Day 307 – Jagged Lines
Do you remember Flowing Lines? I started thinking about this design the other day and just how many variations I’ve created with it. Pebbles in a Stream, Goldilocks, and Matrix Flow were all created by stitching other designs within the gap spaces of Flowing Lines.
But what happens when those simple curvy lines turn jagged and sharp? How much can this change the texture and what could it do to all the variations? Let’s try it and see!
Creating new variations, or simple changes to the designs to create new designs, has been the key to this project. My favorite way to create a different texture is to simply change curvy lines into straight lines and sharp angles.
But that doesn’t mean this change in texture is subtle or simple! Changing from Flowing Lines to Jagged Lines will definitely change the texture and effect of the design on the surface of your quilt.
I’d use Flowing Lines for a quilt I wanted to appear very organic and free flowing. This texture softens and reduces the sharp angles of geometric pieced blocks.
Jagged Lines is going to stand out more on your quilt because the sharp angles catch your eye. Straight lines are rarely seen in nature and the effect will attract your attention.
I’d use this design over areas of curvy piecing for a fun contrast in textures, or in a particularly masculine quilt. These Jagged Lines remind me a lot of lightning bolts and they will add a powerful surge wherever you place them.
Difficulty Level – Beginner. This design is a great way to practice stitching straight lines and sharp angles. It’s also an excellent skill builder for travel and echo quilting and will make the perfect design to stitch into the sashing or borders of your next quilt.
Design Family – Edge to Edge. Flowing Lines starts with a simple zigzaggy line stitched from one edge of your quilting space to the other. This can work great over wide areas (like within a block) or over a narrow space like sashing.
Directional Texture – 2 Directions. You can’t miss the obvious horizontal or vertical texture of this design, but the more random and jagged the lines, the more multi-directional the texture will appear.
Suggestions for Use – I used Pebbles in a Stream in the center of this appliquéd vase to enhance the organic, free form nature of the design.
But what would this look like with Jagged Lines stitched in this space instead? Definitely give this one a try and see what effects it will make in your quilts!
