How to Machine Quilt Pinstripes, #483
I know, I know, you’re probably thinking “that’s only straight lines!” but please don’t discount a quilting design just because it looks simple. Pinstripes is a terrific design to add elegant texture to your quilts, and it’s very fast to quilt. See what I mean in this new video:
Would you like to learn how to quilt Pinstripes on a real quilt? Learn how in the Mega Star Walking Foot Workshop!
In this online quilting workshop you’ll get to see exactly how I plan and place the designs in a large quilt and tackle quilting from the center. If you’re feeling confused about how to use designs or quilt a real quilt on your home machine, this is a terrific class for you. Click Here to learn more about this class.
Now let’s learn a bit more about this Pinstripes machine quilting design:
Difficulty Level: Super Beginner – You really can’t get easier than straight lines, but the spacing of lines closer together and further apart is what creates the Pinstripes effect. When you use this special spacing in quilts, it draws the eye inward and I find the effect very peaceful.
The best part is it’s easy to space using the prongs or edges of your darning foot, or the edge of your walking foot as a guide. Yep, this design definitely works for both forms of quilting, as well as ruler foot quilting too!
Design Family: Edge to Edge – Designs like Pinstripes run from edge to edge across your quilt. This could be from ditch to ditch across a block, sashing, or border, or it could be across the entire quilt.
Some similar machine quilting designs you might want to check out include Hardwood Floors, Pine Needles, and Split Personality. All of these designs are quilted from edge to edge and use straight lines to create an elegant texture for your quilts.
Where Do I Quilt It? – Honestly I think Pinstripes can be used anywhere in your quilts, but I think the best place is in the background. Use this design to echo other shapes, or quilt it at an angle to the main focal point of the quilt.
The straight lines are very simple, but the spacing will enhance the background and draw more attention to the dominant areas of your quilt. The closer, then wider spacing creates a texture I find hard to resist.
As I’ve been investigating walking foot designs, I’ve turned my attention to simpler, straight line quilting designs and I’m loving the change. What do you think? Does Pinstripes look too simple or like a fun design to try? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Let’s go quilt,
Leah Day
