Most of us learn how to quilt from the fabric up — choosing colors we love, patterns that speak to us, and layouts that feel exciting. But here’s the quiet truth I’ve learned over the past 10 years of making and admiring quilts: the quilting itself is what makes a quilt truly stand out.
Not to be confused with the overall definition of a quilt. What I’m describing here is the finishing stitching that goes through all three layers of the quilt.
The Quilt’s Voice
The actual quilt stitching is where your quilt comes alive. It’s the moment texture enters the conversation and can be the only texture your quilt needs to stand out. This is where light and shadow literally dance across the surface of the quilt and it is this movement that grabs your attention. Not the fabric, not the colors, not even the meticulously designed quilt pattern. The quilting design is where your hands leave their signature. These stitches are more than thread holding three layers of fabric together. They create movement, rhythm, and give the quilt it’s personality.
You can piece the simplest patchwork in the world and still create a showstopper with thoughtful quilting. My first quilt pattern is a fine example of a simple patchwork design became anything but a showstopper. If ever a quilt needed a good quilt design, this one is it. The colors and patchwork alone are/were not enough to carry the quilt. As a result, the whole concept fell flat. But the effort was not in vain – I do have a plan for this quilt. Stay tuned!
I Don’t Like to Quilt
During the past decade I’ve attended a multitude of quilt festivals and given thoughtful contemplation to fully understand why some quilts can pull me in from across the room. Why am I drawn to quilt A while barely noticing quilts B, C, etc. Again, it’s not just the quilt pattern or color palette. It’s in the QUILTING itself. The quilting is doing the heavy lifting.
Sadly, it is precisely the actual quilting that I don’t like.
I’ll cut, piece, trim and bind all day long but when it comes to the actual quilting part, this is where my quilt becomes an armchair or tabletop accessory. Rather than hide it, I will toss it somewhere in my line of sight giving it a passing glance every now and then. The method behind this madness – when the “quilting mood” hits me, it’s in sight and ready to go!
But here’s the thing I’m constantly wrestling with – until the “quilting mood” hits, I am pretty much paralyzed with fear. I want the quilting to be high-quality but at the same time, I don’t want to spend a lot of effort marking out a pattern that will be too difficult and too time consuming for me to execute. The, “What if it looks terrible” voice is always present.
As I write this, I’m not particularly in a “quilting mood” however, there is an agenda that looms before me: 1) My latest quilt and pattern needs to be finished before 2) The start of a much-anticipated QAL beginning later this week. So, like it or not… ready or not, this quilt must be quilted sooner than later.
Ask and Ye Shall Receive
I don’t recall the exact wording I used, but I have to say the Universe provided a very timely solution to my quilting dilemma.
This where an invitation to attend the Quilters Paradise Summit 2026 showed up in my inbox.
A look at the list of presenters alone was enough to convince me to accept the invite and sign up. However, it was that second look at the categories where I discovered this jewel: “Machine quilting & embellishments”. A couple of clicks later and Eureka! I’m in! What follows is a brief summary of how I spent my morning.
Inspiration From Today’s Quilting Teachers
These are my top three picks from the “Machine Quilting & Embellishments” category. I truly appreciated how each instructor’s own strategy and/or technique made FMQ appear very approachable.
Telene Jeffrey — “Anyone Can FMQ” (Lady Jane Quilting)
I placed Telene Jeffrey first as I feel she does an excellent job of stressing the basics of FMQ – Using pen and paper first. The simple task of learning to control your arm and hand to move with slow, intentional movements reinforces that free‑motion quilting is for everyone. Her techniques help beginners build confidence while creating texture that truly stands out.
Below is an example of one of her many swoon-worthy quilts:
Aline & Natasha Bugarin — “Easiest Custom FMQ Ever” (Orbital Quilting)
These two fun and adorable sisters have created a wonderfully effective and unique method for graphing a FMQ design using a dry erase marker on a clear acrylic board. They use a very simple motif but when placed intentionally, creates a quilt that really pops!
Below is an example of the clear acrylic board and markers they use over a quilt block. Fascinating stuff!
Jane Hauprich — “Beyond the Stencil” (Stitch by Stitch Custom Quilting)
This one was such an eye-opener! Jane showed how to take one stencil and “see” how one stencil design can contain several design possibilities. I’ll never look at a stencil the same way again! Her ability to move past a rigid stencil design adds a whole new level of personality and movement to any quilt.
In the image below you see how Jane’s quilting make this quilt come to life!
Quilting is Your Voice – This is Where Your Story Emerges.
Don’t skimp or short-change yourself on this. When it comes to incorporating quilting that makes your quilt stand out, the short cuts are not always the best option. Ask me how I know! However, and thankfully, there are wonderful teachers out there ready to teach.
Which reminds me of what Mr. Rogers used to say, “Find the helpers”. Find the people who have a solution to your problem. There are doable and efficient ways to accomplish the look you are trying to achieve. The three “helpers” I listed above offered free motion quilting approaches that perfectly illustrate how quilting can transform even the simplest quilt top into something unforgettable.
If you are like me and the thought of making another FMQ attempt leaves you paralyzed with fear and uncertainty, I would encourage you to attend the Quilters Paradise Summit 2026. (VIP access starts now but the free version begins Sept 20th). All of the presenters have something of value to offer the quilter of all skill levels. In fact, this summit has a total of, I believe, 40 presenters covering a wide range of quilting topics – not just FMQ.
I hope this has inspired you as much as it has inspired me to try these techniques. In fact, once I’ve finished quilting my current quilt, I will be returning to the Quilters Summit. As I to uncover new quilting discoveries, I’ll be sharing them here!
I’d love to hear in the comments how you approach FMQ! Share your quilts and any tips you’d like to share as well!
Finished is Better Than Perfect!
