Free Motion Quilting

One other thing:

Draw your threads up through the quilt or start at the edge of the quilt (where it will be hidden by the binding) and hold both threads in your left hand as you start quilting, to avoid that tangled mess on the back!

One good tip I learned in a class is to sit up on a few pillows.  You need to be able to see what you're doing from above in order to control your hands and not tire your back too quickly.  Take plenty of breaks since you will hunch over your work, even if you try not to.  Relax and enjoy!

When I first started free motion quilting I always read "go fast" for the best results.  I tried that, but it always got out of control.  I finally took a look at a free motion quilting guide at the library (sorry, can't remember the title) and it suggested that you try lots of different speeds.  My machine has a sliding button to adjust the speed, so I slowed it down and it helped A LOT.  A real lot.  The difference was amazing.  So, if you can set the speed on your machine I'd try going fast, but also practice at a slower speed if the fast thing isn't working out for you.  The book that I read also suggested that if you cannot set the speed of your machine to put a book or a small piece of wood, a doorstop--something like that under your foot pedal to try and regulate the speed.  Good luck!

Oh, a couple of other tips that I got from the book I read (really, I should take a class!):  When beginning your line of stitching dip your needle down into the quilt and bring it back up.  Use a pin to catch the bobbin thread and bring it to the top.  This will help to eliminate any tangles on the back side of the quilt.  Also, to begin and end a line of quilting make 5-7 very tiny stitches to secure the stitches in place.  That way they won't come undone.

Haven't tried this yet.  Scary.  Wish you luck!

what about if you''re doing a pattern instead of just stippling or whatever...do you all just eyeball the pattern as you go, or do you actually draw it on the backside with water soluble ink or how does that work?

Get the walking foot for straight quilting and use the darning foot for free motion.

When I started I made little practice quilts about 12 inches square. I often used a large floral print or some print that I could try to outline. I practiced following the pictures on the fabric until I got the hang of moving the fabric under the needle. Then I used muslin and tried drawing pictures as if the needle was a pencil. Try writing your name or doing something familiar first. Then just doodle.

i've been practicing and practicing...my question for those of you who do free motion quilting regularly is where do you start and how do you proceed...do you start in the middle and where do you go from there?

I prefer to start and stop on the edges, so the ends are hidden in the binding when you are done. I usually start in or near a corner and fan out from there.

When I start a new project that I want to machine quilt- I make a 'sample' out of my scraps from that project- top, backing and batting- lower the feeddogs- set the tension from the foot to zero and practice a little so you know you've got the look you like- If my practice piece looks halfway decent- I make it into an ATC ( artist trading card) and I have a little gift for when I need it. I learned machine quilting by making the muslin 12x12 pieces as well- my method now is just a variation. It's fun once you get 'your groove on'- oh- good fast music helps too!

Hey, I am brand-new to free-motion quilting.  My teacher says the best practice is just doodling on paper.  It improves everything!  She recommended starting in the middle of the piece and working outward; I haven't decided yet on that.  But like it's already been said--gloves, speed & nice long stitches.  Good luck to everyone~

i love free motion quilting...  feed dogs up anf your off.  great tips here ladies!!!!