Quilting Arts - USA (2021 - Spring)

3. Referring to fi gure 1 and the
   sidebar “Petal Play: Step by
   Step,” free-motion machine
   stitch in the direction of the
   marks.

TIP:Use a lightweight thread in the
bobbin—the lightest you can partner
with the top thread you are using—in a
neutral color. I do not change the bobbin
thread with each top thread change.

4. After the stitching is complete,
   soak the piece in water to

remove the stabilizer, following

the manufacturer’s directions.

TIP:Trim excess stabilizer before soaking.

I store these trimmed scraps in a zipped

plastic bag for use in future projects.

5. Pat dry. While the piece is still
   damp, place it face down on a
   padded surface and press until
   dry. Any small puckers from the
   stitching should press away.

fi gure 1

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Petal Play:

Step by

Step

Approach this free-motion

machine stitching process like a

painter—try to enhance the motif

and add extra color and dimension.

Do not fi ll in heavily with stitching;

this is not a solid, fi ll-in embroidery.

Use a variety of values of color and

‘feather’ them together for realistic

shading.

I used four shades of thread on this

purple fl ower; here’s the fi ve-step

process to create a petal:

• Petal 1—the drawn lines show
  the direction the thread painting
  will go.


• Petal 2—add structure lines in a
  medium-value purple.


• Petal 3—add more lines in a
  lighter shade of purple.


• Petal 4—add highlights with the
  very lightest shade of purple.


• Petal 5—add the darkest value
  judiciously to make the petal
  “pop.”