The dramatic impact of quilting designs using thicker threads

This week I’m sharing some small quilted projects and stitching with WonderFil’s Spagetti and Fruitti cotton threads and Accent rayon threads.

There are times when I just want to sit and stitch. I may have a limited amount of time to play and I want a project that is super quick, easy and strikingly beautiful. These small cushions are the perfect quilted items with which to explore quilting with heavier threads.

We have a new front entry to our house and I invested in some lovely chairs so we can sit and enjoy the fresh air. I have found that the backs are a little uncomfortable and these cushions are the perfect solution.

WonderFil’s Spagetti thread is a 12wt 3ply Egyptian cotton. It’s been double gassed and mercerized for great colors and very low lint. It’s ideal for achieving a bold and dramatic look in your hand AND machine quilting work.

I love how Spagetti cotton thread can be used to highlight a design printed on fabric but also how it can create its own design on the fabric.

I asked quilt designer, author and teacher, Susan K. Cleveland her thoughts about Spagetti thread.

“Spagetti is my favorite thread because I enjoy simple, bold designs and Spagetti is perfect for that. It’s very versatile too! I use it for raw edge appliqué with a blanket stitch and for bold geometric quilting designs by machine or by hand. It’s also fabulous for embellishing prairie points and binding or for stitching unexpected accents here or there. It can be wacky or sophisticated… as you wish.” 

Spagetti is now available in five gorgeous thread pack sets! With colors selected by Susan Cleveland, these Spagetti packs are guaranteed to make a beautiful impression on any project. Each pack comes with 8 spools of 12wt 100% Egyptian Cotton Spagetti thread which is recommended for quilting, decorative stitching and topstitching.

To start my cushion projects, I dug through my Fat Quarter stash and chose fabrics that would work well together. I cut the cushion pieces 15″  x 15″ squares and layer with batting and backing fabric.

Then the fun of stitching and playing with quilting designs begins.

Once the quilting is complete, I trim the quilts to the desired size of the cushion. I’m working on 13″ squares but the cushion can be any size, and any shape, you want.

Place the pillow pieces right sides together and stitch around all 4 sides. Leave a 3″ – 4″ space open on one side for turning. Clip the corners and turn the pillow right side out. Use a point turner to push out the corners.

Now comes the fun!

I always have leftover bits of batting, I’m sure you do too. Save those bits that are trimmed off the edges of quilts, and if they’re large enough, sew the pieces together and use as the batting for these cushion tops and the small knitting bags I reviewed Monday and Tuesday. I use a multiple zig zag stitch to seam them together and every seam stays smooth and flat.

I save trimmings and when my tub is full, I cut them into approximately 3″ chunks. I use them to stuff the pillows. Work batting pieces into the corners for nice firm corners and add as many pieces as you want for the desired firmness.

It’s so satisfying to use every last bit of scrap!

Once the cushion is stuffed as much as I want, I hand sew the opening closed. I then sit back and enjoy!!!!

The image above and below are the two sides of these 3 pillows that I stitched. I’m not going to have any worries, sitting outside and enjoying the fresh air!

I’m passed the midway point of my week of exploring some free motion quilting projects using WonderFil’s 12wt threads; Accent, Spagetti, and Fruitti. I’m going to finish my week showing you how I quilted “pumpkins for sale“, a panel by Northcott Fabrics.