#MEANDER QUILTING PATTERN PLUS#

The payoff is an heirloom quality quilt that looks way more complex than it is! Plus people are always amazed at how you got those lines so consistently wavy, if ya know what I mean. Just take your time and go slow to nail the smooth curves. But seeing the flowing final result is totally worth it. But then it starts to get kinda complicated too! Overall these patterns are endlessly cool though.įrom my experience, meanders can be a bit challenging to execute just right with all those curves. Let me know if you have any other questions! They’re such fun, unique patterns.ĭo meanders always have to have a single line wandering across? Maybe sometimes multiple intertwining lines could give more options for creativity. I hope this gives you a solid overview of working with meander quilt designs. “Wisteria Way” by Lo and Behold Stitchery – Gorgeous raw edge applique meander floats on pointy background triangles. “Roots and Branches” by Quilt in a Day – Combines a branching meander with playing card blocks, wow! “Riverside Stroll” by Moda – A bouncy meander paired with large background hexies, very colorful. “Winding Road” by Riley Blake – Uses an interconnecting line design with background triangles for depth. “Creek Walk” by Tilda – Features a simple meander along with swirly floral blocks. Here are some I’ve heard are especially fun from people I know:

Lots of great meander patterns are available online or in quilt magazines. But keep quilting lines curved to accentuate and enhance the meandering design. Or press to one side and trim the excess seam allowance for a flatter look.Ĭonsider prewashing all fabrics before cutting if using raw edge applique for the meandering line. Press seams open as you go to reduce bulk in the curved areas. Go slow and accurate is key for smooth curves. Use a walking foot or even-feed foot when piecing curved seams for better feeding. Trim to exact size after piece is sewn in place. This prevents sloppy curves in the finished quilt.Ĭut fabric pieces slightly oversized to allow for ease in sewing the curves. Map out the meandering line on graph paper first to get the curve tracing just right. Here are some tips I’ve learned over the years: While the design itself is loose and flowing, making an accurate meander quilt does require a bit of careful planning and piecing. But don’t be afraid to experiment with bolder prints if you’re feeling bold, my dude! Tips for Executing Meander Patterns The simpler the print, the less it will compete with the meandering lines for attention. Some of my favorite fabric choices for meander quilts include: That said, prints with a linear or all-over motif can also look stunning against a meandering background. Solids or low-volume prints allow the eye to follow the curvy lines without distraction. In my experience, certain fabrics really make meander designs pop. The lines are what give these designs their trademark, flowing appeal. No matter which specific type of meander style you favor, the key element is those ever-curving lines. Totally reminds me of tree branches or roots. Kinda looks like a slinky, if that makes sense.īranching meander: The main line splits off into thinner branch lines that meander independently for a bit before reconnecting. Often the lines partially overlap to create interesting negative spaces.īumpy meander: Similar to a simple meander but with small bumps or curves added along the main line for visual interest. Interconnecting lines: Multiple winding lines cross and intersect with each other as they flow. It uses a single curving line that moves haphazardly back and forth. Simple meander: This is the most basic meander design. At their core, all meander designs share this same overall flowy, organic quality. Think of it like a shallow, winding river cutting across a landscape. Some people describe meander patterns as resembling an intricate ribbon or vine that gets twisted and turned as it spans the quilt. The lines rarely run straight for very long before curving off in another direction. What is a Meander Pattern?īasically, a meander pattern utilizes curvy, snaking lines that wander aimlessly across the quilt surface. In this article, I’ll cover everything you need to know about working with meander quilt designs. From my experience sewing many quilts over the years, meander patterns are incredibly popular for their organic, free-flowing aesthetics. Meander patterns feature curving, winding lines that move across the quilt in interesting ways. If you’re looking for a quilt pattern that is endlessly versatile and elegant, a meander design could be just what you’re after. A Complete Guide to Meander Quilt Patterns

Meander quilting pattern