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Big Stitch Quilting For Texture and Interest

a collection of quilts with big stitch quilting

Big stitch quilting is a melding of old school hand quilting meets bold, modern charm.  It is perfectly imperfect quilting.  If the thought of having tiny, evenly spaced stitches is daunting, and doesn’t sound even remotely fun.  But hand work quiets you mind and relaxes your body.  Try these chunky stitches, allowing them to dance across your quilt, add texture and personality, and just the right amount of whimsy.

Big stitch quilting is a hand quilting technique that uses Perle cotton or embroidery floss and longer, sharp hand quilting needles.   It is best to baste your quilt to ensure the layers don’t move while you are quilting.

Close up of big stitch binding on a scrap quilt with Perle cotton thread spool laid on the quilt

While machine quilting is the quickest method to quilt your quilt.  Big stitch is faster than traditional hand quilting.  It adds a rustic, cozy handmade feel.  It’s perfect for modern and scrap quilts.  Hence the reason I love it.  The bonus it has over machine quilting is it can be done on the go.  So if you have a soccer game, a track meet, or a long road tip you can still quilt your quilt.  Don’t want to big stitch your whole quilt?  Not a problem.  Feel free to combine it with free motion quilting. Or simply add it to the binding.

big stitch quilting on the binding of a quiltWant to learn how to big stitch?  You’re in luck!  Enjoy this tutorial.  Be sure to share what you create on the Facebook Page.

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