Chapter 4 of the Quilt as Desired class is now live, and this chapter is all about swirl variations. It’s a short chapter with just two lessons, but both designs add so much movement and elegance to your quilting.

Swirls are one of those motifs that feel familiar, but small changes can completely transform how they look and feel on a quilt. In this chapter, we explore two different approaches so you can see how free, flowing movement compares to more structured, closed designs.

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What We’re Learning in Chapter 4

In Lesson 12, we work on hook swirls. These are similar to traditional swirls, but instead of rounding off the inside, you come to a gentle point, almost like a hook. They feel loose and organic, and you can quilt them in a very free, wandering way across your block. I find them especially pretty and elegant, and they pair beautifully with so many quilt styles.

In Lesson 13, we move into stack swirls. These are more structured. Each swirl is closed before you move on to the next one, which means you’ll stitch on top of some previously sewn lines. That can feel a little different at first, but the end result is worth it. The quilting closes up all the gaps and creates layers of swirls stacked together, giving you a dense, finished look.

Both lessons give you new options to add texture and interest to your quilts, whether you prefer a relaxed, flowing style or something more filled in.

A Quick Word About Tension

If you are running into tension issues, you are not alone. This is very common when learning free motion quilting.

Here’s a simple checklist to try:

• Rethread your machine completely
• Take the bobbin out and put it back in
• Test stitch again

If the loops are on the bottom, it’s usually bobbin tension. Turn the bobbin screw a tiny bit to the right and test again. Keep adjusting in small increments until the loops disappear. If needed, try a different bobbin and see if that helps.

And if it feels hard right now, that’s okay. Getting started is the hardest part, and showing up counts.

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Log In and Start Stitching

If you’re already enrolled in Quilt as Desired or you’re part of Quilty Club, you’ll find Chapter 4 waiting inside your dashboard.

👉 Quilt as Desired Class
👉 Quilty Club
✨ Dashboard

Stitch Together

If you’re already in Quilty Club or enrolled in Quilt as Desired, Chapter 4 is waiting for you in your dashboard. Take it slow, stitch one swirl at a time, and let practice be exactly what it is today.

Share your progress in the community, even if it’s messy. It helps others see that it’s not just them, it’s simply the beginning.