How DO you free-motion quilt on a home sewing machine?

[Judith T.]

When doing free-motion quilting, I don't roll up the quilt--I "puddle" it, and just work on the part in front of me. I also set up tables around my treadle, so that the quilt is supported while I'm working on it. I don't want the weight of the quilt dragging it off the treadle top when I'm trying to do the free-motion quilting. When doing straight-line quilting, I do roll up the quilt.

Pat in Rockport, TX

[Sandy L.]

Hi Judy,

We've missed you at guild When I first started machine quilting in the late '80s, I rolled up each side, secured with bicycle clips and tried quilting from the center out. The rolls made it harder to handle and I was always loosing control and unable to follow my pattern. I have since learned to "puddle" as Pat says or scrunch the quilt up and smooth out a small area around to needle to quilt on. When I'm done in that area, I keep the needle down and reaarrange the quilt and continue on. By doing this method, you can go in almost any direction.

Good luck on your quilting! Sometimes it just takes a lot of practice.

Sandy in Phoenix

[Gloria H.]

It looks like I'm going to have to try puddling. Sounds easier than wrestling the rolls. Thanks.

[Judith T.]

Guess I will try "puddling and crunching". thanks for the advice. I used to roll up my quilts on a pool noodle when I would stitch in the ditch.

Sandy, one of these days I will get down there for guild. I will have to combine errands to save on gas. It is about a 50 minute drive one way. Thanks for "missing me". Judy

[Lorna B.]

I was taught to roll each side to the center. Then the side you weren't going to work on first, secure it with either clips, basting or pins. This has always worked well for me. But after reading here, I am using the puddle method for machine quilting a large throw. I like it! Either way you have to manipulate the weight of the quilt so there is no drag as you try to move it around. Puddling works great! Thanks for the suggestions. Lorna

[Lorna B.]

When I first started FMQ, I rolled the sides and used the clips, now I puddle when I have a large pattern to follow. otherwise I use my frame for end to end quilting.

[Lorna B.]

I also use the "scrunch 'n puddle" method, but have been considering getting a "halo" to help with control. Does anyone have any comments about this new "thingie" and whether it actually helps control the area for FMQ? shirmoor in Round Rock in triple digit temps and getting hotter every day!!

[Lynn K.]

I think the halo really helps with control, but I'm a beginner, so take that with a grain of salt. But I figure if it helps Sharon Schamber (even if she does have tremors) it should help me (even if I don't!)

I do have a questions for those of you who are more advanced. I seem to frequently be just going along smoothly and all of a sudden I slip or jerk or something and I've lost my control. Is this just a matter of practice, practice, practice, or is there something wrong with my set up or machine or........... :?: :?: :?: :?:

[Beth A.]

I know just what you mean. I discovered that this typically happens to me

- when I am changing directions and I do that too quickly

- when I am getting to the edge of my comfortable "sewing space"

- when I suddenly realize that maybe I don't know exactly where I should go next.

The answer to all of these problems is to STOP, figure out what hould happen next and then start up again.

This has seriously improved my quilting and my results.

Also, I run my machine at a faster speed so I get more stitches per second and thus smaller stitches.

So... the cure is to... stop and then go faster! 8:-))

BethMI

[Beth A.]

Has anyone tried the twice quilted method of quilting.... I saw it on Fons and Porter series 1000. A quilt design is scattered over the quilt and then a second design intertwines between the first design..... It looked interesting...

MY GF uses her embroidery machine to do something similar she has a rose pattern that she embroiders then puts vines and leaves next to the flowers using FMQ.

[Beth A.]

I don't go fast when doing free-motion quilting. I just treadle along at a medium speed. Seems to give me better control. I haven't seen any demos of the twice-quilted system, but it sounds neat.

Pat in Rockport, TX

[Lynn K.]

Interesting, Beth. I will have to analyze my FMQ a little more closely. It's always something. Gilda Radner

[Lynn K.]

I usually leave long tails and bring them to the back and bury them. Also I am just learning to free motion did my first ever wall hanging and used the clear nylon was very impressed with it.