Quilt as Desired: Combining Free Motion Quilting Designs in Chapter 7
Chapter 7 of Quilt as Desired focuses on combining free motion quilting designs in a way that feels practical, flexible, and approachable. Instead of quilting one motif at a time, this chapter is all about learning how designs can work together, how to move between them, and how to make decisions as the space fills in.
This chapter feels like a natural progression. Once individual designs start to feel familiar, combining them opens up so many possibilities for texture and movement.
If you are working through the class, Chapter 7 is now available.
👉 View the class here
👉 Learn more about Quilty Class here
What Chapter 7 Covers
Chapter 7 includes three lessons, each centered on combining motifs in thoughtful and useful ways.
- Lesson 22: Swirls and Pebbles Combo
- Lesson 23: Feathers, Pebbles, and Swirls
- Lesson 24: Echoed Pebbles
Each lesson builds on designs you have already practiced and shows how they can support one another within the same block.
Lesson 22: Swirls and Pebbles Combo
This lesson introduces the idea of pairing two familiar motifs and learning how to transition between them. Swirls and pebbles are quilted together, with a focus on spacing, balance, and knowing when to switch from one design to the other.
This is a great lesson for practicing decision making. Pebbles step in when a space needs density, while swirls help soften and connect areas. It is less about rules and more about learning how to respond to what the quilt needs.
Lesson 23: Feathers, Pebbles, and Swirls
In this lesson, three motifs come together in one block. Feathers provide the main structure, while pebbles and swirls are used to fill the spaces between them.
The focus here is on moving smoothly between designs. Pebbles help anchor the space, and swirls guide movement around the feathers. This lesson is especially helpful if you enjoy feathers but want more freedom in how they live within a quilt.
Lesson 24: Echoed Pebbles
Echoed pebbles begin as a simple motif meant to resemble water droplets, but this design quickly becomes something more layered and textural. The echoing creates dense quilting with a lot of depth.
As the block developed, a toothpaste-style pebble swirl naturally worked its way in, adding movement to the density. The result is rich texture that feels playful and intentional at the same time.
This lesson is a good reminder that some of the most interesting designs evolve as you quilt.
Happening Now
Free motion quilting, taught step-by-step
In Quilt As Desired, we’ll work through 25 FMQ designs together and create a soft rag quilt filled with your progress. You can join through QuiltyClub or purchase the class on its own.
Let’s make quilts…
A Note on Combining Designs
Learning to combine free motion quilting designs is one of the most useful skills you can build. It allows you to adapt to different spaces, change direction when needed, and create texture without relying on a single motif.
Chapter 7 encourages experimentation and curiosity. These lessons are about practicing transitions, trusting your instincts, and letting the quilting develop naturally.
If you are following along inside Quilt as Desired, Chapter 7 is ready for you now.
