Normally, I would say check the packaging that came with the batting to see what they recommend for spacing. Since you don't have that option, I suggest that you do both vertical and horizontal lines 4" apart and see how that looks to you. Personally, I consider that to be bare minimum of quilting.

If you decide that you want more quilting, it's then an easy matter to go back and stitch between those lines so that your grid is now just 2" apart.
You could then go ahead and divide the space again so your lines are 1" apart. That will give lots of visual texture and hold the quilt together well for one intended to be used, but still far enough apart to leave it cuddly. It's just a matter of personal taste, and getting enough stitching so that the threads don't break when the quilt's fabrics are subjected to tugging and pulling.

thanks all!!!

Now a question --- I don't know if I'm "done" or not yet.

I have done:
--stitch in the ditch at each place where blocks join (but not each seam w/in each block), so every ~12 inches, both horizontally and vertically, including down the seams where the border pieces join
--the FMQ in the center blocks, outlining those (pics up thread)
and now,
--horizontal straight line quilting all the way across, spaced ~ every 2"

It's going to be a bed quilt, so I don't want it super tight and stiff. Do I need to add either more horizontal lines (one between each that I already have), or some more vertical lines (maybe going down each seam inside each block, which would space the vertical lines ~4" apart instead of 12" apart)?, or both???

I'm stopping for today -- it's 5 o'clock, I got ALL the horizontal lines done and finished the FMQ, so that is a LOT for one day! But I definitely don't want this thing falling apart on me later! or batting turning into wads of separated batting, etc. I don't know what kind of batting I have, and not sure how to find out, but I know that even the "tightest" together says about 2 to 4 inches, right? Just not clear if that's both ways, one way, whatever.

Thanks for any help! I can't wait to show you guys pictures when it is done!

Heather, what a wonderful quilt and great memory! Look forward to seeing it again with closeups too, if you can! So cool!

This is so very exciting! There's light at the end of the tunnel. Looking good.

Great stuff Heather. Good luck with the rest.

High five, Heather! Almost there!

How wonderful, Heather! I can't wait to see the finished quilt! You sure are making quick work of this one!

Nancy

Great job, Heather! What a treasure you are making!!

Latest update --- I finished the FMQ around the comic strips, including putting a Title/by-line on the first comic!!!! I cannot believe I pulled this off!




Whew!

Now on to the easy part, straight line quilting (horizontal, using decorative stitches) the rest. Should get that done today and then bind it and finished by the weekend for sure!!

Just had to share while I finish up my lunch break, now time to get back to the sewing table!

Wow heather I did one with my son. Hard work because he made me redo some but he still wraps himself in it years later. He really ought to wash it!

treasure this time

Looks great, Heather! You are really making progress!

Nancy

Hey there, it is coming along nicely. Bet you are glad to be on the dining table rather than your little sewing table though

You are making a very interesting project. I love that you share what you are doing. What is difficult today suddenly one day is easy when you stick to it