purplefiend

Hi Butterfli19/Nancy,
I am self taught, have used quite a few machines over the last 30 years. I found this book to be very helpful. http://tinyurl.com/jtq7z5f


I have been machine quilting since 1992 and have learned so much from other quilters,books and videos. The best advice I can give to prevent tucks in the back is to lay your backing out on a table or floor and tape it down, so that its taut; but not overly stretched. Make sure that your quilt is supported all around so that it doesn't drag when you move it as you quilt.
When you're using a walking foot and come to an area that is a bit puffy, feed that area toward the foot.
Above all relax!! Keep your shoulders down and don't tense up. This is supposed to be fun.
Sharon in Texas

Mamia

I'm self taught with everything quilting. My quilt friend told me to just not cross lines and I started freeform quilting. I'm not saying that I didn't make mistakes but I didn't let that stop me.. I've never had any problems with bunching on the back I think it's because I pin a lot. I've just started line quilting and found that much easier, ofcourse using a walking foot. I'm a self taught quilter and hadn't sewn before starting quilting. I've always had a hobby but never one I have enjoyed as much as quilting. It's now 8 years since I started quilting and I just keep finding new quilting projects to try. Don't forget no quilt police and you will see your mistakes but most people won't and will think what you do is fantastic. This is my first try at line and freeform in a quilt.[ATTACH=CONFIG]566728[/ATTACH] quilting

Austinite

Many years ago I was asked to leave a local quilt store with my sleeping infant cause they "don't allow unruly kids and you won't have time anyhow." So I went to JAF and got books on Amazon and taught myself how to make clothes and blankets and quilts. You'll do just fine, get fabrics you love, and start stitching. I have no regrets, best hobby ever! It's my therapy

Oofta

I'm not coordinated enough to do the free motion quilting (not that I haven't tried) but I definitely agree with you, the gloves are so helpful and the slider still works (even after sewing it down). I haven't given up. YET!!!

Jingle

I started machine quilting in 2002. No way would I ever Hand quilt again. The first attempt at FMQ is a quilt we use the most. The FMQ was very bad but helps me see where I started. I have made many, many quilts since.
I pin baste, use hi-loft polyester batting and it works very well for me. I wash and dry the quilts afterward and that hides many flaws. Just do it.

wildyard

I didn't know any better and it was the only choice for me other than tying. I can't afford to hire it done and am physically not able to do it by hand. That leaves machine quilting. I do mostly straight line stitching; outline quilting and very little else.
I use safety pins for layering, lots of them, and rarely have a problem with pleating in the backing. I do also lessen the presser foot pressure so the fabric moves easier.

Austinite

Wildyard, I'm also physically unable to quilt or sew by hand. I do everything everything by machine. I can FMQ but I have to take tons of breaks and wear braces. I hear you

wildyard

We just go to show that where there is a will there is a way. There are many of us on this board and elsewhere in the quilting world who do what we have to so that we can keep the joy of creativity and quilting in our lives!!

I'm still looking for a way to do quilting as you go without the hand sewing step. Anyone who comes up with it, be sure to share with the rest of us!!! Hugs and smiles.!

Austinite

HUGS back! It's nice to know that I'm not alone

Austinite

Just discovered Jacque Gering's Craftsy class on "Creative Quilting with your Walking Foot." Very good class, I'm working on FMQ but she's given me so many ideas on what to do with a walking foot! Wanted to post this for others to see, highly recommend the class. If you like having a text, she's got a similarly titled book on Amazon. Can't wait for another friend to get pregnant so I can practice