How to Free-motion Quilt an Apple Motif

Apple picking season may be coming to an end, but you can still create your own apple motif to add to your next quilt project!

Apples are easy to doodle and easy to stitch.  Enjoy them whole or cut in half and embellish them for variety!

I’m Lori from Lori Kennedy Quilts back with another free-motion machine quilting tutorial.  I love to quilt on my B 770 QE and on the fabulous Q 20 Sit-down machine!  My favorite quilting foot is Free-motion Embroidery Foot #24 because the open toe and offsets shank offer great visibility.  Another great quilting foot-especially if you are using high loft batting-is the Adjustable Stippling Foot #73.  It has an open toe and offset shank and the foot height is adjustable.

To quilt an apple motif, begin on the baseline and stitch the letter “C”.

To create a stem, add a vertical line with a short horizontal line. Echo stitch the vertical line for several stitches and stop to add a leaf.

Add a leaf and complete the stem.

Stitch a backward letter “C”.  This creates a beautiful whole apple!  But if you want to slice it another way…

Stitch a vertical line through the center of the apple.  Stitch down several stitches.

Add four loops or embellishment in the center of the apple.

Stitch down to the base of the apple.  Add a curved line around the center decoration.

Add the left side of the heart shape to complete the embellished apple.

Stitch a row of apples to create a decorative border—but beware of worms!

Join me at LoriKennedyQuilts.com for more lessons, tips, and motifs every day!