Follow these free motion quilting hacks to help you master free motion quilting. I share the techniques and suggestions that have helped me achieve success. What does one need to get started? Can something be saved for a later date?
Overlook 35″ x 26″ 89 cm x 66cm 2018 Uses the fabric layering technique.
What do you Need to get Started?
a sewing machine that lets you lower or cover the feed dogs
a darning foot
Aurifil brand 100% cotton thread (found in better quilting stores)
What can you Put Off for later?
In my experience, these things that can be left for later. It is a personal choice. I saw quilting gloves mentioned as a necessary item to begin free motion quilting. I personally have never used these.They may be helpful for someone. But they don’t seem esseential to begin.
Many quilters like myself are draw to charming stipple quilting. On the one hand, stipple quilting is lovely and adds a lot to your quilt. On the other hand, it draws attention to the quilting. For this reason, it isn’t the best for a beginner. Leave stipple quilting until later when you are more skilled. I use another technique that works better for quilters new to free motion quilting. See hack 3.
Free Motion Quilting Hack -1
A darning foot is also necessary. If your machine didn’t come with one, they are easy to obtain. Buy one for your brand machine.
a darning foot
Free Motion Quilting Hacks-2
The best thread to use is Aurifil brand thread 50 weight 100% cotton. It comes in a lot of colors. However, it is generally only available in better quilting stores. At first, a spool can seem expensive. However, the thread is very thin. There is a lot of thread on each spool. I once pieced and quilted a complete double size bed using only one spool of this thread. This thread is highly recommended for free motion quilting. It truly will make or break your work. In the beginning, choose a thread color that matches the background. The threads blend in. Irregular lengths of stitches won’t show as much.
Aurifil thread 50wt
Free Motion Quilting Hacks-3
My preferred method of free motion quilting is to use the fabric layering technique. In the beginning,I was able to practice with satisfactory skills. As a result, I continued practicing. Therefore, leading to the mastery of the skill. My machine is a 20 year old Lily Husquarna. It is not a special machine,just a regular sewing machine.
To be honest, before I learned this technique, I was ready to give up on learning free motion quilting. I was not having any success. Therefore,I was very frustrated. In short, it is very forgiving as one develops their skill.
I only use Aurifil brand thread for free motion quilting.
How to do the Fabric Layering Technique
Basically the fabric layering technique starts on a table. To begin, lay the backing fabric down. Start with a smaller size like 12″-14″ about 30 cm square. Then put the batting on top. Similarly, cover the batting with a background fabric that enhances your scene.Then create a scene with fabric. A landscape is an easy way to start. Cut out pieces of fabric for your scene ie. trees and rocks. Then lay the pieces on the background fabric. Continue until you have made a pleasant scene. Place a tiny dab of glue from a glue stick to keep pieces in place while quilting. Cover with tulle netting. Free motion quilt.
Free motion quilting allows the quilter to control the movement of the quilt. In order to do this, the quilter must lower the feed dogs on their sewing machine. The feed dogs are on the flat part of the machine. They control the movement of the fabric. Most newer machines have this feature. Mine is twenty years old and it does. If you are unable to lower your feed dogs, cover them. However, I am unfamiliar with this.
Here is my basket of threads. I generally am not fussy about the type of thread I use for most kinds of sewing.
Fast Feet Slow Hands
While free motion quilting you should say to yourself, fast feet slow hands. What does this mean? The throttle makes the machine go fast. Your foot usually controlls the trottle. Push the throttle fast but evenly. At the same time, your hands should be moving slowly. Pull the sides of the quilt taut while quilting. Practice moving them at the same rate at an even pace.
Checking your Stitches
In the beginning, quilt following the outline of the tree or main object in the scene. Check your stitches by looking on the back of the quilt. Loose or lengthy stitches mean the hands are being moved too quickly. Those stitches need to be taken out.As you get better you can create free form grasses or branches or movement with the sewing threads. Read more about this technique. https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2017/07/fabric-layering-technique/
DesertTrees in the Wash, 25″ x 24″ 64 cm x 61 cm 2021 Another example of the fabric layering technique.
In Conclusion
Free motion quilting is another tool to add to your quilting tool box. Yet, there is no easy fix for mastery this technique. Put in the time to practice,you will be rewarded with a higher level of skill. Use the suggestions here to make your path more successful quicker and less frustrating.
View more Art Quilts
View some art quilts I made using the fabric layering technique and free motion quilting.
Nature themes lend themselves to including unusual animals in art quilts. I often add dragonflies, fish, and jellies to my seascapes or landscapes. My preferred technique for landscape fabric collage is the fabric layering technique. I create a fiber scene on a table and quilt all of the layers together to make a piece of wall art.
A Dragonfly is an Insect.
A local gallery recently had a call for entry for insects. Of course, small creeping animals were my first thought. I would normally not choose to include bugs in my art .But I continued pondering and I remembered that dragonflies and butterflies are also insects. I choose to try my hand at dragonflies since they are a local favorite. Butterflies are beautiful but overdone in my view as small creatures in art quilts.
Teal Dragonflies 17″x 15″ 43cm x 38cm SOLD!
Sea Dragons
Sea dragons are a facinating cousin to a sea horse. My first thought when I saw one was, was it an animal or was it a plant? I was totally fooled. I love the impressionistic feel that it brings to my art. Each viewer can choose what they wish to envision. Sea horses and seadragons are smaller creatures than expected.Sometimes the differently colored seadragons blend in with their surroundings.
Light Green SeadragonSwimming with Seadragons 26″ x 22″ 66cm x 56cm
Some of the small animals in my work stand out and some don’t. I created these seadragons using thread painting. Sheer fabric fish create a layered look to the seascape.
Sea Dragons in the Golden Kelp,32″ h x 22″ w 81cm x 56cm
Jellies
Bloom of Jellies, 15″ x 14″ 38cm x 36cm
Jellies add a fun, whimsical feel to my art. Don’t say jellyfish because they are not fish!Decorative threads for the tentacles add a bit of whimsy and recreate a swaying movement of the water.
Jellies in the Deep, 12″ x 13″ 31 cm x 33cm
In conclusion, these small creatures, fish, seadragons, jellies and dragonflies occur often in my art quilts. They are my favorites to create. I like using sheer fabrics to add dimension. Decorative threads are fun and add interest. Impressionistic scenes allow the viewer to become involved and form their own conclusions about what is there.
Lime sea dragon art on a throw pillow 14″ x 14″ 35cm x 35 cm
Marine Life in Art Quilts
Above all,marine life is front and center in my home town of Santa Cruz,California. For example,this is where three young princes of Hawaii first surfed in North America on July 19, 1885 on large redwood boards. In addition,Santa Cruz is at the top of the Monterey Bay with the world class aquarium just an hour away. The area is also home several national marine research facilities. Surf City, U.S.A takes its marine life seriously.
Art Ranks High too.
However,Santa Cruz is also listed as fifth in the nation as an artistic destination. That is to say that many artists live in the county. That is to say that marine life and art come together in this newer genre of art quilts. Come be inspired to try it yourself!
A Visit to the Monterey Bay Aquarium
In the beginning when I first started making marine life art quilts, I visited the Monterey Bay Aquarium. In other words, I wanted to observe the fish. What do their mouths look like? What shapes are their tails? My intention was to create a accurate picture of the sealife. However, that idea went out the window very quickly. In conclusion,there is no one way that a fish’s mouth looks. The variety of shapes and forms is endless. My underwater fantasy portfolio was born. In addition, I was free to create an animal in any way I wanted because there was probably a fish that looked that way somewhere.
Deep Blue Sea,37″ h x 24″ w 94cm x 61cm
Sea Dragons at the Aquarium
Similarly, I saw my first sea dragon at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. I couldn’t believe my eyes. Was that a plant? Was that an animal? It was impossible to tell. I was fascinated. Ever since that day, I have been incorporating sea dragons into my art.
Technically,sea dragons are cousins to the sea horse. What? It is hard to believe. Sadly for us humans, the sea dragon display is not longer at the aquarium. Happily for the sea dragons, they have been returned to their natural habitat in the waters of the Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary. However, they may be on display at another aquarium.
Swimming With Sea Dragons, an art quilt, 26″ h x 22″w
I explored creating marine plants and animals using the fabric layering technique. In the same way, I added texture and movement to each piece! Color,texture and movement lead the way! Lots of thick decorative threads add texture and life to the underwater rocks. In addition, in Sea Dragons in the Golden Kelp, I created the animals by thread painting on Sulky water soluable fabric stabilizer.This thread painting technique creates lacy and leafy animals. Use one’s imagination to see animals among the plants.
Seadragons in the Golden Kelp 32″ x 22″ 81cm x 56cmLife Among the Seaweed, 26″ h x 22 ” w 66cm x 56cmViolet Seascape,33″ h x 26″ w 84 cm x 66 cm
Furthermore, underwater fantasies lend themselves to the use of sheer fabrics. Who knows what shadowy beings are lurking in the depths? Shiny, reflective fabrics cut into the shapes of fish and marine life add a dimension that often only becomes visible is a certain light. What a surprise! What fun!
Large Spotted Fish, 17 ” x 17″ 43cm x 43 cm
In Conclusion
In conclusion, underwater seascapes lend themselves to different colors, textures, and techniques. Create a fun marine world!
In addition you may read more here about the actual fabric layering technique I use. Follow the step by step procedure to make your own underwater seascape.
Birds fill our world with color, sound and movement. One of my favorite places to be is outside, the natural habital for birds.True confessions time-Drawing is not one of my best skills. However,I can copy an outline of a bird. So that is how I often incorporate birds into my art quilts. At this point in my life, I am working with my strengths.
Big Brown Owl,14 ” x 15″ 36cm x 38cm
Shelter in Place Art
Westlake Coot, Big Brown Owl and Westside Egret were created during the first Shelter in Place. I only had limited materials with me,a large bag with small squares. Created the background first, before I considered what would do on the top. Fabric is my first motivation. How will the fabrics play together? Many times the subject matter, comes later. What subject would work with this background? Birds against a sky was my first thought. Size and scale required a smaller scene. Why do a whole body of an egret when a neck supplies the viewer with enough information?
Westlake Coot, 14″ x 15″, 36cm x 38cm $120.Westside Egret, 15″ x 16″ 38cm x 40cmNight Migration,20″ x 24″ 51cm x 61cm
Never miss an opportunity to add texture.
A bird’s habitat is full of texture, trees, grasses and underbrush. Threads and found materials lend themselves well to creating an impressionistic view of an avian’s favorite place to be.
Snowy Egret,34″ x 24″ 86 cm x 61cm
Break Your Own Rules
Pelican in the Mist and Nesting Pelican break my rule for just doing bird outlines. Looking at the light and dark stripes of redirected piece of fabric reminded me of feathers. I cut the fabric and used the same fabric to make the wings,legs and the body of a pelican. An artist never knows where inspiration will come from. Take a chance.Sometimes things just work.
Pelican in the Mist,25″ x 23″ 64cm x 66cm
Water Fowl and Coastal Birds
Inspiration often comes from one’s locale. I live on the Central Coast of California. The second largest wetlands in the state, Elkhorn Slough is not far away. Westlake Park with a spring fed pond is adjacent to the local elementary school.
Staying close to home is what we all did this year. Be inspired by where you are.
First of all,trees in art quilts are my most popular pieces.Everyone loves trees. Above all,everyone can relate to the shape and various colors of trucks and leaves. Vacant Lot, is an early example of one of my tree art quilts. Furthermore,five of my art quilt trees hang in local Santa Cruz County Kaiser Permanente Medical facilities.
Tree Friendly Town
I live in a tree friendly town. That is to say that Santa Cruz, California is part of the Tree City USA program. My county is full of fruit tree orchards as well as redwoods. Furthermore,the Spanish explorers saw their first redwood tree in Santa Cruz County. In addition, California’s first state park, Big Basin is also in my county. That is a lot of trees for the second smallest county in California.
Of course,many locales are tree friendly places even if they not they are enrolled in the national urban tree program. We can all relate to trees and leaves; the forms they take and the shapes they make. Creating trees lets me explore and expand my use of texture, color, and movement. Let me take this opportuntity to share my love of trees.
Adding Color
Young children and other people know what color a tree should be. We understand the general shape of a tree including the wide variety of sizes and forms. Adjust the color of a tree to an unnatural color. Our brains will still recognize that it as a tree. This is what makes it fun for an artist.
Palo Colorado,34″ x 32″ 86cm x 81cm
Red and White Challenge
In 2013, my local quilting guild had a Red and White Challenge. Participants receive certain fabrics that must be used. Notice the red and white polka dot fabric. Additional fabrics and details were encouraged. I placed the red tree, Palo Colorado on a background of various pieced white fabrics with red hand stitching for accents.
Along the Path,34″ h x 22″ 86cm x 56cm
Teal colored tree trunk and branches ? Not so common,nor are violet branches. I have received such a positive response from the movement of leaves extending beyond the edges of the art quilt that I have continued to do that.
At the Edge of the Grove,29″h x 26″ 74cm x 66cm
What could be more fun than orange branches!
Tree Along Creek,32″ x 27″ 81 cm x 69cm
This tree along the creek has pale colored branches with bluish green tint from couched yarns and decorative threads. The pop of medium green comes from a piece of dress fabric from the 1940s.
Adding Texture
Celebrating Fall has branches made from a highly textured yet, loosely woven fabric. I couched decorative threads are on top of the fabric to add more interest. This same couching technique is also visible in Tree Along Creek and At the Edge of the Grove.
Celebrating Fall,33″ x 31″ 84cm x 79cm
Adding Movement
In Looking up at Dusk,flying leaves and twigs are carried along by the wind. While creating this piece, I actually toss some pieces onto the quilt top. Great fun! Great serenpidity!
Looking up at Dusk,31″ x 24″ 79cm x 61cmOverlook,35″ x 26″ 88cm x66cm
In Overlook, I choose a green and white patterned fabric for the trunk and branches. I couched decorative threads and yarn to the fabric before cutting out the shape of the tree. The white spaces on the fabric create movement. The curvy line quilting in the sky also adds action. The sky fabric is from an indigo dying class. Can you see the clouds moving across the sky?
Conclusion
My art is all about Color! Texture! and Movement! Tree art quilts are a perfect theme for me to showcase this mantra. Repurposed decorative threads and yarns are a natural fit as well to add more texture and movement.
Learn how to make a fabric landscape collage quilt using the fabric layering technique. In general, this art form is accessible to all skill levels of art quilts.
Make a Fabric Landscape Collage Quilt
Introduction
In this post you will learn how I make a fabric landscape collage quilt. Basically,the fabric collage is covered with tulle netting and then, free motion quilted together.
Free motion quilting is a high level quilt skill. Before I learned about fabric layering, I had almost given up on perfecting my skills at it. Yet, I found the fabric layering technique very forgiving for practicing free motion quilting. It became a great way for me to advance my skill level of this technique . Try it. Maybe it will help you too.
Topics Covered
How to create a fabric landscape collage art quilt
Follow a step by step procedure
Seascapes- Underwater Fantasies!
Trees with Color! Texture! Movement!
How to free motion quilt successfully!
Conclusion
How to create a Fabric Landscape Collage Art Quilt
The fabric layering technique uses a table rather than a design wall to design. First, I create a scene. Next I cover it with tulle netting. Then I free motion sew the three layers(back, batting,top) together.I use this technique for my Nature portfolio; landscapes,seacapes, mountains,and trees. I prefer to create a more impressionistic scene than realistic view.
Many beginners are encouraged to find a photo that they like in order to copy it for their first fabric collage. A photo to copy may be helpful at the beginning stages. As my artist career advances, I find a photo more restricting than freeing. My art is all about color, texture, and movement. To me copying a photo creates a flat rendition of the scene. That is not the effect that what I am going for.
First Steps
To begin, I choose the fabric that will create the background. Fore most, I prefer to choose a fabric with some dimension already on it, ie. light and dark spaces. For example, if I choose a dark background, then I will choose lighter colored materials for my plants, fish, rocks and other items . On the other hand, if I choose a lighter background, then I will choose darker colored scenery.
In this photo, the quilt sandwich is ready. Choose the backing fabric. Place it on a table. Cover it with batting, the soft center part of a quilt. Place the background fabric on top. Iron each layer so that they will lie flat.
step 1 Begin with a quilt sandwich; back fabric, batting and background fabric
Step 1
First, the back fabric is flat on the table. Next, a piece of batting is laid on top of that. Clearly, you can see the white batting hanging a bit over the edge. Then I laid a piece of moddled commercial fabric on top. The piece is about 14″ by 14″36 cm x36 cm. I let the fabric’s different shades of coloring do part of the work in creating interest and depth in the piece. Finally, I lightly baste the layers together with an Avery glue stick.
step 2
Step 2
Next, I cut out light colored rocks. I placed them in the foreground. Then I cut out irregularly shaped dots of different colored batik fabric for the jellies,or jelly fish. I place the jellies as if they are swimming in the current.
step 3 Add plants with fabric and decorative threads
Step 3-
Next, I cut out plants and place them between the rocks. Next, I add decorative threads for the tenacles of the jellies. Adjust the decorative threads so that it looks like the water is moving them. After that when everything is in its place, I baste the pieces in place with a tiny dab of glue. I use a long pin to place the smallest spot of glue under the fabric. This helps me keep the dot of glue small.
step 4 Cover with tulle netting and pin down.
Step 4
Next I cover the scene with tulle netting. Then I pin the tulle in place. The tulle is really hard to see in this photo. Similarly, it usually appears almost invisible when the piece is finished. I am not fussy about the color of the tulle that I use. A black tulle will add a muted tone to your piece. A lighter color like white becomes more invisible in the final piece. Some tulle now comes with sparkles. This works especially well for water scenes. The sunlight seems to reflect off of the water!
step 5 Started free motion quilting.
Step 5
Next, I free motion quilt the three layers together. The first step is to lower the feed dogs on my machine. Primarily, this allows me to move the piece smoothly however I want. The quilting creates another level of movement. If the feed dogs( the little metal teeth) on your machine aren’t adjustable, cover them with a plastic attachment to free motion quilt. Tightly hold the edges of the quilt taut and smooth while quilting. I like to create plants moving in the water with my quilting. However, you may choose whatever you like.
The art quilt is completed.
Step 6
Finally, I finish the piece by zigzagging the edges twice. However, for larger pieces, I prefer sew a facing to the front and turn then turn the facing to the back. Then I hand stitch it down.
Finally, here is a photo of the back of the piece. The machine stitching is easily viewed.
It is easier to see the quilting from the back.
Seascapes
Seascapes are basically a variation on landscapes but underwater. My seascapes are often underwater fantasies of marine life and plants.
Above all, marine life is front and center in my home town of Santa Cruz, California. For example, this is where three young princes of Hawaii first surfed in North America on July 19, 1885 on large redwood boards. In addition, Santa Cruz is at the top of the Monterey Bay with the world class aquarium just an hour away. The area is also home several national marine research facilities. Surf City, U.S.A takes its marine life seriously.
Art ranks High too.
On the other hand, Santa Cruz is also listed as fifth in the nation as an artistic destination. That is to say that many artists live in the county. That is to say that marine life and art come together in this newer genre of art quilts. Come be inspired to try it yourself!
A Visit to the Monterey Bay Aquarium
When I first started making marine life art quilts, I visited the Monterey Bay Aquarium. In other words, I wanted to observe the fish. What do their mouths look like? What shapes are their tails? My intention was to create a accurate picture of the sea life. However, that idea went out the window very quickly. In conclusion, there is no one way that a fish’s mouth looks. The variety of shapes and forms is endless. My underwater fantasy portfolio was born. In addition, I was free to create an animal in any way I wanted because there was probably a fish that looked that way somewhere.
Deep Blue Sea 37″ x 24″ 2020 $2100.
Sea Dragons at the Aquarium
Similarly, I saw my first sea dragon at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. I couldn’t believe my eyes. Was that a plant? Was that an animal? It was impossible to tell. I was fascinated. Ever since that day, I have been incorporating sea dragons into my art.
Technically, sea dragons are cousins to the sea horse. What? It is hard to believe. Sadly for us humans, the sea dragon display is not longer at the aquarium. Happily for the sea dragons, they have been returned to their natural habitat in the waters of the Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary. However, these fascinating animals may be on display at another aquarium.
I incorporate color, texture and movement into my art quilts while using the fabric layering technique.Plants and animals may stand out or barely be seen depending on their color. In the same way, lots of thick decorative threads add texture and life to the underwater rocks. In addition, in Sea Dragons in the Golden Kelp, I created the animals by thread painting on Sulky water soluble fabric stabilizer. This thread painting technique creates lacy and leafy animals. Free motion quilting adds movement by creating plant life that seems to move with the currents. Use one’s imagination to see animals among the plants.
Violet Seascape 33″ x26″ 2020 $2100.
Furthermore, underwater fantasies lend themselves to the use of sheer fabrics. Who knows what shadowy beings are lurking in the depths? Shiny, reflective fabrics cut into the shapes of fish and marine life add a dimension that often only becomes visible is a certain light. What a surprise! What fun!
Large Spotted Fish 15″ x 15″
Trees
Furthermore,I use this technique often to create some of my most favorite art quilts highlighting trees.
Vacant Lot 43″ x 31″
First of all, trees in art quilts are my most popular pieces. Above all, everyone can relate to the shape and various colors of trucks and leaves. Vacant Lot, is an early example of one of my tree art quilts. Furthermore, five of my art quilt trees hang permanently in local Santa Cruz County Kaiser Permanente Medical facilities.
Tree Friendly Town
I live in a tree friendly town. That is to say that Santa Cruz, California is part of the Tree City USA program. My county is full of fruit tree orchards as well as redwoods. Furthermore, the Spanish explorers saw their first redwood tree in Santa Cruz County. In addition, California’s first state park, Big Basin is also in my county. That is a lot of trees for the second smallest county in California.
Of course, many locales are tree friendly places even if they not they are enrolled in the national urban tree program. We can all relate to trees and leaves; the forms they take and the shapes they make. Creating trees lets me explore and expand my use of texture, color, and movement. Let me take this opportuntity to share my love of trees.
Use of Color
Young children and other people know what color a tree should be. We understand the general shape of a tree including the wide variety of sizes and forms. Change the color of a tree to an unnatural color. Our brains will still recognize that it as a tree. This is what makes it fun for an artist.
Teal colored tree trunk and branches ? Not so common nor are violet branches. I have received such a positive response from the movement of leaves extending beyond the edges of the art quilt that I have continued to do that.
Along the Path 34″ x 22″ soldAt the Edge of the Grove
29″ x 26″
What could be more fun than orange branches!
Tree Along Creek 32″ x 27″
This tree along the creek has pale colored branches with bluish green tint from couched yarns and decorative threads. The pop of medium green comes from a piece of dress fabric from the 1940s.
Adding Texture
Celebrating Fall has branches made from a highly textured yet, loosely woven fabric. I couched decorative threads are on top of the fabric to add more interest. This same couching technique is also visible in Tree Along Creek and At the Edge of the Grove.
Celebrating Fall 33″ x 31″ 2019
Adding Movement
In Looking up at Dusk,flying leaves and twigs are carried along by the wind. While creating this piece, I actually toss some pieces onto the quilt top. Great fun! Great serenpidity!
Looking up at Dusk,31″ x 24″ 2017Overlook 35″ x 26″ 2018
In Overlook, I choose a green and white patterned fabric for the trunk and branches. I couched (zigzagged)decorative threads and yarn to the fabric before cutting out the shape of the tree. The white spaces on the fabric create movement. The curvy line quilting in the sky also adds action. The sky fabric is from an indigo dying class. Can you see the clouds moving across the sky?
How to Free Motion Quilt Successfully!
Free motion quilting is an advanced quilting technique. Free motion quilting is when the quilter is in charge of moving the quilt instead of the machine. Here are a few easy tricks for success.
You must be able to lower the feed dogs on your sewing machine. The feed dogs are the little metal teeth that help move the fabric through the machine. If your older machine doesn’t allow for this. The feed dogs may be covered with a plastic attachment.
Use a darning foot while quilting attach photo.
While free motion quilting, the quilter moves the fabric. While stitching the throttleusually used by your foot pedal , goes quickly and your hands move the fabric slowly. Remember ,the mantra is fast feet, slow hands.
Use Aurifil 50 wt. thread is by far the best thread to use for free motion quilting. It is strong and thin. It is available in many colors at better quilting shops. While it seems expensive, there is really a lot of thread on the spool. I once pieced and quilted a king size bed quilt using only 1 spool of thread. This product will give you the best result for free motion quilting.
Practice your skill. In order for the stitches to be the same size, practice moving the fabric slowly while making the foot pedal throttle go quickly. This skill is not difficult but it does take practice.
Conclusion
Fabric landscape and seascape fabric collages are a fun and exciting new art form. People of all ages may begin their art exploration with them. They are a forgiving way to practice fee motion quilting. They let me explore my love of Color! Texture! Movement! while using of redirected materials. A win-win situation.
Wetlands Wanderer,an egret in the wetlands Above all,notice the decorative threads at the bottom of the quilt. 28″ x 27″
Add Decorative Threads for Texture
Above all,decorative threads add texture to art quilts. Furthermore,texture is part of my mantra, Color! Texture! and Movement! Therefore, I take creating, finding and using texture very seriously. Above all for me, it is fun. I get excited about repurposing decorative ribbons and threads in my art quilts. I would like to take this opportunity to share some ideas.
My artistic path evolved about the same time I found Fabmo fabric and more https://www.fabmo.org/. Fabmo is a nonprofit that rescues fabric samples and materials from designers to keeping them out of the landfill. In addition,they make them available to the public. The charming decorative three dimensional details call to me. However, I discovered these threads quite by accident. For example,I accidently took some details apart. Most importantly, I discovered lovely threads and ribbons to add texture to my art quilts.
decorative detailsRibbons from disassembled details
Take Things Apart to find Decorative Threads for Texture
These small details add texture, fiber and interest to art quilts. However,some of the threads are quite long when disassembled. Lots of room for creativity. Make a small detail by twisting and folding longer threads. Decorative threads entered my art pieces. In addition, I use these decorative details to add 3D texture to both my abstract and nature inspired art quilts.
Cinnamon Threads, detail from an abstract art quilt detail of 23″ x 20″ art quilt
How Would You Use These Decorative Threads?
Red detailBeige detail and disassembled red detail
Some Examples of What I Did
In addition,here are a couple of photos of works in progress highlighting deconstructed fibers.
An egret, a work in progressfibers in a work in progress,
Helpful Hints
Not in the San Francisco Bay area with access to FABMO in Sunnyvale? Find interior decorators in your area. They will be thrilled to pass on their “outdated” details. Moreover,beautiful yarns can be found at garage sales. Leftover pieces of interesting yarns may also be found at yard sales or Goodwill. Decorative threads are available for purchase. Of course, interesting decorative threads are often sold at quilt shows. Does your local quilt guild have a flea market? Lots of good finds there.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, I hope that you will be inspired to try and incorporate more decorative threads into your art quilts. Therefore, please share your successes and advice. Above all, try something new.
The fabric layering technique of making art quilts uses a table rather than a design wall. In short, I create a scene and then cover it with tulle netting and free motion quilt the three layers(back, batting,top) together. I use this technique for my Nature portfolio; underwater fantasies, trees, landscapes. The photos in this post are of an underwater fantasy, more impressionistic than realistic.
To Begin
To begin, I choose the top fabric. I prefer to choose a fabric with some dimension already on it, light and dark spaces. If I choose a dark background, then I will choose lighter colored materials for my plants, fish, rocks and other items . If I choose a lighter background, then I will choose darker color to create the scenery.
Step 1
The back fabric is flat on the table. A piece of batting is laid on top of that. You can see the white batting hanging a bit over the edge. Then I laid a piece of moddled commercial fabric on top. The piece is about 14″ by 14″. I let the fabric’s different shades of coloring do part of the work in creating interest and depth in the piece. I lightly baste the layers together with an Avery glue stick.
step 1 in fabric layering technique for making art quilts
Step 2
For this piece, I cut out light colored rocks and placed them in the foreground. I cut out irregularly shaped dots of different colored batik fabric for the jellies(formerly called jelly fish). I place the jellies as if they are swimming in the current. An art trick or rule is to have an odd number of items, three, five or nine objects.
step 2 in fabric layering technique another look
Step 3
Next, I cut out plants and place them between the rocks. I add decorative threads for the tenacles of the jellies being aware of the movement of the water. When everything is in its place,I baste the pieces in place with a light dab of glue. One can use different brands of glue. Test before hand that the glue does not discolor the fabric and make a mark after it has dried.
Step 4
Next, I cover the scene with tulle netting and pin the tulle in place.
step 4 in fabric layering technique another look for making art quilts
Step 5
Then,I free motion quilt the three layers together. I lower the feed dogs on my machine to allow me to move the piece however I want. The quilting creates another level of movement.
step 5 in fabric layering technique another look for making art quilts
Step 6
I finish the piece by zigzagging the edges twice. For larger pieces, I often attach a facing and turn it to the back and stitch by hand.
step 6 in fabric layering technique another look for making art quilts
Here is a photo of the back of the piece where you can see the machine stitching easier.
Free motion quilting is at the apex of skill for quilters. The technique takes a lot of practice to master. Before I took Meri Vahl’s class, I had been practicing. To be honest, I was so frustrated that I had almost decided to give up. Luckily, I didn’t. The fabric layering technique is a forgiving way to practice the skill. I highly recommend it.
Here are my suggestions for success in free motion quilting.
Use Aurifil brand thread. It can be found in fine quilting shops or online. It is totally worth the higher price. The thread is strong yet thin. I once pieced and quilted a double sized bed quilt using only one spool.
Aurifil thread 50wt
“Fast feet, slow hands.” This is the mantra for free motion quilting. This means that one pushes the pedal of their machine so that the throttle goes quickly. With the feed dogs down, the quilter slowly moves the quilt with her hands. This does take a fair amount of practice.Practice using the fabric layering technique. Begin by outlining your figures with the free motion quilting.
Have fun practicing with this technique! Let me know how it goes for you! I hope you have as much fun as I do using this technique.
