✨ Why I Love Big Stitch Quilting
✨ Why I Love Big Stitch Quilting
Checkboard Pillow Patter by Lorna Costantini / Pattern and Kit available
Big Stitch Quilting is one of my personal favorites — and a big part of the Sunny Quilt Creative vision. It’s joyful, creative, approachable, confidence-building, and most importantly – makes the softest cuddle worthy quilts! I absolutely love seeing quilters light up when they discover how simple, relaxing, and expressive this technique can be.
But before we dive into why I love it so much, it’s helpful to understand what Big Stitch Quilting actually is — and how it differs from more traditional hand quilting.
🧵 What Is Big Stitch Quilting?
Big Stitch Quilting is a modern, relaxed take on hand quilting that celebrates visible stitches, bold thread colours, and textured design. Instead of aiming for tiny, uniform, barely noticeable stitches (as in traditional hand quilting).
Big Stitch embraces:
Make It Yours Pattern by Lorna Costantini
- Larger, decorative stitches
- Thicker threads like Valdani Perle Cotton
- Colourful accents that become part of the quilt’s personality
- Relaxed, rhythmic stitching style that’s much easier to master
It’s a technique where the stitches are meant to be seen — they add character, movement, and warmth to any quilt.
How Big Stitch Differs from Traditional Hand Quilting
Traditional hand quilting and Big Stitch quilting share the same roots, but they offer very different creative experiences:
✨ Size of Stitch
Traditional: tiny, precise, almost invisible
Big Stitch: bold, expressive, intentionally noticeable
✨ Thread Weight
Traditional: fine quilting thread
Big Stitch: thicker threads (Perle Cotton Size 8 or 12), adding texture and colour
✨ Speed & Learning Curve
Traditional: slow, technique-heavy, requires practice
Big Stitch: beginner-friendly, forgiving, faster
✨ Visual Style
Traditional: Classic, subtle, timeless
Big Stitch: modern, artistic, cozy, full of personality
Round & Round Pillow Pattern
by Lorna Costantini
(Kit Available)
Celebrate Canada Quilt Pattern by Lorna Costantini
✨ Purpose
Traditional: structural stitching with visual subtlety
Big Stitch: stitching as both structure and design element
In short:
Traditional hand quilting whispers. Big Stitch Quilting sings.
Hello Spring Table Runner / Wall Hanging Pattern by Lorna Costantini
💛 Why Big Stitch Quilting Feels So Special
Big Stitch is quilting at its most expressive.
It allows makers to:
- Add personality to simple quilt tops or binding
- Play with colour in a whole new way
- Relax into a meditative, portable craft
- Finish quilts more confidently and quickly
Whether you’re brand new to quilting or have been sewing for years, Big Stitch offers a low-stress, high-reward creative experience.
Canada Day Wall Hanging / Pillow Pattern by Lorna Costantini
🎓 Learn Big Stitch Quilting from Lorna Costantini
It’s also why I proudly support independent designers like Lorna Costantini, who offers a beautifully structured ON Demand Big Stitch Quilting Course - learn at your own pace!
Her modern approach, clear teaching style, and thoughtful techniques make Big Stitch quilting accessible, inspiring, and achievable for quilters of all levels.
Her class is a wonderful way to dive deeper — especially if you want guidance from a maker who truly understands both the art and the heart behind this style and can be found here: Big Stitch Hand Quilting for Beginners Class - Payhip
Lorna’s On Demand Class will cover:
Guide to Big Stitch Quilting
1) Stitch Technique
Big Stitch Quilting uses long, even hand stitches that are meant to be seen. Each stitch is usually ¼"–½" long, creating a bold, textured line across the quilt.
2) The Best Tools:
a) Thread
Perle Cotton (especially Valdani Size 12) adds a gorgeous, slightly glossy texture with rich, hand-dyed colour. It instantly elevates even the simplest quilt top.
b) The Needle
Chenille Needles glide easily through layers. Their longer eye accommodates thicker thread, and the length gives great control for loading multiple stitches.
Flutter Pattern by Lorna Costantini
3) The Movement
Instead of tiny rocking motions, Big Stitch uses a relaxed, rhythmic “stab stitch” or soft rocking motion—easy to learn, easy on the hands.
4) The Finish
The stitching adds warmth, personality, and visual interest. A washed quilt softens into beautiful texture.
Jacket Design by Lorna Costantini
🌞 Ready to Try Big Stitch Quilting?
Explore our curated collection of:
Quilting Kits and Patterns that feature Big Stitch Quilting: Big Stitch Quilting Kits – Sunny Quilt Creative
Nome Baby & Lap Quilt Pattern by Lorna Costantini (Kits available)
👉 Browse Big Stitch Supplies:
🧵 Valdani Perle Cotton Size 12 – currently available in 212 colours!
Valdani Pearl Cotton – Sunny Quilt Creative
🪡 Chenille Needles
🧤 Rubber thimbles & threaders
✨ Modern patterns perfect for Big Stitch finishing
Big Stitch Quilting Notions – Sunny Quilt Creative
📋 Big Stitch Quilting Checklist
✔ THREADS
Valdani Perle Cotton Size 12 (most popular for beginners)
Optional: Size 8 for a bolder look
✔ NEEDLES
Size 22 Chenille Needles
Optional: Size 24 or 20 depending on preference
✔ TOOLS & NOTIONS
Rubber Thimble or Finger Grips
Needle Threader
Small Scissors
Quilting Hoop (optional — stitch in hand works too)
✔ QUILT PREPARATION
Quilt top
Batting (cotton or
low-loft preferred)
Backing
Pins or thread for basting
✔ SKILL LEVEL
Absolutely beginner-friendly 😊
Quilting is meant to be joyful — and Big Stitch quilting delivers joy in every stitch.
Give it a try, and discover how this simple technique brings warmth, texture,
and a whole lot of sunshine to your quilts.
Let’s stitch something sunny! 💛
— Stephanie
Photo Credits: Lorna Costantini