Quilting

Patterns, patchworks and projects

850 Free-Motion Quilting Designs

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For anyone passionate about quilting, finding a reliable source of inspiration and guidance for free motion quilting can be a game-changer. Amanda Murphy’s 850+ Free Motion Quilting Designs delivers precisely that—a comprehensive, visually stunning guide packed with creative potential for quilters of all levels.

At first glance, the book stands out for its sheer volume of designs. With over 850 options, it promises an abundance of inspiration for free motion quilting enthusiasts. The layout is clean and intuitive, with continuous-line patterns that make it easy to visualize how each design might look on your quilt.

Murphy organizes the book by design themes and styles, including florals, geometrics, feathers, and more. This thoughtful categorization allows you to quickly find the right design for your project. The book caters to a range of quilting styles, from traditional to contemporary, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

 

Variety and Versatility: With designs suitable for borders, fillers, and focal points, you’ll never run out of ideas.
Clear and Practical Guidance: Each design is illustrated with precision, making it easy to replicate or adapt for your own projects.
Inspiration Galore: Whether you’re quilting a small wall hanging or a king-sized masterpiece, this book provides ample creative spark.
As someone who loves experimenting with free motion quilting, I found the Floral and Vine section particularly inspiring. The designs are intricate yet approachable, with just the right balance of challenge and accessibility. I also appreciated the tips scattered throughout the book, which offer practical advice on thread choices and quilting techniques.

Murphy’s expertise shines through in every aspect of the book. She understands the needs of quilters, providing not just patterns but also encouragement and ideas for customization. The designs are versatile enough to adapt to different fabrics and themes, making this a resource I’ll return to again and again.

If there’s one thing I’d love to see, it’s a companion section on troubleshooting common free motion quilting challenges. While the book is rich with designs, a bit more instructional content for beginners would make it even more comprehensive.

850+ Free Motion Quilting Designs is a must-have for quilters seeking to elevate their free motion skills. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for fresh ideas, Amanda Murphy’s book is an invaluable addition to your quilting library. It’s a resource that inspires, educates, and keeps you coming back for more.

Have you tried any designs from this book? Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear how you’re incorporating these patterns into your quilting projects!

Have you read?

10 Modern Zig Zag Quilts That Feel Fresh and Graphic

Zig zag quilts have been around for decades, but modern quilting has completely reinvented them.

Gone are the busy calicos and tightly packed traditional layouts (although we still love those too). Today’s modern zig zag quilts lean into negative space, bold contrast, oversized blocks, and intentional color choices. The result? Clean, graphic quilts that feel more like art than heirloom.

If you’ve been searching for modern zig zag quilt patterns, contemporary chevron quilt ideas, or bold triangle quilt layouts, this guide focuses specifically on quilts that feel current, fresh, and design-forward.

Let’s talk about what makes a zig zag quilt “modern” — and then dive into patterns that truly showcase it.

What Makes a Zig Zag Quilt Feel Modern?

Modern zig zag quilts usually include one or more of these elements:

  • High contrast color palettes
    • Large-scale blocks
    • Negative space
    • Limited fabric prints
    • Minimalist layouts
    • Strong directional flow

Instead of relying on busy fabric to create interest, modern zig zag quilts use structure and contrast to do the heavy lifting.

Now let’s look at patterns that do this beautifully.

Descending Zig Zag Quilt

This pattern shifts the zig zag direction gradually across the quilt, creating a sense of movement that feels almost architectural. It’s not just repetition — it’s progression. Using a tight color palette here really enhances the modern feel.

Best for: Confident beginners and up
Fabric tip: Try a monochrome gradient for a dramatic effect.

 Lightning Zigzags

This version leans bold and graphic, especially when made in high contrast solids. The sharp peaks give it an energetic edge. It’s ideal if you want your quilt to feel like a statement piece.

Best for: Modern home décor
Fabric tip: Black + white or navy + cream works beautifully here.

Jelly Roll Triangle Quilt

Pre-cuts meet modern design. This pattern uses jelly roll strips to streamline cutting while keeping the zig zag lines crisp. The layout feels clean and organized rather than busy.

Best for: Quick finishes
Fabric tip: Choose solids or tone-on-tone prints for a sleeker look.

 Zig Zag Without HSTs

If trimming triangles isn’t your thing, this strip-pieced version creates the chevron illusion using straight seams. The result still feels graphic and modern, especially in minimal color schemes.

Best for: Beginners who love clean lines
Fabric tip: Stick to two strong contrasting colors.

Modern Chevron Tutorial – Lickety Split

This pattern embraces simplicity. Large zig zag rows and generous spacing give the design breathing room. It’s subtle, sleek, and very contemporary.

Best for: Minimalist quilters
Fabric tip: Low-volume background with bold accent color.

Super Easy Zig Zag Quilt

While colorful, this quilt can easily lean modern if you limit the palette and increase contrast. Scale plays a huge role here — bigger blocks feel more current.

Best for: Scrap lovers going modern
Fabric tip: Group scraps by color families to avoid visual chaos.

Herringbone Chevron Baby Quilt

This softer interpretation still feels modern thanks to clean construction and thoughtful color placement. It’s subtle but intentional.

Best for: Nursery décor
Fabric tip: Muted neutrals with one standout accent color.

Zig Zag Rail Fence

Rotating rail fence blocks to create zig zag movement gives you a modern feel without heavy triangle piecing. The structure feels orderly and balanced.

Best for: Fast weekend projects
Fabric tip: Alternate light and dark strips for clear definition.

Make This: Zig Zag Chevron Quilt

This quilt allows fabric to shine while maintaining strong geometry. The negative space makes it feel lighter and less crowded than traditional versions.

Best for: Modern scrap control
Fabric tip: Use solids as anchors between prints.

Modern Fuse Applique Zig Zag Quilt

Adding applique over zig zag piecing introduces texture without overwhelming the layout. It’s a hybrid technique that feels playful but still modern.

Best for: Creative experimentation
Fabric tip: Keep background neutral to let applique stand out.

How to Keep Your Zig Zag Quilt Looking Modern

If you want your zig zag quilt to feel fresh instead of traditional, focus on:

  • Value contrast over print variety
    • Bigger blocks over tiny repeats
    • White or low-volume backgrounds
    • Limited color palettes
    • Clean quilting lines (straight-line quilting works beautifully)

Modern quilting is less about complexity and more about intentional simplicity.

Zig zags are timeless — but with the right fabric and scale, they can feel completely current.