May 2023 Trapunto "my way"
Trapunto is an Italian term for a style of quilting that creates texture and depth in your piece. This technique essentially refers to “stuffing” areas of your work. It can be used in traditional or contemporary pieces to highlight areas of particular interest.
While the supplies are minimal, the results are fabulous and eye-catching!
There are a variety of techniques and “tools” available for achieving this look in your work. Here, I will be describing my preferred process. I find it’s simplicity allows me to focus on enjoying what I’m creating rather than managing “stuff”.
Supplies:
- Your choice of embroidery threads in colors to match your piece: I use a Janome machine which is most happy when I use Exquisite embroidery threads. Exquisite threads are available in 220 colors and shades. I purchased the corresponding color card which displays samples of each of the threads. What a joy to be able to identify the EXACT color needed.
- Quilting needle: I have the most success with this type of needle as it was designed for the task.
- batting: is a matter of choice. I prefer using two layers of cotton/poly batting but polyester will offer a greater loft. The thicker the batting the greater visual effect but keep in mind that a thick batting is harder to trim and may make the quilting more difficult.
- batting layer for the quilt sandwich
- scissors: I use duckbill scissors which were originally designed for applique but small snips will work as well.
- Spray starch
Determine the thread colors you’d like to use. I prefer to match my colors to those of the area I plan to stitch around.
Cut two layers of batting larger than the area you plan to stitch around. Sandwich your piece. There should be no backing at this point.
Outline stitch all the areas you plan to stuff.
Add starch to your piece to create a bit of stiffness. The stiffness will make it easier for you to cut the batting from the back without snipping the front fabric.
Should you make a small snip…you’ll be able to cover it with dense stitching during the free motion quilting step. Never fear!
For the final quilting, I find the quilting is easier if you use a cotton batting in the middle of the quilt sandwich. On the trapunto design, stitch on top of the previous stitching done with water-soluble thread or just a little outside the stitching line. Keep the batting enclosed by stitching. Use a thread that matches the color of the fabric or a contrasting thread.
A heavy quilting done around the motifs of the design will make the design stand out even more. A micro stippling works just fine. The trapunto design is enhanced by light color fabric and shiny fabric, like satin.
Depending on the size of the area, you may be able to make use of batting scraps.
Match your thread color to the background fabric. Begin by outlining the areas you’ve identified for stuffing.
Choose a free motion stitch for the background carefully. Dense stitching will allow your trapunto to stand out even more.
My finished piece using trapunto.
A sneak peek at the back of the piece. Neat and completed.
The piece above began its’s life as a plain piece of fabric. I used Derwent Inktense pencils to paint my drawing. If you’d like to learn the paining process, please click https://kathynutley.com/classes/ This link which will take you to the classes I’m offering…
Until next time….Kathy