Machine Quilting Whirlpools Design #238

We’re machine quilting a new whirlpools design today! This is one that is quickly becoming one of my favorites because it’s easy to stitch and just look at that gorgeous texture:

If you want to play with the texture of this design a bit, try making the closed spiral circles bigger. This will focus more attention on them and create an even more interesting effect on the surface of your quilts.

Inspiration – Ocean Current remains one of the most popular foundational designs because it’s so pretty, but after playing with it a bit, I realized that it would be easier to quilt if the spirals were contained in circles. The end result is easier to stitch and just as beautiful!

Difficulty Level – Intermediate. This design is actually a lot easier to quilt than it looks. First start with a wiggly line, then circle and go inside with a closed spiral. Travel your way back out again and continue your wiggly line. Once you finish this foundation, all you need to do is echo it to fill in your whole quilting space!

Design Family – Foundational. These designs are so interesting because they don’t really work like any other design type. I admit I haven’t had time to really play with these designs and see all that they can do. That’s definitely something I’m putting on my list for next year!

Directional Texture – All directions. I love to make people guess how I quilt something and Whirlpools and most other foundational lines do just that! Once the design is fully quilted and filled, it’s almost impossible to see the foundational line and this adds to the beautiful, flowing textures these designs create.

Suggestions for Use – I’ve had an idea bouncing around in my head for a very simple small quilt to be quilted with a foundational design. The size would be around a baby blanket, and this quilt could be functional, or it could be hung on the wall as art. It’s definitely something I’m going to stop thinking about and start quilting soon!

Let’s go quilt,

Leah Day