciana]

Beautiful quilt. I so enjoy your work. Just recently I had my first attempt at quilting and am taking baby steps towards improving my skills. I appreciated the knowledge that you shared about free hand quilting as well as your creative process. All the best, Luciana

[Gwen Murray]

What a beautiful quilt - love the shapes and colors of the fabrics that you have used -I might get the courage up some day to do the freehand quilting ... thank you for the lovely blog

[Mary on Lake Pulaski]

Great quilt and thanks for the great commentary about why you do what you do! On this one again, just right!

[Siren]

What a lovely quilt, and the red one.....oh lala - so lovely colors!

[Karen]

Your quilt is really cute. I love the colors and the freehand quilting was a great choice.
Thank you for sharing your creations and expertise.

[Mu Mu Design]

Darling Manda, that orange print in piccie one - where from art thou art?

[maypole]

Wow!