Our most popular blog articles of 2023

December 27, 2023

APQS is more than just a longarm quilting machine company. We’re a community dedicated to your success. When you join the APQS family, you gain access to a passionate community of quilters, ensuring you’re equipped with the knowledge and skills to thrive.

Our APQS blog reflects this commitment. Whether you’re a quilting newbie or a seasoned pro, you’ll discover the information you need to become a better and more inspired quilter.

As 2023 comes to an end, we’re excited to share our top ten articles of the year. From fun free patterns to easy-to-follow tutorials and everything in between, our readers have found them incredibly useful. Bookmark this page and get ready to elevate your quilting journey!

Free quilt pattern: Big Bang

Starting off with a BANG! The Big Bang free quilt pattern is sure to spruce up any bedroom. This is a big-block quilt that uses two variations of the same block and is perfect for diverse color palettes. Keep reading…

Free quilt pattern: Big Bang - Big Bang quilt displayed on a bike with flowers

Three Aspects of Color series

Here’s the perfect resource for any quilter who is struggling to pick fabrics that compliment their quilt. APQS retailer Julia Graves’ color series dives into the three aspects of color and how to put them all together. Keep reading…

Three Aspects of Color pt 2- different values

Quilting micro loops on your longarm quilting machine

Micro loops can add the perfect touch of detail to your next quilt! Follow along with APQS Retailer and Educator Karen McTavish, as she explains the three modes on APQS machines to achieve flawless Micro Loops: stitch regulated, Quilt Glide or manual mode.

Free quilt pattern: Rainbow Hearts

We LOVE to spread the joy of quilting with free patterns like Rainbow Hearts. This fun and cheerful quilt is fabulous for quilters looking to whittle down their fabric stash. Keep reading… 

Full shot Rainbow heart pattern

Free quilt pattern: Summer Dash

Here’s a fun and colorful quilt pattern that is sure to brighten your day. The Summer Dash pattern makes a classic Churn Dash look extra sweet by mixing sunny and floral plaids. Keep reading… 

Free pattern: Summer Dash - full view of quilt pattern

Free quilt pattern: Sweet Stars

This quilt is sure to make any space shine! The Sweet Stars pattern is a clever twist on a simple star design. To add an extra pop to this quilt you can use a variety of different fabric prints with an array of colors. Keep reading…

Sweet Stars quilt pattern

Tips for using specialty threads

Specialty threads can offer great versatility to your quilting, but they can also be tricky. APQS retailer Julia Graves explains her tips and tricks for using specialty thread on your next quilting project. Keep reading…

Tips for using specialty threads - different kinds of specialty threads

Free quilt pattern: Drunken Flowers

Let your creativity flourish with this free quilt pattern called Drunken Flowers. This pattern utilizes light and dark solids to create a floral effect that is amplified with the addition of intricate quilting. Keep reading…

Free quilt pattern: Drunken Flowers - quilt displayed as a comforter on a bed

Free quilt pattern: Fields of Green

Here’s a pattern that seamlessly fuses the playful charm of improvisational scrappy quilting with the elegance of structured piecing. Challenge your quilting skills and let your imagination run wild with Fields of Green. Keep reading…

Fields of green quilt on display in a room

Quick Quilts 2023 – Delectable Mountains – Win our finished quilt

Take a look at the APQS retailer Julia Graves’ 2023 Quick Quilt Tops series. In this three-part series, she creates a quilt based on the reader’s votes. Check out the finished Delectable Mountains quilt here.

Quick Quilts 2023 – Delectable Mountains - Win our finished quilt - mirrored mountains design

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