The Machine Quilting Challenge - Block #25

Good Morning,

Here is today's new stitch-out. I call it Greek Spirals. It is similar to block #23, 60's Architecture and to circular spirals.

Like the 60's Architecture, this design features 45 degree angled turns. Like the round spirals, you spiral in first and leave space to spiral back out. It is also similar to one of the earlier blocks, Combs or Bubble E's in that it is stitched in rows.

As always, it's a good idea to doodle this design out. It will help you achieve a reapeat of shapes that are similar in size and teach you to keep your rows somewhat straight. My units are about 1 1/4" square. If needed, draw lines to separate the rows the first few times you doodle it or stitch it. Remember that when you turn a corner, you must stop the movement of the quilt momentarily or you will end up with a curve rather than a corner.

Begin in one corner and stitch rows that are either horizontal or vertical. I feel that horizontal is easier. If you start in the bottom left hand corner, then stitch up, along the edge about 1 1/4", then over to the right the same amount. Next stitch down about 1" and then over to the left stopping about 1/4" from the stitched side line. Next stitch up, again stopping about 1/4" from the top stitched line. Continue turning and sitiching until you are in the center of the square.

Now it's time to stitch back out. Simply re-trace your inward journey, keeping the new stitch line about 1/8" away from the origanal one. Once you get back to the start, stitch along the bottom till you are about 1/8" away from the first square and stitch up and make your next swirled square.

Continue making swirled squares in the first row, adjusting the size of the squares slightly wider or narrower, as needed, so that you can fill in the entire length of the row. Once you have completed the first row, stitch up along the right hand side to where you can begin the first swirled square in the second row. Try to keep each of the squares in this row, sized like and positioned right above the squares in the first row. Do the same in all of the subsequent rows too.

This is a very sophisticated stitch-out. It's great for mens quilts and art quilts too.