May Basket Quilting Designs and Tutorials

Last week I offered a free pattern/tutorial for my Easter Basket quilt.  I think this one would also work for a May Day basket -- particularly if it is done is these fun bright polka dot fabrics.

This week I wanted to discuss how to quilt the project.  Since all the fabrics have "polka dots" in them, I thought the theme for quilting this project should be circles and dots.

For the pinwheels and the square within a square, I went with a spirograph type of design.  To keep the design continuous, I traveled from one circle to the next  to the next by overlapping the center section.

For the outer border I created a double circles point to point design.  Each set of circles is repeatable.  They would be easy to adjust -- just vary the size of the circles for added interest.

The basket design was easy to draft -- just overlapping circles.  However it took a bit of work to make the design continuous without overlaps.  Check out my Art and Stitch tutorial for how I did this.  (4/28 Note -- I deleted the music background.  However, you still may need to turn the volume all the way up to hear the video.)

For the pieced border, I just did some arcs and added a circle to the corners.  

For those that would like copies of some of my quilting designs , the files are here:

• Spirograph Design
  
• Double Circle - Outer Border
• Basket Circles
• Art and Stitch File - full quilt layout

I would love to see photos if you make the quilt.

Happy quilting.

Kari

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