I just bought 2 rulers for my Handiquilter & am trying to figure out how to use them. They have marks for inches on them but haven't figured out the method yet. I'm going to utube to see if there are any videos!

PPP -- practice practice practice. Yes, SID IS hard -- I still wobble and I've done so many ditches, I think I've been around the world and back. As others said --- buying a table is important ---- for SOME machines. My first longarm didn't require a table....it had a large base. This one has a small base and I have to add the table. I'm getting pretty good about popping it on and off. I have a friend that doesn't use a table and has a small base......I can't do that. I've broken 2 rulers by trying that one!!!! If it helps, try using Superior's invisible thread in the top and regular thread in the bobbin. You can't see the thread as easy. Superior's invisible thread is soft, can be ironed, etc. I REALLY like it. The one thing I learned is to turn your top tension down REALLY low ---- REALLY low. The inv. thread has to almost just fall thru the tension rings.

Good luck!

Check HQs website for videos. The marks may be at the 3/4". Your foot is 1/4" from the edge to the needle. So if you lay the ruler down with the etched line at a seam, put the needle down and follow the ruler, you'll have 1" stitching --- good for crosshatching.

All good ideas, thank you all.

I tried it and broke a needle. Need to practice some more.

Well, I have tried using a ruler a couple of times-not good, i couldnt draw a straight line if my life depended on it- BUT-
I have found if I use a ruler, and mark the straight line, and put a clamp on the wheel, it keeps it from moving, and viola! a straight line!! For me its really hard to eyeball a line and make it straight.
good luck
katz

i have 20 -30 year old mid arm no stitch reg. any body have an old one they work with and do fmq and doesn't have problems ?

I joined thequiltshow.com which has many video classes, including about 12 videos for beginner long arm quilters. I've watched them all. The instructor shows the ruler in use. Then there's also QNNtv.com They have an entire show called Quilt It which is solely for long arm quilters. I haven't watched all the shows they have for long arm machines, but there are quite a few. Once I could see how the templates/rulers were used it makes much more sense.

Another site to watch videos of templates: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list...8&feature=plcp

http://quiltdasher.blogspot.com/