Machine Quilting With Multiple Threads

The stitching appears as soft orange on the blue fabrics.

During my last post, I asked if you noticed anything different about this thread and promised to tell you what it is.

The answer?

It’s two threads run through the needle at the same time!

The same thread combination appears to be soft blue on the orange fabrics.

For this particular quilt, I wanted a 40-weight trilobal polyester for the quilting but…I couldn’t find the perfect colour.

I settled on the two best options, but when test stitching, I found that the orange was too subtle and the blue was too strong.

My solution, run them both together.

My machine is threaded with two spools of thread.

 

Both threads go through the eye of a Topstitch 90/14 Needle

This fun technique allows the threads to twist together as you stitch, creating a totally different effect.

In this case, the two colours complement each other for a soft and subtle appearance that seems to change between orange and blue depending on the fabric being stitched.

I’m really happy with the results!

For lot’s more weekly tips check out my new Facebook page Machine Quilting Show and Share

Julies Name Game - New Free Motion Quilting Design #468

New Free Motion Quilting Design #468, "Flower Affair"

This new, free motion quilting design is so much fun to stitch.

It was named by popular vote (Facebook & Instagram) with a little help from a random name picker, at 6:00 PM (PDT) on Sunday, March 1, 2026.

This design is now called “Flower Affair”.

Thank you and congratulations to Cathy Hodge Crawford of Cobble Hill, BC for suggesting this wonderful, winning name!

Did you notice something different about the thread?
I’ll reveal the answer in my next post.

Julies Name Game - New Free Motion Quilting Design #467

New Free Motion Quilting Design #467, "Be My Valentine"

Heart-based designs are always so much fun to stitch, and this one is no exception.

This new, free motion quilting design was named by popular vote (Facebook & Instagram) with a little help from a random name picker, at 6:00 PM (PDT) on Sunday, February 22, 2026.

This design is now called “Be My Valentine”.

Thank you and congratulations to Karen Jackson for suggesting this wonderful, winning name!
Karen is from Oakdale, Louisiana.

For all who would like to learn how to free motion quilt or improve their skills.
My Free Motion Quilting - Block of the Month, is registering now.
For further information click on the Registering Now -Virtual Classes tab at the top of this page.

Julies Name Game - New Free Motion Quilting Design #466

New Free Motion Quilting Design #466, "Filigree Hearts"

This sweet and simple, Valentine-inspired, free motion quilting design has been named.

I absolutely loved all of your creative name suggestions!

With all of your votes, it came down to a tie.

The winner was chosen by popular vote (Facebook & Instagram), with a little help from a random name picker at 6:00 PM (PDT) on Sunday, February 15, 2026.

This design is now called “Filigree Hearts”.

Thank you and congratulations to Pam Bretz Sommers of Forest, Indiana for suggesting this wonderful, winning name.

Julies Name Game - New Free Motion Quilting Design #465

New Free Motion Quilting Design, "Oaks In My Garden"

This new, free motion quilting design was inspired by the sound of recent high winds blowing through a stand of trees.

It was named by popular vote (Facebook & Instagram) at 6:00 PM (PDT) on Sunday, February 8, 2026.

This design is now called “Oaks In My Garden”.

Thank you and congratulations to Glynda Pruetz Croix, from Tomball, Texas for suggesting this wonderful, winning name.

I wasn’t purposely thinking of oak leaves but, through your name suggestions I learned that there is a type of oak (Chinkapin) that looks just like this! Who knew?

Would you like to learn more about free motion quilting along with how to stitch many of my exclusive FMQ designs?

My Free Motion Quilting - Block of the Month, is registering now.
For further information click on the Registering Now -Virtual Classes Tab at the top of this page.

Julies Name Game - New Free Motion Quilting Design #464

New Free Motion Quilting Design #464, "Star Burst"

This new, free motion quilting design was inspired by a frosty, winter evening, under the light of a full moon

There were 17 fabulous name suggestions for this design, and some very lively voting!

In the end, one name edged its way to the front.

The winner was chosen by popular vote (Facebook & Instagram) at 6:00 PM (PDT) on Sunday, February 1, 2026.

This design is now called “Star Burst”.

Thank you and congratulations to Kathi Medina for suggesting this wonderful, winning name!
Kathi is from San Diego, California, USA

Julies Name Game - New Free Motion Quilting Design #463

New Free Motion Quilting Design #463, "Autumn Swirl"

I’ve heard from some of you that backtracking is hard or that you’re concerned with the density of some designs, especially when stitching on a longarm.

Well, this one’s for you!

There were many wonderful name suggestions, and with your votes, it came down to a tie.

The winner was chosen by popular vote (Facebook & Instagram), with a little help from a random name picker at 6:00 PM (PDT) on Sunday, January 25, 2026.

This design is now called “Autumn Swirl”.

Thank you and congratulations to Tracy Vermilyea Thompson of New Westminster, BC for suggesting this wonderful, winning name!

Sign up for my 

Free Motion Quilting - Design of the Month 

to learn how to stitch this, and other wonderful free motion quilting designs.

You'll find all the information under the 

Register Now - Virtual Classes 

Tab at the top of this page.

Julies Name Game - New Free Motion Quilting Design #462

New Free Motion Quilting Design #462, "Popularity"

More playing around with straight-line connecting stitches.

This time, the connection becomes part of the individual leaf motifs.

Named by popular vote (Facebook & Instagram) with a little help from a random name picker, at 6:00 PM (PDT) on Sunday, January 18, 2026, this design is now called “Popularity”.

Thank you and congratulations to Val Ansell of Nanaimo BC for suggesting this wonderful, winning name.

Exciting News!
New Free Motion Quilting - Block of the Month, registering now.
For further information click on the Registering Now -Virtual Classes tab at the top this page.

Also booking now, virtual and in person workshops for guilds, groups and conferences for 2026/2027/2028

Contact me at juliesquiltclass@gmail.com

Julies Name Game - New Free Motion Quilting Design #461

New Free Motion Quilting Design #461, "A Travelling Vine"

To stitch a free motion quilting design in a continuous line (without breaking your thread), there needs to be some way of connecting the individual design elements.

I usually make this “travelling line” blend into the design, but I wanted to play around with an obvious, straight, joining line.

This new free motion quilting design has been named.

The winner was chosen by popular vote (Facebook & Instagram) with a little help from a random name picker, at 6:00 PM (PDT) on Sunday, January 11, 2026.

This design is now called “A Travelling Vine”.

What a brilliant play on words!

Thank you and congratulations to Irene Harvalias of New Westminster, BC for suggesting this wonderful, winning name.

Exciting News!
Register for my new program and learn from the comfort of home!

Free Motion Quilting - Block of the Month

Click on the Register Now, Virtual Classes Tab at the top of this page for more information and registration links.

Julies Name Game - New Free Motion Quilting Design #460

New Free Motion Quilting Design #460, "Space Dots"

I'm in the home stretch of my game of catch-up. 😂

The first new Free Motion Quilting design of 2026, inspired by the New Year and exciting advances in technology, has been named.

The winner was chosen by popular vote (Facebook & Instagram) at 6:00 PM (PDT) on Sunday, January 4, 2026.

This design is now called “Space Dots”. What fun!

Thank you and congratulations to Susan Davis of Carpinteria, California for suggesting this wonderful, winning name!

Julies Name Game - New Free Motion Quilting Design #459

New Free Motion Quilting Design #459, "Poinsettia Pleasure"

The final new, Free Motion Quilting design of 2025, was inspired by the poinsettias used to decorate our homes for the holidays.

I find these plants incredibly beautiful in both their original vibrant red and all of the lovely new colourful varieties.

The winning name was chosen by popular vote (Facebook & Instagram), with a little help from a random name picker, at 6:00 PM (PDT) on Sunday, December 28, 2025.

This design is now called “Poinsettia Pleasure”.

Thank you and congratulations to Cathy Hodge Crawford for suggesting this wonderful, winning name!
Cathy is from Mill Bay, B.C.

Hot Tip!
Practice stitching new designs on small fabric “sandwiches” before quilting your quilt.
This will allow you to learn how to move fluidly through the design without having to think about where to go next.

Julies Name Game - New Free Motion Quilting Design #458

New Free Motion Quilting Design #458, "Spruce Berry"

This new Free Motion Quilting design was inspired by all the beautiful greenery used to decorate for Christmas.

It was named by popular vote (Facebook & Instagram), with a little help from a random name picker, at 6:00 PM (PDT) on Sunday, December 21, 2025.             (Yep, I'm behind and playing a fun game of catch-up!)

This design is now called “Spruce Berry”.

Thank you and congratulations to Pam Bretz Sommers of Forest, Indiana, USA for suggesting this wonderful, winning name.

Hot Tip!
The best way to design, or learn how to stitch the repeat of a new, Free Motion Quilting design is to draw it first.

Julies Name Game - New Free Motion Quilting Design #457

New Free Motion Quilting Design #457, "Granny's Buttons"

This new, Free Motion Quilting design was inspired by a dainty little button.

The consistent circling will help quilters of all skill levels develop smooth fingertip control.

Named by popular vote (Facebook & Instagram), with a little help from a random name picker, at 6:00 PM (PDT) on Sunday, December 14, 2025, this design is now called “Granny’s Buttons”.

Thank you and congratulations to Judith Cane from Sackville, New Brunswick, for suggesting this wonderful, winning name!

Julies Name Game - New Free Motion Quilting Design #456

New Free Motion Quilting Design #456, "Winter Dogwood"

This new Free Motion Quilting design can be stitched in one colour or two.

To create a two-colour design, stitch the flowers first, then add the greenery.

It was named by popular vote (Facebook & Instagram), with a little help from a random name picker, at 6:00 PM (PDT) on Sunday, December 7, 2025. 

This design is now called “Winter Dogwood”.

Thank you and congratulations to Pam Bretz Sommers, of Forest, Indiana, USA for suggesting this wonderful, winning name.

Pam says that this design reminds her of dogwood blossoms appearing in the Appalachian Mountains in Tennessee in the late fall. Sounds beautiful!

Julies Name Game - New Free Motion Quilting Design #455

New Free Motion Quilting Design #455, "CanCan Dancer"

This new Free Motion Quilting design is so much fun to stitch!

It was named by popular vote (Facebook & Instagram) at 6:00 PM (PDT) on Sunday, November 30, 2025. (Playing Catch-up.)

This design is now called “CanCan Dancer”.

Thank you and congratulations to Pam Bretz Sommers of Forest, Indiana, USA for suggesting this wonderful, winning name!

Booking now, workshops for guilds, groups and conferences for the remainder of 2026 plus 2027/2028

Check out the information under the Tabs at the top of this page then email me at juliesquiltclass@gmail.com

Julies Name Game - New Free Motion Quilting Design #454

New Free Motion Quilting Design #454, "Columbine"

Stitch it bold and beautiful with a thicker thread or use a fine thread to create a dainty, textural background fill.

This new, free motion quilting design has been named.

The winner was chosen by popular vote (Facebook & Instagram) with a little help from a random name picker, at 6:00 PM (PDT) on Sunday, November 23, 2025.

This design is now called “Columbine”.

Thank you and congratulations to Carol of Carol's Needle Arts Corner in Nanaimo, B.C. for suggesting this wonderful, winning name!

Click on the links above to follow me on Facebook and Instagram.

Julies Name Game - New Free Motion Quilting Design #453

New Free Motion Quilting Design #453, "Tulip Tango"

This new, free motion quilting design, inspired by all of the beautiful colours of Autumn, has been named.

The winner was chosen by popular vote (Facebook & Instagram) at 6:00 PM (PDT) on Sunday, November 16, 2025. (Playing a game of catch-up here) 😄

This design is now called “Tulip Tango”.

Thank you and congratulations to Carolyn Mullins Stewart of Jackson, Tennessee, USA for suggesting this wonderful, winning name!

Booking workshops now for guilds, groups and conferences for the remainder of 2026 plus 2027//2028.

Email to juliesquiltclass@gmail.com for more information.

Julies Name Game - New Free Motion Quilting Design #452

New Free Motion Quilting Design #452, "Paisley Leaf Meander"

This new, motion quilting design was inspired by the sound of falling rain.

It creates a beautiful texture that will add interest to all your quilts.

Named by popular vote (Facebook & Instagram), with a little help from a random name picker at 6:00 PM (PDT) on Sunday, November 9, 2025, this design is now called “Paisley Leaf Meander”.

Thank you and congratulations to Cathy Parnell Vance for suggesting this wonderful, winning name.
Cathy is from Wesley Chapel, Florida.

Follow my new Facebook Group, 

Machine Quilters Show and Share 

for lots more fun and educational content.

Julies Name Game - New Free Motion Quilting Design #451

New Free Motion Quilting Design #451, "Autumn Cheer"

This new, motion quilting design has been named.

The winner was chosen by popular vote (Facebook & Instagram), with a little help from a random name picker, at 6:00 PM (PDT) on Sunday, November 2, 2025. (Yep, still doing a game of catch-up!) 

This design is now called “Autumn Cheer”.

Thank you and congratulations to Glynda Pruetz Croix for suggesting this wonderful, winning name.
Glynda is from Tomball,Texas.