Sometimes Bigger Is Better: Big Stitch Quilting Basics

Have you ever heard the term “big stitch quilting” and wondered exactly what that meant? It’s not just traditional hand quilting, and yet in some ways, that’s exactly what it is. Big stitch quilting is achieved with the same method as traditional hand quilting, and can be done on any quilt or quilted item. The only real differences are the type of needle and the type of thread used. This obviously, creates a very different appearance because the resulting stitches are BIGGER than traditional ones.

Check out how to big stitch quilt for a fun twist on hand quilting.

variety of perle cotton threads

What’s the difference between big stitch quilting and traditional hand quilting?

Traditional quilting is done with small, fine needles and cotton thread that can be used to create as many as 10 to 12 stitches per inch. Using a larger needle and a much larger thread, will create stitches that are larger and more easily seen. Big stitch quilting is a wonderful way for traditional hand quilters to really show off their work with colorful thread, and it adds another layer of texture to the finished quilt. Many quilters have been using all types of thicker, decorative threads to embellish their quilts with fancy stitches, but this kind of thread is also beautiful when used as the quilting stitches in a project. If you have ever hand quilted in the traditional way, this method will come very naturally to you. It is the same technique and method, just…BIG! variety of needles

What type of materials should you use for big stitch quilting?

There are several different kinds of hand quilting needles that can be used. The important thing to remember is that the needle hole should be large enough to fit the thread, and the eye (opening) should be rounded so that the thread won’t break during the quilting process. The threads that can be used include needlepoint or cross stitch floss, perle cotton or even wool thread. The important thing to remember when choosing a thread, is make sure it is ‘smooth’ enough to slide through the quilt sandwich without shredding or tugging, and that it compliments the fabrics of the quilt.

Ready to get started? Here’s how to big stitch quilt.

Just follow along with the simple step-by-step process outlined in the photos:

Step 1:

Create your quilt sandwich with the quilt top, batting and backing, as shown below. quilt sandwich

Step 2:

Choose the thread and needle that work best together for your quilt. I chose the size 12 perle cotton and a #22 Hiroshima needle. perle cotton spool

Step 3:

Thread the needle and then tie it off by laying the needle across the thread. Wrap the thread around the needle twice and pull it to the end, creating a small knot. needle and thread positioning

Step 4:

The quilt stitches are made by running the needle up and down through all layers of the quilt sandwich as shown below. Because the needle is larger and the thread is thicker, you may only be able to load two to three stitches at a time. loading big stitches onto needle

Step 5:

To tie off the thread at the end of the stitching, use the same technique for making the first knot. Wrap the thread around the needle two to three times and draw the needle through the loops. big stitches with needle and thread

Step 6:

After the knot has been made, insert the needle directly under the knot and pull the thread. Using the tip of the needle, wiggle it a bit to create a hole in the fabric large enough for the knot to be pulled all the way through, leaving it under the layer of fabric. I always do this from the back side of the quilt so it is even less noticeable. big stitches with knot

Step 7:

Now that the thread is buried with the knot, you can clip of the end of the thread and begin stitching the next row. If the hole created by the knot is still noticable, just use your needle or finger tip to rub the threads of the fabric back into place. big stitches with hidden knot Obviously, you wouldn’t want to leave your original knot showing as in the photo above (that was for demonstration purposes only). You want to bury it the same way you buried the ending knot. Again, always bury the knots from the back of the quilt, so any flaws will not show from the front.  

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