I made a blue and white baby quilt last year in using the Irish Chain and I cross-hatch quilted mine using my walking foot. It was easy.

I really need to talk to you, Did you start in the middle or on the edge, If you started in the middle, did you work clear to the end or just part of the way then back to middle. I really appreciate any sugestions you have thanks

I have a walking foot but have never used it. Do you leave the feed dogs up? I am excited and scared to get started thanks did you start in the middle?

Yes, the feed dogs stay up. On the machines I use the waking foot on I cannot lower the feed dogs, so the walking foot is great for straight stitch quilting. I did start in the middle. I actually used painters tape on the first few lines of stitching and did diagonals lines from corner to corner then I filled in the rest of the spaces with diagonal stitching. It was pretty easy once I had the first few lines in.

Thanks CookieLM ... I haven't done any large bed-size quilts, as honestly, it's a lot of fabric to stuff thru the hole of the machine, even the Janome 6600 that I have. I feel like I am making progress, and wish I could spend more time doing the quilting in order ot get better.

As for what to put in the centre, it somewhat depends on the "mood" of the quilt. If appropriate a ♥ outlined could be lovely. If for a child, a teddy bear or other animal. For an adult, a flower? or to keep it simple, a square on point (like a square in a square, quilt design? or how about stippling everywhere but the Irish Chain?

Thanks Annthreecats: I thought that was the way but I wasn't sure. I really appreaciate your help Thanks again

Thanks quilte I am nervous but I guess I just have to try. You do beautiful work. I started the Farmers Wife Pony Club with all of you. I got sick and didn't keep up. I am about half done. Want to get started back up. Feeling better now. Thanks for all your help.

Thanks for the kind words about my quilts, CookieLM. I have a lot to learn still and as I said, wish I could get more practice at the actual quilting side of it. RE PC, Come on back onto the threads and post your blocks! I had quite a gap in the midst too, as I had a heavy work schedule. I got going again after I had my Christmas sewing done and am trying to focus on it til I have the blocks done. Then the joining and will send it out to the LAQ. Just posted a bunch of blocks that I did on the weekend.

I would stipple in the plain middle square. This is an Irish chain that has decorative stitching in the centers of the plain squares. I like how it turned out. I don't think there is any way that is better than another. Good luck
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First off, 208 inches??? Whew!!! I love those typos. Next... I have made several Double Irish chains. I like to stitch about 1/4 to 1/2 inch away from the seam following the different colored blocks in a staircase type look. It works great and is easy to do. Plus, it makes the chain pop!