choosing Quilting Density
Q: I’m sending my quilt for long arming for the first time ever. Can you give me some examples of quilting density? What does open, medium or dense quilting look like?
A: Oooh, good question! It is good to ask for examples, since what seems like "medium" density to one person may not seem so to another person. Here are some examples from my quilting portfolio, along with guidance for choosing your density style.
Open Quilting
Really open quilting has generous space between quilting lines. This level of quilting density is not as popular with modern quilters, perhaps in part because It doesn't tend to photograph as well. But it feels great! Open quilting results in a puffier, softer quilt, especially if combined with a fluffier batting such as a high loft polyester or wool.
Chevron quilting, Kicks quilt by Steffi @QuiltWerke
Sparkle quilting, quilt by Margaret B.
Clameshell quilting, Geesey Geesey quilt
Custom block quilting, quilt by Monique van der Meij-Klaver
In my opinion, open quilting is best for sofa quilts or cuddly baby quilts - both cases when a soft quilt experience is the priority. Take care though that the patchwork is not small scale. It’s not ideal for an heirloom project because the low level of quilting means that the quilt will not withstand as much wear and washing. If your quilt has simple or large scale patchwork, it needs less reinforcing than tiny or intricate patchwork. That makes it a good candidate for open quilting.
Medium Density Quilting
Most of my clients opt for medium density quilting, which is a compromise between two goals: quilt softness and durability. Most quilts have enough seams that medium quilting is advisable over open quilting, to extend the life of the quilt.
Bread Basket quilting, quilt by Mary R.
Leafy quilting, quilt by Gaby S.
Baptist Fan quilting, quilt by Charlotte Newland @CharlotteSews.
Orange Peel quilting, quilt by Jules @JMiller4711
Medium density quilting is my go-to density level. What exactly “medium” will look like does depend upon the quilting motif. Designs tend to lend themselves to be either more or less dense. For example Graffiti can not be open and Cloud tends to be quite open. When choosing a scale for a quilting motif, I consider both the customer’s preferred quilting density and the visual effect of quilting scale on the patchwork itself.
Dense Quilting
When quilting lines are quite close together, you have dense quilting. It tends to photograph beautifully and gives a quilt that crinkly, textured look. High density quilting in modern designs can easily fade into the background when viewing patchwork, because it creates often more of a texture or mood than a very bold pattern.
Pine Needle quilting, quilt by Svea Polster @Svea.Polster
Pineapple Quilting, quilt by Kerstin Böttger
Mirage quilting, my Confetti quilt
Custom quilting, quilt by Brigitte Heitland of Zen Chic
I like dense quilting for bed quilts or wall quilts. It’s ideal for wall hangings because dense quilting makes a quilt flat and thin. Why bed quilts? Dense quilting makes a quilt super durable. If your quilt is going to washed and jumped on and used day after day for many years, more quilting is your friend. And, of course, quilts like Confetti with lots of tiny pieces are ideal for dense quilting.
Still not sure what style of quilting suits your quilt and your goals? Don’t hesitate to ask your questions here in the comments! Also, if you’re looking for longarm quilting service in Europe, I’m at your service. I’m happy to give a personalize recommendation for your quilt based on a photo or when it arrives in my quilting studio.
