Five echo quilting examples with different spacing options

By Gretchen Keller 

When working on a new quilt project, I usually finish piecing the top before I start thinking about design options for quilting together the three layers (quilt top, batting, backing). My frequent go-to solution is to echo quilt. It is easy to do using the walking foot on your sewing machine or the seams within your quilt top as a guide!

Using 1/4” spacing will produce a dense filled-in texture and your quilting will look like this example from my Sally’s Seeing Stars pattern.

Example of 1/4" echo quilting

Adding a little more breathing room, 3/8” spacing looks like this example from a fun block I made for my local quilt guild.  

Example of 3/8" echo quilting

With 1/2” spacing, you can achieve a similar look as my Patsy’s Pinwheel Party pattern.

Example of 1/2" echo quilting

For a larger quilt, 1” spacing will look similar to a quilt I made several years ago.

Example of 1" echo quilting

In this last example, varying the spacing will give you a dynamic design like this example where my quilting has rows of stitching with 1/2”-1/4”-1/2” echo spacing in the set, and then 1-1/2” between each grouping.

Example of dynamic echo quilting

It works well if you start by stitching in the seam (stich in the ditch) around each of the elements you are going to echo quilt. Then decide on the spacing you want between your quilting lines. Practice on scrap fabric using your favorite marking tool or the edges and markings of your walking foot until you find the best match for your desired spacing. Now you’re ready to finish your project with echo quilting!

Are you a fan of echo quilting, too? Send me a comment on your favorite way to echo!