When I first started FMQ, all I did was meander. Then I found that what helped me have more control was to practice by quilting stenciled designs- use a stencil to draw a design on fabric, and then quilt it. I still use stencils sometimes, but I am confident enough, and would rather, do my own designs.

When I first started FMQ, all I did was meander. Then I found that what helped me have more control was to practice by quilting stenciled designs- use a stencil to draw a design on fabric, and then quilt it. I still use stencils sometimes, but I am confident enough, and would rather, do my own designs.

The best advice I can give is don't try to move your hands and run the machine fast. Some advocate this.
Practice first just by moving the fabric on a table top. up down, side ways etc to get the feel of motion.
Then when you put the fabric under the machine. Start up but don't move the fabric until the speed is at what you believe is a comfortable pace - about medium speed I would say. then start moving your hands and work to find the balance between the speed of the motor and the speed of your hands in order to get even stitches.. Just doodle on the fabric working to get the balance. It might eventually be fast, medium or slow but should be your own comfort level.

How many of you use Golden Threads?

I have just started to really learn how to FMQ and bought 2 DVD's from Patsy Thompson Designs- they are really packed with information! she has short tutorials on you tube from some of the DVD's, so I looked at them first. My LQS laughingly told me to drink a glass of wine before I started :-)
I am practicing with small 9x12 rectangles while I watch the DVD's and at this rate I should be really good at this sometime in 2065 (I'll be 99). Oh well, it is fun to practice

everyone is different, some people catch on, get a rhythm and do great within a few hours...some people struggle for months...but slowly but surely improve. it just depends on YOU. if you practice every day you will see improvement...every day- if you only give it a try once in awhile it may be years before you are comfortable.
start small and work your way up to larger and larger projects; before you know it you will be quilting large quilts beautifully

Love what you do...gives me courage & some ideas!!!!

I made a muslin "quilt" and practiced on that at first, then I practiced on my Linus quilts, just meandering and making hearts and/or daisys on the girls and stars on the boys. Then I got brave and did one for my daughter. It has taken a couple of years, but have to admit that I'm proud of most of the quilts I do. Someone even asked me if I had sent one out the other night. :lol:

They always tell you to draw/doodle with a pen. A good suggestion was use a small white board. Try working on patterns that you find easiest to draw. I also do qaug. No matter what I do, I keep getting larger quilts caught on something. Everyone is different. I had no problems stippling and meadering, but I can't do simple loops to save my life. Still practicing that.