Day 348 – Spiral Knots
It’s been awhile since we learned a new Independent Design so let’s play with that group of Stippling variations with this new Spiral Knots design:
This is an interesting design to play with because it will allow you to practice spirals! Who doesn’t want to learn how to quilt a spiral?!
When I first got started stitching, I found it impossible to estimate my space to stitch into a spiral, then back out. It made stitching Basic Spiral a lesson in making a mess on a quilt.
So Spiral Knots was designed as a learning design. Instead of worrying about estimating your space and getting in and getting out, just worry about the first step – getting into a spiral by stitching a fluid circular shape.
Once you get into the center and have the spiral fully formed, then just loop your way back out. It ends up creating a cute little knot shape on your quilt and allows you to quickly wiggle around and form a new Spiral Knot where ever you like.
Difficulty Level – Super Beginner. This design should be labeled SUPER EASY because it’s very simple and quick to get the hang of. What I like best is getting some practice stitching spirals, but without the drive to stitch PERFECT spirals.
Filler Design Type – Independent. This family of designs are all based on Stippling, so they all wiggle around your quilting space in pretty much the same fashion. Don’t worry about crossing your lines in Spiral Knots – it will not only look good, it also goes with the design!
Directional Texture – No Direction. Maybe there should be a new directional texture category for designs like these because Spiral Knots is going to have a blotchy texture where the knots are formed. Those areas will be a bit darker and draw more attention, so maybe I should call this Polka Dotted Texture.
Suggestions for Use – If you’re needing a design that is super quick, super easy, and requires minimal perfection, Spiral Knots is definitely the design for you! Stitch this in a large scale over the surface of your quilt to quickly finish any last minute Christmas gifts or holiday decorations.
Even better, draw attention to the cute little knots by placing a Hot Fix Crystal over the center loops. Wouldn’t that be awesome?!
I did this on my quilt and didn't know it had a name…Thanks for giving it a name. I just call it scribbling.
Thank you Leah for today's design! It came at the perfect time – I've been procrastinating about quilting the borders of an I Spy quilt I am making for my grandson for Christmas. When I saw Spiral Knots, I thought I could do a larger version and just meander along the borders with it. Worked perfectly and was easy to do. Thanks again, I enjoy your blog every da!
This is one of my "go to" designs, as its a bit more fun than stippling, but still fast and easy.
Hi Leah, I just found your site today, and wanted to tell you I'm thrilled, I'm just getting into quilting, (I don't sew, so the machine is new to me too), and your site will be SO helpful for me to learn and practice. It's awesome you took the time to do it. Thanks!!