Edge To Edge Quilting
August 3, 2008 Quilting Material
The patterns and designs within the world of quilting are endless. One could never learn them all nor utilize them all. These designs are limited only by the imagination and creativity of the individual quilter. Edge to edge quilting is just one of the many variations on quilting designs. This design allows the pattern to be repeated from side to side and top to bottom with no border.
An overall design or pattern crosses borders between blocks, adding strength and durability to the quilt. While it is not an easy design to achieve, it is rewarding for both the quilter and for the one who receives the quilt.
Edge To Edge Quilting Creates Repeated Patterns
When making a quilt using the same repeated pattern from side to side and top to bottom it’s called edge to edge quilting. This is because the same pattern runs from one edge to the other. Whether it consists of just one pattern or several, the repeated patterns sewn together creates the same effect over the entire quilt.
Edge to edge quilting is difficult to be sewn by hand, because the patterns are repeated. Hand sewing makes it difficult to exactly repeat them. Once the squares are made, sewing the individual blocks together by hand is fairly quick work. A word of caution: care must be taken when edge to edge quilting to make sure that all the patterns are placed facing the same direction and that their repetition follows the same spacing and order over the entire side of the quilt.
True edge to edge quilting will have the same repeated pattern on both sides. However, most quilters opt to leave the opposite side with a solid color cloth rather than use the pattern. That solid color may be a color that matches one of the shades on the edge to edge quilting side. Usually, the quilter will begin at one side and work it until the entire side is complete. From there she will work top to bottom, piecing the patterns together to form the finished product.
Balance Color and Thread throughout the Project
Since only two or three designs are used through the entire quilting process, edge to edge quilting offers an economy in the work. It also affords a more balanced thread count over the face of the quilt. In addition, it allows color contrasting of light and dark cloth and thread that patchwork quilts cannot duplicate.
Typically with edge to edge quilting only one color of thread will be used when sewing the blocks together. The quilter needs to determine how the thread should show. With two different patterns of material, color can be hidden in half the blocks and visible in the rest. Or a contrasting thread can be used as added decoration over the entire quilt.
When first deciding to make a quilt, give careful thought to the individual who will be receiving the quilt. Their age and their gender are two factors to take into consideration when trying to decide on patterns and styles. A young girl may not have the same taste as her mother, and you will want to make certain your gift if appreciated.