Machine Quilting Diamond Block – Video Tutorial
Don’t you just love the amazing feeling that comes from finishing a quilt? There’s nothing quite like it! My most recent quilt finish was for my friend, Julie Herman, the genius behind Jaybird Quilts.

Boomerang Quilt By Julie Herman
I have quilted many, many quilts for Julie…..while I love the shapes and layouts of her quilts, sometimes it’s hard deciding just how I should quilt them. That’s especially the case when I quilt the same quilt pattern several times. In general, I try to avoid quilting the same quilt pattern the same way twice….I mean, where’s the fun in that?
Instead of viewing it as a problem. I like to treat it as a challenge. Doing this really forces me to come up with fun and creative quilting designs…which helps prevent getting stuck in a quilting rut!
This quilt was made with her Boomerang quilt pattern, which I had already quilted a couple of times before. So I knew that it was going to be fun to work on.
Here’s a close up of quilting done on one of her previous Boomerang quilt patterns.

Photo by Julie Herman
Selecting Quilting Designs
This quilt was not just any regular quilt though. It was made with some of her favorite Tula Pink fabrics. So I knew that the quilting designs would have to enhance the intricate quilt pattern AND the fabric prints. No pressure, right?
For the smallest diamonds, I quilted a continuous curve variation that resembles a flower.
It’s one of those go-to designs that I find myself using often, especially when I need something pretty, but not too complicated. Going with a more complex design could overwhelm the fabric….which is really what I didn’t want to happen.
With that selected, I moved onto the next part of the block.
Since I was already using a floral-like design, I kept with the same theme by quilting a curvy motif.
I love how motifs can really fill in and highlight a quilt block….plus I think they are so pretty. Which, let’s be honest, it’s so much easier to quilt a design when you like how it looks!
The great thing about motifs is that once you get the hang of how to quilt it, it’s easy to come up with some fun variations. It not only adds interest to the quilt, it can keep you from getting bored. (Always a good thing when you’re quilting!)
It looks especially nice with paisleys instead of serpentine lines.
Or who can resist a classic feather……it’s just so elegant.
Selecting the thread
You might be thinking….
“But, Angela, won’t all those designs be too busy on the quilt?”
My answer would be, “not if you use the right thread”
A 50 wt thread, such as Superior So Fine, helps the quilting blend into the quilt and keeps it visible, yet subtle. Even though this quilt had some many different colors of fabric, I went with a light green thread that worked on all the different colors of fabric.
Since it’s a thinner thread, it looks great even colors like orange and pink.
Video Tutorial
Want to see how the designs came together?
I knew that this quilt would be something I would want you to see, so I recorded a video tutorial that shows the quilting from start to finish. In it I share how I quilted the designs (including variations), show you how to use rulers for curved lines and it includes a surprise visit from my mom. (who wasn’t exactly thrilled about it).
Check it out here:
Thank so much for reading the blog and watching my videos, I can’t tell you how much the support means to me!
Where are the handy gadget tools available?
Thanks for the great video! When you quilt so many different designs in the blocks do you do them in an order or are they totally random?
Do you stitch in the ditch of all the pieces? I noticed that you used the edges to travel so wondered if you stitched all of the outer edges of blocks otherwise it would look odd if some lines are there and some are not.
I know some Quilters insist on quilting all outer lines of blocks.
Sam
Such a great video!! Makes me want to try something other than stipple….One day I wish to quilt just like you 🙂 Thanks for sharing.
Angela,
I love, love, love all of your video. All the quilts you quilt are beautiful but mostly you make me happy. Just watching any of your videos are fun and joyful. Thanks!!!
I Love everything about this video! Always so fun to watch you work and grateful for all the ideas and encouragement you share with all of us quilters. I can tell you almost all of my quilts have something I have learned from you.
Thanks Angela!!! I love quilting the best also. Love your personality and thanks for sharing Julie’s quilt. You, Julie from Jaybird and Tula. SSSSCCCHHHWEEEEETTTTT!!! Rock on girlfriend! ~ Christina in FL
PS I hope to see you again in FL. 🙂
What a fun video Angela! ( Hi to your Mom) And of course Julie’s quilt is beautiful. I learned a lot!
Thanks for all th.e great advice. I’m almost done with a quilt top that I am trying to figure out how e heck am I going to quilt it. This was the perfect video for me to start out with. You hit the nail on the head with your comment about the fabric “stealing the show” vs. the design of the quilt being the emphasis. That is exactly where I need to start. You always seem to say just the right thing. Thanks a bunch!
Thank you Angela – love to hear how you choose the quilting motifs to compliment the piecing and/or fabric, and to see you in action.
I am so glad that you like it!! I appreciate you watching!
Hi Angela,
Thanks for the video, a peek at your shop, and meeting your mom! That was soooo sweet of you and she is so cute! Loved it all.
You are a truely an inspiration to getting the quilting part done and making it look so beautiful and easy!
I am so glad you like it! I think it’s fun to show all aspects of what I do, not just the quilting.
I could have used this video about 3 weeks ago when i quilted a boomerang quilt for a customer. She wanted it quilted in the same style as the one you have done for the pattern cover, so I was able to use many of your designs.
How fun! So sorry I was just a little late for you 😉
I love your videos! Keep ’em coming! I really need to get down to your shop, too. It’s beautiful!
As long as you are watching them, I will keep making them!!
Fantastic video. You have given so many good ideas. I have a 4-patch posies quilt to do for someone, and like the quilt you did, it has lots of pattern in the prints, and I was looking for something I could do to practice my free-motion and ruler work skills but not kill me in the process. I think I can adapt your ideas and make it work! Thank you so much!
It would be perfect for a 4 patch since you have the seams to use as a guide!
Loved the video! Thanks for providing such great inspiration.
Thank YOU for watching!!
Thanks for sharing all those wonderful tips with us! Julie’s quilt is beautiful, enhanced by your lovely quilting!
Do you use the 50 weight thread in the bobbin as well? Do you have to slow the machine because of the lighter weight thread?
Great video!
Betty B
Cypress TX
http://www.TShirtQuiltsTX.com
Yes, I use that in the top and bottom. I definitely don’t have to go slow, thank goodness. Even though it’s thinner, it’s nice and strong. Plus it’s low lint so that is nice!
Great video, Angela! I love watching and listening to you. And yes, I understand the “happy dance”! I sure wish I could visit your shop, but it’s kind of a long trip from Florida … will have to settle for seeing it in your videos.
You can “visit” in spirit 🙂
Another fantastic video Angela, Love it. and your happy dance too!!
I am new to your blog and so good to see this video as have never seen a long arm quilting machine in action wow. Have quilts waiting to be done but have to try and do them myself due to finances love the making but th sandwiching together is the hardestt part and then the struggle oon m bernina 1230 no fun!