When doing straight lines, I use my walking foot. I make a grid over the entire quilt and then go back and using a clear foot, I free-motion quilt within each block.

I often use mono in both the bobbin and on top. If I use colored thread on the back, it matches the fabric so as to hide my stitches. Once you get really good, then use colored on top and bottom.

Suzanne

I am new to machine quilting and have found that if I use the walking foot to straight line quilt the inside then use the free motion for the borders I get alot of practice with the free motion.
The main thing is doing the borders is an outside edge and is easier to handle than the inside.
When I try to do free motion on the center sections it is just to hard to move the quilt around.
I dont have a flatbed on my machine so moving the quilt around just dosnt work well.

Just thought of something some of the girls use in our Group They use rubber gloves to help control the flow of the material under the needs when free motion sewing.

Been practicing my free motion but all I can say is I need a lot more practice. LOL Elle

I bought a pair of Fons and Porter gloves for a couple of dollars at Joanns but they didnt help.
I did buy a border stencil of continuous line leaves that is easy and fun to do. Borders are a great way to practice free motion.

I use the rubber fingertips that you used to use for paper. I found the gloves got my hands too hot.

I was looking at that idea. Is the paper sticky on one side so that it adheres to the quilt? Or do you just pin it on. Then stitch not free motion
right?

Elle