Welcome to the Quilting Board!
I use my walking foot almost exclusively when quilting but that doesn't mean I only stitch in the ditch or even do straight line for that matter. You can do a lot of curve type things with a walking foot. These can be a gentle zig zaggy type curve going in a straight line to making leaves, flowers, clam shells, orange peel etc. You can't do tight curves or small motifs but most anything else you can do. Give it a try.
I used to love FMQ even though I am not great with it, I am just OK. I thought I didn't like "modern" quilting until I did a more modern quilt top and thought it needed more modern quilting, like matchstick or something like it. I did real close easy waves with my walking foot and love the texture it gave. It is now my favorite quilt! I see more walking foot in my future.
I seldom attempt FMQ anymore...I find straight line with a walking foot to work very well...Angela Walters and Jackie Gering have great ideas for straight line....also a lot of info on google for walking foot quilting...I like the modern quilting look and since I do a lot of QAYG it works very well for me....sometimes I stipple small areas but never have liked meandering very much...
If you are using a home machine...I'd do a gently curving line....that way you don't have to worry if your line is a little off kilter...it will look fine with the curved lines.
Originally Posted by molly oldham
Thanks Jan, I just ordered myself one also. I've got about 6 quilt tops in various sizes I need to quilt and I've been dreading the FMQ also. New Year to try New Things.
I'm 69 years old and have been quilting for more than 25 years, and I have yet to embrace FMQ on any quilts. I usually make utilitarian/baby quilts and SID and straight line quilting, and I like to use Rayon thread on the top just to add a little jazz to each quilt. I keep saying I'm going to jump into FMQ, but we'll see when that happens. I like to think that however you finish your quilt, hand quilting, SID, FMQ or sending it out to a long-arm quilter, you still get the joy of finishing quilts to keep or give away makes your efforts worthwhile. Just do what makes you happy and don't think you are silly, ever, you're a quilter, first, last and always.
I prefer FMQ, there is no marking to do. I don't like SID, my stitches are seldom in the ditch; so it looks really awful.
Sharon in Texas
I also do mostly straight line stitching, whether it's cross hatch, outlining a design or whatever strikes my fancy & I think suits the quilt pattern. I am quite intimidated by FMQ & I firmly believe that the quilting should not over power the quilt pattern but should enhance it. I love the look of feathers & now that I have a new Husqvarna Epic machine, I may try embroidering some on my next creation, depends on my mood. I think we should do whatever we feel comfortable with & matches our quilting skills. IMHO.
Dance like no one is watching
I'm thrilled the book I suggested has hit the mark with so many of you. Maybe I ought to go for a percentage commission from the sellers, hahaha!
Jan in VA
Jan in VA
Living in the foothills
peacefully colors my world.
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