my first attempt at free motion. front looks fine. back, not so good. spool thread came through to the back. doesn't do that where i used my even-feed foot.

is there some type of setting that typically needs to be changed when you free motion? i'm using my free-motion foot (that goes up and down as i stitch) and i have my feed dogs down.

i do need one of those sheets that makes the movement around the platform smoother. will go find that thread.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...7/IMG_0228.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...7/IMG_0230.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...7/IMG_0229.jpg

thanks for any suggestions. i had been told by my sewing machine dealer not to change the tension, to leave it in 'A' :(

oops! better go dot my i's!

Tighten your top tension and sew faster. Faster gives you smoother curves. :)

Don't use your even feed foot (walking foot), switch to your darning foot (hopping foot). Drop the feed dogs on your machine and practice, practice, practice.... it takes a bit to get your timing right between your foot control and moving the fabric to keep your stitches even.... you will find if you go faster it is easier to keep the flow.

I free motion all the time and I have never touched my tension, once I found my groove it just flowed and my stitches were even. Oh, almost forgot... practice, practice, practice.... and most important of all..... Have Fun! :)

Hi, Patty.
I think it looks pretty good for a first attempt! As good as that looks, you should have it 101% perfected very soon! :D

I suggest you use the gloves with the bumps, You'll be surprised at the difference they make, They are alot cheaper then the sheet, your talking about. Your first attemp is way better then mine was. The stitching in the back, was a problem I first had and I kept thinking it was the bottom tension( bobbin), But it was the way the fabric was going through, or rather sliding through. I was pushing and pullin, Then I used the gloves and I had better control of the piece. As good as your doing all ready, it won't take you much pratice at all. But please try the gloves, they helped me alot with control of the piece.

thanks ladies for the suggestions and compliments. i did forget to mention, i did have the gloves on and they really make it easier.

the 'family' looks much better because i printed it on tear away stabilizer and stitched on the letters.

guess i'll have to try speeding it up! yikes! i'll probably stitch my finger in there!

No no no...no stitching fingers...you need those fingers for the next quilting project... :D

You will be free motioning all over the place in no time.... I love doing it, turn on some rocking music and do the free motion! ;)

Just in case...I've found it helpful to keep Shout sheets by the sewing machine. :) I think you did an excellent job with holding to your pattern. I'm sure the others are right..speed and practice will fix your problem.

You're doing great for a first attempt. Just keep practicing! You'll be amazed! I agree with Rebecca, those gloves are a must! Someone also recommended putting music on to listen to while quilting to help get that rhythm.

:D for the blood stains?