Everything You Need to Know About Big Stitch Quilting Patterns
If you’re interested in big stitch quilting, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I’ll cover all the basics of working with large-scale quilting designs and provide a variety of pattern ideas to get you started. By the end, you’ll have a solid understanding of big stitch quilting and some great options to try out yourself.
What is Big Stitch Quilting?
Big stitch quilting refers to techniques where you sew through all quilt layers—the top fabric, batting, and backing—with stitches that are much larger than traditional machine quilting. Typically, big stitch patterns use a size 20-24 needle and thread that creates stitches about 1/4 to 1/2 inch wide. This results in bold, graphic designs that stitch out quickly.
From my experience, big stitch quilting is ideal for large quilt projects or those where you want the quilting design to really stand out. The large stitches are faster and less fussy than regular quilting. At the same time, big stitch patterns still add lovely texture and visual interest to a quilt.
Getting Started with Big Stitch Quilting
To start big stitch quilting, you’ll need a few basic supplies:
- A sewing machine capable of handling a dense batting layer
- Size 20-24 machine needles
- All-purpose or topstitching thread
- Quilt batting and backing fabric
- Quilt pattern
It’s also a good idea to use a walking foot or free-motion quilting foot, which helps feed multiple layers consistently under the needle. I’d also suggest practicing your stitching technique on scrap fabric first until you get a feel for the large stitches.
Popular Big Stitch Patterns
There are countless big stitch designs you can try once you’ve got the basics down. Here are some perennial favorites:
Grid Pattern
The classic grid creates uniform blocks across the quilt using parallel straight lines. It’s one of the easiest big stitch patterns to sew. Just draw guide lines with a chalk pencil and stitch along them straight through all layers.

Diagonal Pattern
For a graphic look, try angled lines stitched at a diagonal slant across the quilt surface. You can sew parallel lines spaced closer together for a dense, textured effect.
Crosshatch Pattern
Crosshatching involves sewing horizontal and vertical lines that intersect to form an X shape. It adds loads of visual interest while still being relatively simple.
Spiral Pattern
More challenging but stunning is sewing concentric spiral motifs radiating out from centers marked on the quilt. It requires practice to keep your stitches smooth and consistent.
Curved Line Pattern
For a flowing, organic look, try freehand stitching wavy or S-curved lines across the quilt top. This lets your creative spirit shine through but may require some patience.
As you gain confidence, branch out and combine different big stitch elements in one quilt. The options are endless once you understand the basic techniques.
Tips for Success
To ensure your big stitch projects turn out great, here are some tips I’ve learned:
- Use a walking foot. It feeds all layers smoothly under the needle.
- Mark guide lines clearly. Use a fabric-safe chalk pencil for lines you’ll stitch on and erase later.
- Stitch from the center out. This prevents puckering at the edges as you work outward.
- Don’t backstitch. Simply knot and clip thread tails to avoid bulk in intersections.
- Go slowly at corners. Changes of direction require cautious stitching to maintain stitch evenness.
- Press as you go. Use a hot iron to flatten seams and prevent tangles as stitching progresses.
Putting Big Stitch Patterns to Use
Beyond standalone quilts, big stitching lends itself well to specific applications too:

Log Cabin Variations
Outline blocks with decorative big stitching instead of traditional quilting for a graphic modern spin.
Embellished Panels
Use bold stitched lines to frame and decorate fabric panels, artwork, or photos displayed on a quilt.
Quilt Borders
Edge a quilt with an attention-grabbing border treatment of large stitched designs like spirals or zigzags.
Block Centers
Embellish simple blocks by stitching motifs or shapes just within the centers.
So whether you go for a full big stitch quilt or add accents in targeted areas, I’m sure you’ll find fun new ways to show off these dramatic patterns. Let me know if you have any other questions!
Final Thoughts
All in all, big stitch quilting is totally boss. It adds modern graphic pop to quilts at lightning speed, which is kind of righteous if you ask me. Give it a chance and see how your skillz grow. The bolder stitches might seem kinda gnarly at first, but I’m sure you got this on lock, dawg. Bonus is you’ll be quilting way faster than usual too. So get out your largest needles, crank some tunes, and get stitchin’ – your next glorious creation awaits!
I hope this has helped give you a better sense of enjoying big stitch quilting patterns. Let me know if any part needs more clarification. Happy quilting!

Big Stitch Quilt Pattern Considerations
Pattern | Difficulty | Block Size | Recommended Fabric |
---|---|---|---|
Drunkard’s Path | Easy | 4″ – 6″ | Solid cotton |
Baskets | Intermediate | 6″ – 8″ | Prints with high contrast |
Log Cabin | Easy | Variable | Variety of fabrics |
Nine Patch | Easy | 9 squares | Mix of prints and solids |
Windmill | Intermediate | 6″ – 8″ | Directional prints |
FAQ
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What are the main types of big stitch quilting patterns?
There are basically three main types of big stitch quilting patterns: meander patterns that involve curvy lines, geometric patterns made of squares and triangles and blocks, and freeform or creative patterns that let your imagination run wild.
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How big should the stitches be for big stitch quilting?
Most quilters say the stitches for big stitch quilting should be around 1/4 to 1/2 inch long. Any smaller and it is not really considered big stitch quilting. Bigger stitches around 1/2 to 1 inch can work too if that is your style. Experiment to see what stitch length you like best.
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Is there a certain fabric best for big stitch quilting?
In general, thicker fabrics like cotton or flannel work well and show off the stitches more than something thin and sheer. At the same time, you can use most any fabric you want and let your creativity and instinct guide you. Maybe try mixing fabrics on a project to see how it goes. After all, quilting is supposed to be fun, right?
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How difficult is it to do big stitch quilting?
The awesome thing about big stitch quilting is it is not as complicated of a technique compared to doing tiny stitches. The bigger stitches are much more forgiving if you make a mistake. So as long as you pick a simple pattern to start and take your time, any quilter should be able to handle big stitch quilting, even beginners. However, some tricky areas may need practice.
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Is hand or machine quilting better for big stitches?
Both hand and machine quilting work well for big stitches. Using a machine can be faster, but there is something very satisfying about hand quilting with nice fat hand stitches. Is one truly better than the other though? Perhaps it is best to try both methods and see which you enjoy more. In the end, that is what really matters most with quilting – having fun and being creative!
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Can you show me some examples of nice big stitch quilting patterns?
Here are a few websites that have some great free big stitch quilting patterns you could check out:
- www.thesprucecrafts.com/free-quilting-patterns-for-big-stitches-2821419
- www.generations-quilt-patterns.com/big-stitch-quilting-patterns.html
- www.todayscreativeblog.com/2017/10/free-big-stitch-quilting.html
Take a look and see if any of those patterns inspire you. You can also search online for “free motion quilting designs” for even more big stitch ideas.
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Is it more expensive to do big stitch quilting with more quilting thread?
While it’s true that big stitch quilting requires using more thread, the actual cost probably sort of balances out compared to doing fine detailed quilting. At the same time, you might end up spending the same amount on thread anyway if细 your quilting project is large. In the end, is thread cost really what matters most? Aren’t the joy of the process and making something awesome with your own hands more important than the money?