The Scrap Log Cabin Quilt – Part 2

I have created 48 log cabin blocks out of scraps from my fabric stash. Once the blocks were complete, I had to decide about the backing. I was determined to use fabric that I already had in my collection so, I started digging. I was able to find fabric and this began the assembling portion of my quilt. I started by sewing the rows of 6 log cabin blocks together to make 8 rows of six. I cut strips of batting and placed my the row of six on top. I added a strip of backing under the batting – right side of the fabric down. I pinned everything in place so that I can machine quilt it.
I have decided to machine quilt this with a diamond design.
Machine quilting a diamond pattern involves marking diagonal lines (typically at angles) across the quilt top using a ruler and quilting them with a walking foot or free-motion ruler work. Start from the center and work outward to manage fabric bulk, using quilting rulers to create consistent-inch spaced diamond grids or echoes. 
Key Techniques for Diamond Machine Quilting:
Free-Motion Fillers: Once the diamond outlines are stitched, fill individual diamonds with swirls or other motifs. 
Marking: Use a quilting ruler and a marker (like an erasable or chalk) to draw diagonal lines 1–2 inches apart, creating a grid of $$ diamonds.
Walking Foot Method: Ideal for straight-line diamond grids. Sew along the marked lines, then turn the quilt to sew in the opposite direction, creating a diamond grid, or add a second line $$–$$ inch away for a double-diamond effect.
Ruler Work (Longarm or Domestic): Use a straight edge quilting ruler to outline the diamonds, which adds definition, particularly in the ditch.
Managing Bulk: Start from the center and move toward the edges. Outline the rows of diamonds first to stabilize the quilt before filling inside the shapes.

Stay tuned as I update this blog with my progress in putting together this quilt. After I quilt each row, I will join the rows using sashing. I will share this process that allows you to quilt-as-you-go without quilting the entire bulky quilt at once.