Aztec Path Quilting Design Tutorial #244

I have a new Aztec Path quilting design tutorial for you today! This hot, desert themed design is perfect for summer themed quilts, which is the complete opposite of my weather in NC today.

It’s kind of funny that I set up to share this design on such a snowy day. I’m certainly dreaming of Aztec paths and hot summer days!

The inspiration for Aztec Path is from the design Echo Crosses. I enjoyed quilting that design and it got me thinking about cross shapes and how to use them more often. I decided to try a very simple cross baseline that could be echoed to fill any area and I think this finished up looking pretty neat!

Difficulty Level – Intermediate. This design starts with a straight line, then occasionally branch off with a + shape. You can change the texture by increasing or decreasing the size of your + shapes and then fill the rest of your quilting space by echoing this base line.

Design Family – Foundational. This design starts with the simple baseline and + shapes. This line works as your foundation which is then echoed multiple times on both sides to finish filling the quilting space. Really this is a design that can go anywhere on your quilt and will look great stitched on any scale!

Directional Texture – 2 Directions. I love the texture created by straight lines and sharp angles! It’s a neat combination because the design will recede and show off less than a curvy line, but your eyes are naturally drawn to it because so few shapes in nature are perfectly straight.

Suggestions for Use – The simple graphic texture they create is perfect for areas of your quilt that need to recede a bit, like sashing! Personally I keep thinking about my Australian Shadows quilt and I think this would be the perfect design for the background!

Let’s go quilt,

Leah Day