I have loved this beautiful type of hand quilting for a long time. This is my first project.
Boutis is a french type of quilting. Two layers of thin batiste fabric are layered together and the design is quilted with a small quilting (or running) stitch. A #22 or #24 tapestry needle is threaded with a quilting thread. This loop then carries a cotton yarn. The cotton yarn is drawn through all of the channels and the design areas “stuffing” them. The boutis is transparent when held up to the light. Beautiful quilts and clothing were made long ago by talented french women using this technique.
A couple of my friends living in France (Maggy and Nicole) sent me several books and patterns. Nicole sent me a lovely boutis piece she made as a gift. She also wrote to me and explained the process. I didn’t read the instructions properly and didn’t know about the needle looped with thread. Unfortunately I threaded a needle which was TOO long directly with the yarn. This made my holes much too large and some are still visible. And I really didn’t know what to do when I finished. Luckily I found a lovely blog and Elizabeth was kind enough to help me out and answer my many questions regarding boutis.
I also made the mistake of beginning to pull the yarn through on the right side of the project rather than on the wrong side…hence you can see the holes I left by using a skewer to assist in the “stuffing”… my needle was actually all I needed. Hopefully next time my piece will look a LOT better. Trial and Error!!!
Sending you BEST WISHES FOR A HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Amities, Averyclaire
Averyclaire 
Nanouanne
Nov 19, 2012 @ 01:44:02
Hi Karen,
Thanks for showing your first attempt at Boutis technique. Actually it is more than that as you nicely completed this piece of work. I suppose that you know you can match some pieces of Boutis with traditional square blocks and make a wonderful quilt. I also like the option of hanging it so that the light comes through. Whatever you do with it, you will cherish this first one, no doubt!
Congratulations
Nanouanne
Jane
Nov 19, 2012 @ 01:53:44
Such an effective technique, this might be your first piece, but it’s lovely
Southpaw Stitcher
Nov 19, 2012 @ 12:00:03
What a stunning piece! It’s something I wouldn’t even attempt. I’m in awe!
An Older Woman
Dec 01, 2012 @ 21:59:17
So beautiful and so much work. This reminds me of something called “trapunto”, a technique I have always admired but never really tried. Thanks for sharing. Happy Holidays. Patsye
Siobhan
Dec 08, 2012 @ 07:07:27
That is absolutely stunning! It reminds me of trapunto, too, as the above commenter said. Really lovely!
Karen
Dec 10, 2012 @ 23:22:51
Thanks for the quilting bee comment, that sounds perfect…food, friends and finished quilts! Beautiful Boutis, an excellent first try!
Nicole Davet
Dec 30, 2012 @ 05:41:00
Hello Karen !
Your boutis is splendid Did you find any thing interesting about boutis in *Calvisson* ?in France
When will you come to France ? Have you planed your visit ?
I’ll write to you in Januar
Nicole
Beth Pinterich
Aug 13, 2016 @ 21:11:42
I just saw on Jessica Grimm’s blog that you are making kits for boutis ornaments. Will you be posting them on the blog when they are ready?
averyclaire
Aug 13, 2016 @ 21:12:57
Yes. Probably mid-September on my own blog.