fmq
 

I am new to fmq. I have usually always done SID on every quilt. can anyone tell me if u can fmq with feed dogs up? don't know how to move feed dogs.........kelly

need to go to your user book and read how to lower feed dogs , DottieBug

Many quilters do FMQ with the feed dogs up. They say it gives them better control. It really depends on your machine. Try it and see if it works for you.

To me it really depends on your project, how thick it is and what kind of fabric you use on the back. You absolutley need to lower them if you're quilting slippery or snag prone fabrics, otherwise they tend to get caught up on the feet dogs. If I have a really thin piece I'm doing I'll leave it up so it doesn't move around all crazy. If its thicker, I lower them as to not get any drag. As you progress you'll find what works best for you and your machine.

You can tape a business card over the feed dogs and just use a whole punch to make a nice sized hole for where the needle goes in.

Leah Day keeps her feed dogs up and she is one of the best FM Quilters I've seen. Check out her website for some inspiration.

Not all machines have a feed dogs down option. Covering them works. If you have them up, reduce stitch length to 0. It is somewhat more work if you have to fight the feed dogs, but it certainly can be done. I suggest you start on a pot holder or 2 to get the feel of it. For me. simply writing in cursive was a good way to get used to the process.

I used to do all my fmq with feed dogs lowered but last year read a tip here on QB to leave up & boy, what an improvement! And I've been doing it for years. Even started doing it on my little FW. Just put together some small pieces that can later be mug rugs and practice. Good luck. I find it really relaxing unril my machine acts up- lol

hopetoquilt - ty great idea..............knitette - was looking at getting her class, will keep looking ty.......qm - ty for the tip on stitch length.......this is a great resource.......ty all very much

Sometimes I cover them and other times I forget. It doesn't seem to make a difference to me.

My machine came with a snap-on cover because the feed dogs cannot be dropped, but the business card trick above should work as well!