Go Back  Quiltingboard Forums > Main
Pantographs >

Pantographs

Pantographs

Old 05-17-2011, 07:53 AM
  #1  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Johnson City, TN
Posts: 115
Default

Any hints for using pantographs? I'm trying my first one and I'm all over the place. Looks like it would be easy to follow a line with that little light but it's not as easy as it looks.

Linda
lsb142 is offline  
Old 05-17-2011, 07:58 AM
  #2  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 462
Default

I personally stand to the left of my machine (I'm right handed) and guide with my right hand and stabilize my body with my left hand on the table. This works best for me.
arkansasquilter123 is offline  
Old 05-17-2011, 08:00 AM
  #3  
Banned
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Colorado
Posts: 1,376
Default

It takes practice so don't be too hard on yourself.
Relax.
Remember to breathe.
Don't hold the handles too tightly.
No one stays on the line all the time. Those of us who do pantos a lot "wander" off the line.
My guess is that you are better at pantos than you realize. And remember, only you will see the line on the panto --- everyone else will see only the quilting.
the casual quilter is offline  
Old 05-17-2011, 08:10 AM
  #4  
Super Member
 
bamamama's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Madison, AL
Posts: 1,998
Default

The casual quilter was kind enough to send me some very helpful info on doing Pantos. First chance I get I will share the love and pass it on, just PM me with your info.

She's right, just relax, hold your elbows in to your side and move your entire body. Use the panto as a guide but don't focus so hard on staying right on the line and you will end up with a more natural effect.

Happy Quilting!
bamamama is offline  
Old 05-17-2011, 08:13 AM
  #5  
Moderator
 
kathy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: on the Texas Coast
Posts: 4,020
Default

before i start a new one i just turn on the laser, not the machine and run thru it a time or two to get the feel of it
as long as you don't get so far off that the next row is going to run over your first it should be fine, also when you get off don't jerk back on, do it gently, like driving
good luck
kathy is offline  
Old 05-17-2011, 08:25 AM
  #6  
Senior Member
 
Nikki and Co.'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Big Sky Country
Posts: 894
Default

The one thing that was very difficult for me to do was look ahead of the laser light; when I finally got that it was much better. I had it explained to me that it's like driving a car, you don't look at the hood of the car you are looking down the road where you are going. Good luck and most of all have fun!
Nikki and Co. is offline  
Old 05-17-2011, 10:53 AM
  #7  
Super Member
 
quiltlonger's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Rushford, NY
Posts: 1,666
Default

Make sure your light is screwed tight so doesn't move--the vibration can loosen it and your pattern will be all wonky If and when you get off the pattern line easy back to your line, don't jerk And when I was starting out bring the takeup roller down a little closer to the machine so not as 'Free' motion a little tension makes it not get away from you so easily Not sure I explained that very well,, practice, practice...oh yea PRACTICE :):)
quiltlonger is offline  
Old 05-17-2011, 11:47 AM
  #8  
Super Member
 
MinnieKat's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: northern Minnesota
Posts: 4,392
Default

Originally Posted by arkansasquilter123
I personally stand to the left of my machine (I'm right handed) and guide with my right hand and stabilize my body with my left hand on the table. This works best for me.
My sister does it this way too ... but I stand to the left and hold the left handle with both hands and RELAX!!! That's what works for me. After a lot of practice it does get better. :)
MinnieKat is offline  
Old 05-17-2011, 11:51 AM
  #9  
Super Member
 
quilttiludrop's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Lebanon, Oregon
Posts: 1,409
Default

Your posture is very important. You should be able to relax and be comfortable as much as possible. I just got a new set of EZ Glide Wheels last month for my Gammill Premier Plus. They make such a tremendous difference! The machine glides ever so much easier!
quilttiludrop is offline  
Old 05-17-2011, 12:00 PM
  #10  
Senior Member
 
sandybeach's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Ridgecrest, CA
Posts: 886
Default

I find that if you use a panto with no sharp corners, just a easy flowing line (meander), you will have much better results. I stand with my feet about shoulder width apart or farther, hold both handles very loosely and guide with whichever hand seems to work best at the time.
sandybeach is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
elizabeth
Main
11
10-03-2010 12:23 AM
winipb2
Main
6
04-12-2010 09:17 PM
Shibori
Main
8
03-04-2010 04:11 PM
BDor
Main
1
06-14-2009 12:25 PM
sondray
Links and Resources
1
03-26-2009 03:47 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


FREE Quilting Newsletter