Rulerwork: BERNINA Multi Curve Guide
The BERNINA Multi Curve Guide is a multiple-sided tool with different curves/arcs on it. You can use it for creating a variety of designs within pieced blocks, sashing or borders. Take a look at the cornerstones above and I’ll show you how easy it is use the Multi Curve Guide to quilt an orange peel design.
Supplies
- BERNINA table model Q16, Q16 Plus or Q 20
- Ruler Foot – Ruler Foot #96
- Adjustable Ruler Foot #72
- Adjustable Ruler Foot with Slit #72S
- Note: The #96 foot can only be used on the BERNINA Q Series longarms. The #72 and #72S can be used on both the BERNINA longarms and domestic sewing machines.
- Multi Curve Guide from Essentials Ruler Kit (4 piece set) <insert hyperlink >
- Backing, batting and pieced top (see below for instructions)
- New 90/14 Quilting Needle and thread of choice (40 wt or 50 wt)
- Quilting gloves – optional
- Marking Pen and Straight Edge
Creating the table topper in this example is super simple. Here are the measurements and assembly instructions. I chose fabrics and thread to highlight the quilting but you could use any fabrics you desire.
To piece the table topper you will need two fabrics: pink tonal and red tonal. Cut the following pieces:
- Pink: 1 (21-1/2”) square and 4 (5-1/2”) squares
- Red: 4 (5-1/2” x 21-1/2”) rectangles
Join a red rectangle on opposite sides of the pink 21-1/2” square to make a center section; press.
Stitch a pink 5-1/2” square on each end of the remaining two red rectangles to make two border strips.
Join the border strips on opposite sides of center section to complete; press.
For smaller projects such as this, spray basting the backing, batting and top together works great to prevent shifting and puckers while quilting.
The BERNINA Essential Ruler Kit comes with 4 different rulers and an informative instructional manual giving a variety of ways each ruler can be used.
BERNINA 1/4” thick rulers have fabric-gripping technology to help keep them in place while you stitch. Marked guidelines make it easy to align your ruler for repeating motifs.
To quilt the border cornerstones, the first step is to mark orientation lines diagonally in the square using a straight edge and a marking pen. Remember to factor in the ¼” seam allowance at the outer edge when marking. Also, mark half-way points on each diagonal line between the center point and outer point to use as orientation marks.
Starting at the center intersection of the marked lines, bring the bobbin thread to the top and secure.
With the presser foot lowered, bring the ruler against the foot and align the center orientation line marked on the ruler with drawn center mark. Begin stitching around the ruler. When you get to the outer corner, stop with the needle in the down position.
Swing the ruler to the opposite side, aligning the center orientation line with the marked center on the quilt top, and stitch back to the starting point, again, ending with the needle in the down position.
Stop and reposition the ruler on an adjacent line, aligning the center orientation line on the ruler with the center mark. I quilted in a clockwise fashion around the center point, but the design can be stitched counter-clockwise, if that is more comfortable for you.
Continue quilting around and repositioning the ruler on the marked lines until you have all 4 orange peel arcs quilted to create the cornerstone design.
If you are new to rulerwork, it takes a bit of time to establish the happy balance between too little and too much pressure of the ruler against the fence of the presser foot. You don’t want to “drift” off the foot by using too little pressure, but if you use too much pressure it will be difficult to move the ruler and quilt. Stay as relaxed as possible. Take a break, if needed and take a deep breath. It gets easier with practice!
