Machine quilting an applique quilt

[Robin G.]

I am in the beginning stages of quilting (on my HQ Sweet 16) an album-style applique quilt. How much ditch stitching should I do around shapes in the interiors of the larger applique units? For instance, if I have a flower with a center, should I stitch around the center? I want the appliqués to puff up after I've done my micro fill work. I hope that this will be a show quilt and I want to make my decision on how much to quilt within the appliques on (1) the unique design considerations of this quilt and (2) what judges may expect to see.
Any advice?

[Nancy R.]

I can't tell you what judges would expect, but this is what I would do. I would stitch around the outside edges of the appliques and then do the background quilting. Once that's done, you can reassess the appliques to see where you want more quilting. You want your appliques to puff, but not to sag. Without seeing your appliques it's hard to say definitely, but I generally like the look of having the quilting around the center of the flower, too, so that it sinks the flower center back a bit so it looks more like the petals are in front. And the density of the background quilting will make a difference, too. If the background is really dense, then the appliques are going to pop even if you quilt around small areas, and you'll have to quilt more in the appliques to keep the quilt from waving. Hope that helps!

[Robin G.]

Excellent advice, Nancy. Thank you. Sometimes I get ahead of myself in trying to make decisions. I will definitely do the background fill, very dense, and then reevaluate. Same with the binding. I need to trust that the quilt will tell me what it needs.

[Nancy R.]

I look forward to seeing the quilt whenever you're ready to reveal it! Hopefully, you'll send it to Houston so I can see it in person!!

[Robin G.]

I hope it gets done in time to submit. Even if it diesn't, I'll be there.

[Nancy R.]

I hope to see you there! And if your quilt isn't there this year, then hopefully it'll be there next year!