Quilt Path tree wall-hanging

APQS retailer and educator Angela Clark shows you step-by-step how to use Quilt Path to piece a fun wall-hanging right on your longarm quilting machine. Gather your supplies and follow along as she shares tips and advice for sizing, placing and stitching this clever project.

Finished size: 6×20

Supplies needed:

• Background fabric: For my sample, I used solid black Kona Cotton scraps, but you can get creative. A scrappy background using four different fabrics would also work beautifully.
• Tree trunk fabric: A brown fabric scrap, approximately 3×8″.
• Tree fabric: Eight green fabric scraps for the tree itself.
• Backing and batting: Both should be about 6 inches larger than the finished project on all sides. For the sample size, aim for approximately 12″ x 26″.
• Pattern: The AC Tree Wallhanging Pattern can be downloaded for free at Thread Waggle Shop.

Tips for success

Do not optimize the pattern

This project uses jump stitches to change fabrics. These jump stitches will make the process smoother, so embrace them!

Quiltable space

Ensure the entire project fits within your quiltable space. For this tutorial’s dimensions, you’ll need at least 7 inches of space. However, if you have a longarm with a larger throat, like an APQS Larry or Millie30, you can scale the design. For example:

Larry: Easily quilt at 9″ x 30″.

Millie30: Easily quilt at 24″ x 80″ or larger.

You can also adjust the aspect ratio to create a short, squat tree or a tall, thin one. The design possibilities are endless once you master the technique!

Orientation

Load the project sideways (landscape) on your longarm, attaching the longer side of the backing to your leaders.

Familiar techniques

If you’ve done machine embroidery, this process will feel similar to “in-the-hoop” projects.

Trim seams as you go

Trim each seam before it is covered by the next fabric piece to keep your work neat. Using a solid black background for your first attempt can help hide any missed trimming.

Step-by-Step instructions

1. Prepare the frame

• Load the backing with the longer side attached to the leaders
• Lay the batting on top

2. Set the design in Quilt Path

• Open Select and Sew from the main menu
• Use One Point – Corner to set the design and its size (e.g., 6″ x 20″ or a size of your choice)
• Move the machine to the top-left corner of where you want the project to start and tap the placement node on the screen to set the corner
• Once the design is placed, tap Quilt to enter the Quilting Interface

3. Check settings

• Ensure Pause at Trim Lines is enabled
• Use Tie-offs at the start and end of sewing lines for extra security

4. Quilt the first step

• Stitch the outline of the entire project
• Quilt Path will then prompt you to proceed

5. Add the tree trunk

• Place your brown fabric scrap for the trunk
• Trace the outline to ensure proper placement, then quilt the trunk
• Trim the raw edges of the fabric to about ¼”

6. Add the background around the trunk

First side

• Place a background fabric scrap (right side down) on one side of the trunk, aligning the raw edges
• Use Trace to confirm placement
• Fold the fabric back temporarily to verify coverage
• Sew the seam, then gently fold the fabric back into position
• Trim the seam to about ¼”

Second side

• Repeat the process on the other side of the trunk with another background fabric scrap
• Align the raw edges
• Use Trace to verify placement
• Sew the seam
• Fold the fabric back
• Trim the seam to ¼”

7. Piece the tree layers

• Place the next fabric piece (right side down) so its raw edge aligns with the raw edge of the previously quilted section
• Use Trace to confirm placement and sew the seam
• Gently fold the fabric back, ensuring it lays flat
• Repeat this process for each tree layer, following the numbered layout provided

Additional Resources

For a video tutorial of this project, visit ThreadWaggle – YouTube

Share Your Work

We’d love to see your finished wall-hanging! Share your projects using the hashtags #APQS and #ThreadWaggle on social media so we can celebrate your creativity!