meg-2

I am wanting to machine quilt (free motion). In practicing for the first time...I cannot figure out how to control the stitch witdth. Do I need to learn how to control this? My machine settings...I have tried all of them...result in one stitch width.

On another note, I have finished my first quilt and as soon as I figure out how I will post a picture, if ya'all promise not to enlarge it to the point that you can see all the goofs. But it was fun and I am hooked.

To all who read this have a great day whatever day you read this.

Scissor Queen

Width? Or do you mean length? If you're free motion quilting you control the stitch length.

Tartan

Yes, you control the stitch length by how fast you move the fabric sandwich and how fast you sew. I have a stitch regulator on my Bernina but it isn't perfect either. The only way to get "perfect"stitches is to have a fully computer operated system. The more you practice the better your quilting stitch will get. Good luck!

nativetexan

http://www.ohfransson.com/oh_fransso...-quilting.html
this may help a bit. the Internet is full of tutorials on this. and this forum too.

Stitchnripper

Yes, as our fellow quilters advise. Do try You tube and google Leah Day because she will help you too. It takes a lot of practice to get uniform stitches. Really a lot of practice.

Lisa_wanna_b_quilter

Practice, practice, practice. Start small and work up. I've done zillions of pot holders and do them pretty well, but quilts still give me trouble.

meg-2

Thanks everyone this all helps me. After two days of trying everything I could think of to get the machine to do what I shold have beeen doing. AHH the joys of being a beginner.

#1piecemaker

I can't give you any advice on FMQ. But, just hang in there and don't give up. You will get the hang of it. One day, it will just click!

kelsunshine

I haven't tried FMQ yet but I want to. Just got some insul-bright for pot holders last week. Never thought about using them to try FMQ. Thanks for the tip!

d.rickman

I think you mean stitch length, and you can only control this by your quilting motion, going quicker seems to make stitching easier, make certain your feed dogs are down, so you don't break any needles, and practice is your best tip on getting your stitches more uniform in length. I do a couple of sandwichs of fabric, batt and backing, and if making those into potholders, put in a layer of insulbright and put binding around the eges.