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

[Judy R.]

I agree with almost every suggestion for free motion quilting, except having to go fast. I have two things to add...Ricky changed my mind when I had received the same advice about needing to go fast. You don't...you just have to find your own comfortable speed, and then practice 5 or 10 minutes every time you sit down at the machine to sew anything, not just to quilt. This way it becomes automatic (the hand/foot speed) kind of the same principle as swinging a golf club. Consistant practice every day instead of a half hour before you start a new quilt. I could not believe how fast I improved after struggling for months and reading the two bibles on it.

The other thing that helps me are quilting gloves. The "Machingers" are especially great, almost like a second skin. You can remove pins, rethread a needle etc. with them on.

Whoever made the analogy of a rolled quilt and a telephone pole was right on!!! :roll:

[Judy R.]

Can anyone give me some tips on how to best tack or anchor the beginning and end stitches when machine quilting. Typically what I do is let the needle go up and down in one spot 2 or 3 times; sometimes I backstitch; or with free motion sometimes I make smaller stitches at the beginning and end - but it seems I invaribly end up with these little thread balls on the back side of my quilt and if the top thread happens to be a different color than my back I see that thread and it doesn't look very attractive. Hope this isn't too confusing - and any advice would be appreciated.

KT

[Judy R.]

I think you're getting those little thread balls, (I call them "thread blobs") because you are taking those tacking stitches right on top of one another. If you ever so slightly move your quilt after each stitch, you'll still be able to take a series of ultra-short stitches that will remain secure AND you'll be able to avoid the dreaded "thread blobs." I changed my routine a few years ago, though, and I think my starts/stops are neater now. I don't take any true tacking stitches, but instead, leave long thread tails, (i.e. at least 4 inches), everytime I start or stop stitching. I pull my bobbin thread through to the top when I start so I can see it at all times and don't accidentally stitch over it as I'm stitching along later. I later pull all my threadtails through to the backside, tie a knot, and bury them in the batting.
Patsy Thompson

[Judy R.]

Patsy,
Thank you for the input. I think I'm going to try the method of leaving the thread tails and then burying and see how that works for me.
I love you website and the HQ16 system was very interesting - something to think about.

KT

[Judy R.]

I like to use the ditch in the seam line to start and stop my stitches. Take a few short stitches, about 1/4" in length, and then get out on the open road of your block area. You can snip the tails with some curved thread snips which get right down to the surface or leave the tails as mentioned by others and use a self-threading needle to make it easier to thread and bury the tails.

[Judy R.]

Yes, I've heard of the self-threading needles - I really need to try one of those

[Judy R.]

Hello, I am new to this site, but I would like to give my 2 cents here if you'll have it.

Machine quilting with a domestic machine can be done with a bit of practice. I have the Babylock decorators choice which does have the speed control. (one of my favorite features) Whether you have a this or not you can still machine quilt.

As some of the ladies suggest, you need to make some practice sandwiches, about 14 to 16 inches square are good sizes. You need to be relaxed and have a good grip on the fabric. This can be done with quilters gloves, secretary fingers (you know the littler rubber tips)or even those disposable rubber gloves found in doctors offices work well and are pretty cheap.

As for how fast to go, I suggest start with a speed you normally stitch at and then try to gradually increase to about double. You must move the fabric at the same speed as the machine. (that is the tricky part and that is where practice will make all the difference.) So start slow, move fabric slow, then go a bit faster and faster until you reach a point that you are comfortable.

When working on these practice pieces think of it like doodling. just make loops and swirls or squiggles. Don't worry about crossing lines, or how good they are, this is the practice piece. You will know it is right when your stitches are even and look like normal stitches. If they are too large then you are moving the fabric to fast, and if they are too small then you are not moving it fast enough.

Moving at the wrong speed can break needles and can damage your bobin case. (I know this from personal experience) Because you are pushing and pulling the needle while it is still in the fabric. the machine does not like that. So if you feel better slow, just be sure you are moving fabric slow to avoid stress on the needle.

Making practice squares before any project is good advice. If you want to try a design like continuous hearts, try drawing what you want and tracing over the design 10 to 20 times with a pencil before you try it on fabric. This may sound silly, but it helps train the brain, and your hands to get the flow right.

Well ok, I think I gave more than 2 cents but the one common message I see on this subject is practice

Take care and good luck! :lol:

[Ricky T.]

Here is a video of exercises that I demonstrated on Fons and Porter. Yes, I'm using a George from APQS for this demo, but I teach this on a regular machine. Hope these will help you practice. - Ricky

http://www.apqs.com/apqsvideo4tims.htm

[Ricky T.]

And anyone can do it! After watching this video there is no reason to feel like you can't! My daughter Brooke wanted in on the quilting video action so we filmed this little segment yesterday...

http://youtube.com/watch?v=pn2wz58hGAA

I must say that the BSR really helps though!

She had a blast practicing and I had to fight her for the machine so I could get back to what the practice sandwich was really for -- working on a free-motion quilting design for my "Fishing" quilt.

[Ricky T.]

Here is a video of exercises that I demonstrated on Fons and Porter. Yes, I'm using a George from APQS for this demo, but I teach this on a regular machine. Hope these will help you practice. - Ricky

http://www.apqs.com/apqsvideo4tims.htm

Thanks Ricky,
I am working up the nerve to machine quilt my first large quilt and this really helps!(I have ordered the Grand Finale too )
Elizabeth in OK

[Ricky T.]

[quote="Bridget473"]And anyone can do it! After watching this video there is no reason to feel like you can't! My daughter Brooke wanted in on the quilting video action so we filmed this little segment yesterday...

Well, if all else fails, I will just send my quilt to Brooke...I like her feathers!
Elizabeth in OK :lol:

[Damaris E.]

Bridget, your daughter has inspired my daughter!! She said to me, "Mommy, I want one of those machines!" "That would really help me sew!" Now if we could only inspire my husband, that "Mommy really needs one of those machine!" :lol:

[Damaris E.]

That's what daddy's girls are for! Have her bat those little eyelashes at him and give him a big PLEEEEASE and then you can tell him that it's cheaper than a pony!

[Damaris E.]

Hee-hee!! You are FUNNY!! Great idea!! :idea: The only thing is she is 8 years old!! He's already seen the eyelashes one to many times!! So I think he will probably know that it was Mommy that sent her!! :roll: Keep your BLOGs coming, I love reading them!!

[Damaris E.]

I watched both videos. I definitely need to order the Grand Finale DVD. Brooke is just amazing! I hope I can get my DGD interested in quilting when I move to CA next year. I have the BSR but I'm finding that sometimes I just enjoy regular free motion. I guess it depends on the project and as always.......practice, practice, practice on paper and fabric.