I almost feel embarrased to ask this question, but how do you drop the feed dog for stippling or machine quilting? I think I have heard if you can't (or don't know how) you can put a piece of masking tape over the feed dog. Any ideas for me? :D

I think it depends on what kind of machine you have. You should be able to find it in your manual if you can drop the feed dogs and how. I have a Bernina and there is a square button you depress at the side of the machine; same side as the on/off button.

I too have read that a card over the feeds dogs works but have never tried it. I think I saw on Alex Anderson's Simple Quilts a lady that said she quilted with the feed dogs up.

Judy

I'd be embarrased to mention the machine I use however, the feed dog switch is actually right under the panel that the fabric runs across. I had to remove the compartment on the front... the same one to remove my bobbin... to find it.

as a note I'd be embarrased to mention the machine.. but no embarrased to show pics of my quilts. :)

I do that. The feed dogs on my machine don't stick up much at all... and I have found it easier to do straight line quilting with them in tact. Now I haven't really done much free motion, except to practice. With that I need to cover them. Barb C.

I have tried stippling with the feed dogs up and found it to be ok,not supposed to be the done thing I know but it was something I read on another quilting site one day and decided to give it a go.
Dianne :D

Sibble, what model of sewing machine do you have?

Thanks, everyone!
I'll try some of your suggestions and look more closely at my machine to see if I can find a button. I have a Singer, but it's one of the cheaper styles with no decorative stitching or "bells and whistles".

Thanks again.....

[quote=Sibble] I have a Singer, but it's one of the cheaper styles with no decorative stitching or "bells and whistles".[quote]

Those basic machines work fine! I have a very basic Brother that has no bells and whistles and I have made many a quilt on it. This year I have pieced 11 tops and quilted 7 of them on my "cheap" machine and they turned out great!

Barb C.

One thing you could try is to put your stitch size to 0. Then the feed dogs won't move at all when you are doing free motion quilting. I do that even when I lower my feed dogs - I think it saves wear and tear on the machine.

Excellent tip, Jeans! Why didn't I think of that? :lol: