Thread Painting

I use thread painting as a way to bring a focal object forward and accentuate the background in a scenic print. It's okay to use all purpose or dual duty cotton thread for this method. You can actually use any thread you want, but variegated and metallic threads show up best on solid fabric.

Start with a scenic print and decide which objects to bring forward. I'll be bringing forward the deer, rocks, and trees in this print.

I also incorporate a false trapunto method to achieve the effect. I place extra loft batting beneath the area I want to outline. This gives the appearance of stuffing and that's what trapunto does, but the traditional method is too much work and doesn't hold up to modern machine washing.

Baste around the areas you'll be outlining. You only need to baste on large prints to prevent the fabric from shifting. It isn't necessary on small pieces. Choose a thread color that matches or you can use clear nylon. The top and bobbin threads need to be the same color.

When you're finished with the focal objects, remove the basting threads and trim the extra loft batting close to the outline thread. 

At this point, you have a choice. You can make the thread painted background part of the quilt so those stitches are seen on the back or separate it. I'll be separating mine. Layer a piece of low loft batting and a piece of scrap fabric beneath the entire scenic print. 

Focus on painting with one thread color at a time. Try not to get too much thread in one area. The idea is to accentuate a print, not cover it entirely.

When you're finished, the scenic piece will be flat except for the outlined objects.

You may bind this piece if you wish and applique it onto the top. This makes small prints look like framed pieces of art.

Make a sandwich as usual with batting and stitch up your quilt. Ditch stitch around a large piece you have thread painted.