10 + Free Printable Machine Quilting Designs

Once you are finished with your quilt, you may be thinking – what’s the next step to actually getting this large piece of fabric into a finished quilt. Here are some of my favorite free printable machine quilting designs.

There are quite a few free machine quilting designs – in pdf format, printable versions, ones you can design yourself or those that are quilted without much stopping.

I’m here to guide you through this creative process with ease and simplicity. Whether you’re sewing on a long arm or maneuvering a standard sewing machine, the world of free motion quilting designs is within your reach. It can be simple and doesn’t have to be overly complicated.

Let’s explore a plethora of simple designs suitable for quilters of all skill levels. From straight lines to wavy curves, from basic shapes to intricate patterns, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re stitching up a baby quilt for a cherished little one or adorning your own quilts with personalized flair, there’s a free motion quilting design waiting for you.

But what exactly is free motion quilting? It’s the art of stitching intricate designs on a quilt top using a sewing machine with the feed dogs lowered. This technique allows for greater flexibility and creativity, empowering you to express yourself through your stitches. And the best thing? You can achieve stunning results on a regular home sewing machine with just a walking foot or a darning foot.

Tips for Beginning Machine Quilting on Quilts:

1. Start Small: Begin your machine quilting journey with smaller projects, such as table runners or baby quilts, before tackling larger ones. This allows you to gain confidence and practice your techniques on a manageable scale.
2. Practice Makes Perfect: Set aside some time to practice your machine quilting skills on scrap fabric or quilt sandwiches. Experiment with different stitch lengths, thread types, and tension settings to find what works best for you.
3. Baste Well: Proper basting is key to preventing puckers and tucks in your quilt sandwich. Consider using safety pins or spray basting to secure the layers together before quilting. Here’s some great tips for sandwiching your quilt layers and avoiding bumps.
4. Start in the Center: When quilting your project, start stitching from the center and work your way outwards. This helps distribute any excess fabric evenly and reduces the risk of wrinkles or distortion. If you are sewing a continuous design like wavy lines, you may want to consider beginning on one end and stitching towards the opposite direction.
5. Relax and Breathe: Machine quilting can be nerve-wracking, especially for beginners. Remember to relax, take deep breaths, and enjoy the process. Tension in your body can translate into tension in your stitches, so stay loose and comfortable.
6. Keep Your Speed Consistent: Maintain a steady speed as you quilt to ensure even stitches. Avoid rushing or speeding up in areas that require more precision, as this can lead to uneven stitching.
7. Take Breaks: Machine quilting can be physically demanding, so don’t forget to take regular breaks to rest your hands and eyes. Stretching and staying hydrated can also help prevent fatigue and discomfort.
8. Quilt in Sections: For larger quilts, consider quilting in manageable sections rather than trying to tackle the entire quilt at once. This allows for greater control and precision, especially when maneuvering bulky fabric through the machine.
9. Embrace Imperfections: Remember that quilting is a handmade craft, and small imperfections are part of its charm. Don’t be too hard on yourself if your stitches aren’t perfect – embrace the uniqueness of your quilt and enjoy the process.
10. Seek Inspiration: Draw inspiration from other quilters, online tutorials, and social media communities. Joining quilting groups or attending workshops can also provide valuable tips and encouragement as you continue your quilting journey.

By following these tips and staying patient and persistent, you’ll soon find yourself confidently stitching beautiful designs on your quilts with ease.

Free printable machine quilting designs

Popular free motion quilting patterns encompass a wide range of patterns and motifs, each adding its own unique flair to quilts. Here are some favorites among quilters:

1. Meander design or stipple: A continuous, curving design that resembles a maze or stippled texture. This versatile design works well on both traditional and modern quilts and is great for filling in large areas.
2. Straight lines: Simple lines quilted parallel or perpendicular to the seams or borders of the quilt. Straight line quilting adds a clean and modern aesthetic, enhancing geometric designs or accentuating the piecing of the quilt top.
3. Free motion designs / feathers: Elegant and flowing feather motifs quilted in a free-motion style. Feathers add a touch of sophistication and beauty to quilts, perfect for borders or focal points.
4. Echo quilting: Quilting lines that echo the shape of the piecing or appliqué on the quilt top. Echo quilting creates depth and dimension, highlighting the design elements of the quilt.
5. Swirls and curls: Spiraling and swirling designs that add movement and texture to quilts. Swirls and curls can be quilted densely for a dramatic effect or spaced out for a more subtle look. This type of quilting can be end-to-end quilting designs as well. Meaning, you never stop the pattern. It just goes and goes.
6. Continuous curves: Curved lines quilted in a continuous, flowing pattern. This design is great for borders, sashing, and background filler, adding interest and movement to the quilt.
7. Grid quilting: Quilting lines spaced evenly in a grid pattern across the quilt top. Grid quilting creates a modern and graphic look, perfect for highlighting bold prints or minimalist designs. This type of quilting is the perfect pattern for square blocks or even jelly rolls and nine-patch quilt blocks. 
8. Pebble quilting: Small, circular motifs quilted densely together to create a pebble-like texture. Pebble quilting adds visual interest and tactile appeal to quilts, making them cozy and inviting.
9. Echo shells: Similar to echo quilting, but with a shell motif that follows the shape of the piecing. Echo shells create a beautiful scalloped effect, adding elegance and charm to quilts.
10. Free-motion loops: Loopy and flowing designs quilted in a free-motion style. Free-motion loops are fun and whimsical, perfect for adding movement and personality to quilts. You can add different patterns and simple shapes in your loops as well. I’ve seen flowers added, hearts and triangles. Really, it’s super simple to add something extra to the traditional loop design.

These are just a few examples of popular machine quilting designs, but the possibilities are endless! Experiment with different motifs and techniques to find the perfect quilting design for your next project.

Straight Lines Quilting on your Sewing Machine

You don’t need a fancy machine or even a long arm for quilting. Learn how to straight line quilting on your sewing machine, it’s easier than you think.

Swirling Flowers Machine Quilting Design

The Swirly Flower is a simple machine quilting design that allows you to travel from one area to another. It’s a great way to mix up your meander machine quilting.

Vines and Leave Quilting Design

This is a great addition to the swirly flowers and a simple meander. It is a great design that can allow you to travel from one spot to the other. Check out the vines and leaves quilting designs.

The alternating leaf design is a great pattern as well you can try.

Adding texture quilting designs

Don’t leave out the center of your quilt blocks. Add some additional quilting textures to give it more dimension in your quilt blocks.

Loopy Loops

Loopy Loops are so simple and after the meander, it’s the go to design for me. It’s a great one and allows you to learn how to make circles as well. This style can then be expanded into feathers if you wish, or even the pebble quilt design.

Pick your Free Motion Quilting Design using Dry Erase Markers

Did you know you can audition different designs of machine quilting using dry erasers? Learn how you can try out new designs without using thread. This will save you time and supplies – and allow you to pick just the right design for your quilt. You can also print off some free motion quilting designs on Chatterbox quilts.

Greek Key Design

Inspiration – I believe the Greek Key pattern was one of the first graphic designs I ever tried to capture in stitches. This was way back when I was 14 years old and madly in love with beadwork.

It just goes to show that design shapes that appeal to you can easily be inspiring for quilting, even if they weren’t originally designed for this craft! Check out the Greek Key quilt design here.

Spiral Quilt Design

The Spiral design is a great design for traveling but also for one quilt block at a time. You can use your machine foot to help keep the same distance from line to line.

Diamond Quilt Design

The diamond quilt design is a great way to take the grid quilting to a new level. Similar in idea and you’ll use a walking foot.

Using the Sashiko Stitch for Quilting

Think outside of the machine quilting box and explore using the Sashiko Stitch. This is a great stitch that you can use on any quilt – it gives a hand quilted look when you are finished.

Machine Quilting for Beginners

Get all the tips and tricks for machine quilting for beginners. There are simple things you can do to make your machine quilting look really good and actually help you finish your quilts quickly.

Echo Machine Quilting

Echo machine quilting is great for applique pieces or embroidery on quilt blocks. This type of quilting lets you quilt around whatever you want without going directly over the embroidery or applique.

Just in case you don’t use or have a long arm quilt machine-

To machine quilt on a standard sewing machine, quilters need to follow a few step-by-step instructions to ensure successful results:

1. Prepare the Quilt Sandwich: Start by assembling your quilt sandwich – the quilt top, batting, and backing fabric – and baste the layers together securely. This can be done with safety pins, basting spray, or thread basting.
2. Choose the Right Needle and Thread: Select a quilting needle appropriate for your project and thread your machine with high-quality quilting thread. A size 90/14 or 75/11 quilting needle is typically suitable for most quilting projects.
3. Set Up Your Machine: Lower the feed dogs on your sewing machine to allow for free motion quilting. Install a darning foot or free-motion quilting foot to enable you to move the quilt sandwich freely under the needle.
4. Adjust Tension and Stitch Length: Test your machine’s tension and stitch length on a scrap piece of fabric to ensure smooth and even stitches. Adjust the tension as needed and set the stitch length to zero for free motion quilting.
5. Practice Free Motion Quilting: Before quilting your actual project, practice free motion quilting on scrap fabric or quilt sandwiches to get a feel for the movement and speed of your machine. Experiment with different designs and techniques until you feel comfortable.
6. Plan Your Quilting Design: Decide on the quilting design you want to use for your project and plan the quilting path accordingly. Consider marking the quilt top with quilting templates or using a quilting plan to guide your stitches.
7. Start Quilting: With your quilt sandwich and machine prepared, begin quilting by guiding the fabric under the needle in a free motion manner. Move the quilt sandwich smoothly and steadily to create even stitches and precise designs.
8. Take Breaks and Pace Yourself: Machine quilting can be physically demanding, so take regular breaks to rest your hands and eyes. Pace yourself and quilt in sections if needed, especially for larger projects.

By following these steps and practicing regularly, quilters can successfully machine quilt on their standard sewing machines and create beautiful quilts with personalized designs.

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