How did you lean to machine quilt using a sewing machine?
01-25-2017, 09:36 AM
#51
Super Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Round Rock,Texas
Posts: 6,135
Hi Butterfli19/Nancy,
I am self taught, have used quite a few machines over the last 30 years. I found this book to be very helpful. http://tinyurl.com/jtq7z5f
I have been machine quilting since 1992 and have learned so much from other quilters,books and videos. The best advice I can give to prevent tucks in the back is to lay your backing out on a table or floor and tape it down, so that its taut; but not overly stretched. Make sure that your quilt is supported all around so that it doesn't drag when you move it as you quilt.
When you're using a walking foot and come to an area that is a bit puffy, feed that area toward the foot.
Above all relax!! Keep your shoulders down and don't tense up. This is supposed to be fun.
Sharon in Texas
I am self taught, have used quite a few machines over the last 30 years. I found this book to be very helpful. http://tinyurl.com/jtq7z5f
I have been machine quilting since 1992 and have learned so much from other quilters,books and videos. The best advice I can give to prevent tucks in the back is to lay your backing out on a table or floor and tape it down, so that its taut; but not overly stretched. Make sure that your quilt is supported all around so that it doesn't drag when you move it as you quilt.
When you're using a walking foot and come to an area that is a bit puffy, feed that area toward the foot.
Above all relax!! Keep your shoulders down and don't tense up. This is supposed to be fun.
Sharon in Texas
Last edited by purplefiend; 01-25-2017 at 09:41 AM.
01-25-2017, 01:18 PM
#52
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 835
I'm self taught with everything quilting. My quilt friend told me to just not cross lines and I started freeform quilting. I'm not saying that I didn't make mistakes but I didn't let that stop me.. I've never had any problems with bunching on the back I think it's because I pin a lot. I've just started line quilting and found that much easier, ofcourse using a walking foot. I'm a self taught quilter and hadn't sewn before starting quilting. I've always had a hobby but never one I have enjoyed as much as quilting. It's now 8 years since I started quilting and I just keep finding new quilting projects to try. Don't forget no quilt police and you will see your mistakes but most people won't and will think what you do is fantastic. This is my first try at line and freeform in a quilt.[ATTACH=CONFIG]566728[/ATTACH] quilting
01-25-2017, 02:34 PM
#53
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 547
Many years ago I was asked to leave a local quilt store with my sleeping infant cause they "don't allow unruly kids and you won't have time anyhow." So I went to JAF and got books on Amazon and taught myself how to make clothes and blankets and quilts. You'll do just fine, get fabrics you love, and start stitching. I have no regrets, best hobby ever! It's my therapy 
01-25-2017, 06:44 PM
#54
Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 133
I am mostly self-taught. For years I struggled with little pleats at the back and was amazed at the difference when I finally splurged for a walking foot. It is worth every penny! Free motion quilting is my favorite way to quilt. It takes some practice and I always do a sample to test the tension. I did take a class once in FMQ and it helped me get started. I did a lot of practicing before I was willing to do it on a "real" quilt. Matching threads to the fabrics helps make the mistakes less noticeable. I don't mind using contrasting thread now. Having a level work surface works best with larger quilts. I love my Machingers gloves. I used to use the Supreme Slider, but stopped once I quilted it to the back of a quilt. LOL
01-25-2017, 08:07 PM
#55
Power Poster
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Outside St. Louis
Posts: 38,213
I started machine quilting in 2002. No way would I ever Hand quilt again. The first attempt at FMQ is a quilt we use the most. The FMQ was very bad but helps me see where I started. I have made many, many quilts since.
I pin baste, use hi-loft polyester batting and it works very well for me. I wash and dry the quilts afterward and that hides many flaws. Just do it.
I pin baste, use hi-loft polyester batting and it works very well for me. I wash and dry the quilts afterward and that hides many flaws. Just do it.
01-26-2017, 04:58 PM
#56
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Upstate NY, north of Syracuse Area
Posts: 6,003
I didn't know any better and it was the only choice for me other than tying. I can't afford to hire it done and am physically not able to do it by hand. That leaves machine quilting. I do mostly straight line stitching; outline quilting and very little else.
I use safety pins for layering, lots of them, and rarely have a problem with pleating in the backing. I do also lessen the presser foot pressure so the fabric moves easier.
I use safety pins for layering, lots of them, and rarely have a problem with pleating in the backing. I do also lessen the presser foot pressure so the fabric moves easier.
01-26-2017, 06:36 PM
#58
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Upstate NY, north of Syracuse Area
Posts: 6,003
I'm still looking for a way to do quilting as you go without the hand sewing step. Anyone who comes up with it, be sure to share with the rest of us!!! Hugs and smiles.!
Last edited by wildyard; 01-26-2017 at 06:39 PM.
01-27-2017, 01:47 PM
#60
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 547
Just discovered Jacque Gering's Craftsy class on "Creative Quilting with your Walking Foot." Very good class, I'm working on FMQ but she's given me so many ideas on what to do with a walking foot! Wanted to post this for others to see, highly recommend the class. If you like having a text, she's got a similarly titled book on Amazon. Can't wait for another friend to get pregnant so I can practice
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