Quilting is the age-old skill of joining two layers of fabric that have batting in between them, to make a quilt. To join the pieces together and embellish the quilt, however, you need to know how to stitch them together properly. Coming up is a list of the some of the types of quilting stitches used by quilters around the world.
Running Stitch
The running stitch is used by most quilters to establish a steady sewing technique. This simple stitching method involves inserting the needle through the front of the fabric and then catching a tiny piece of the back of the fabric.
You then reinsert the needle through the layers of the fabric several times in a steady pattern. To make the running stitch process faster, you can either use a thimble or insert the needle through several stitches at once before pulling the thread.
Rocking Stitch
The rocking stitch is made using a thick needle. You put one hand under the bottom layer of the fabric to hold it in place as the needle pierces each layer starting from the top.
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When the needle gets to the bottom layer, the needle is brought up to the upper layer using a rocking motion. After ‘rocking’ four or five times through the layers, pull the thread taut.
This stitching method involves lots of movement of the needle and is used together with the straight stitch and running stitch.
The Stitch in the Ditch Stitch
Just as the name ‘stitch in the ditch’ suggests, the stitch is not visible on the quilt. This stitch is made right inside the seam line, where it disappears into the seam. If you want to outline parts of a quilting design, this is the ideal stitch to use.
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The stitch in the ditch is not complicated and can be achieved using a simple running stitch.
Quilter’s Knot
The quilter’s knot is a basic quilting stitch that is used at the beginning and end of stitch patterns. To make the quilter’s knot, wrap the thread around the threaded needle three times, and then pull the three loops down over the thread to make a knot.
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Trim the thread at the end with the knot, and then begin stitching in the center of the quilt as you pull the knot through the fabric to the back of your quilt. The knot will keep your stitch patterns firmly in place when you are done.
Loading the Needle Stitch
The Loading the Needle stitch differs from other stitches in the way it appears – a series of stitches grouped together in segments. Four or more stitches are often placed in a row through the batting without going all the way through to the backing.
You can make this stitch either by hand or by using a machine. If you choose to use a machine, the stitch-needle plate will guide the stitch along the fabric without piercing the backing. If you look at a quilt that has this stitch, you will notice that the groups of stitches are repeated in sections along the length, strengthening the quilt in the process.
There you go – five of the most common quilting stitches that you need for your quilting projects. Have fun as you try them out!
