Originally Posted by lisajane
I love to quilt both hand and SORTA machine. I have made lap quilts by both methods. I have got quite a few tops that I have pieced by machine, BUT my problem is I am so affraid of machine quilting, it is awkward, I have a tendency to get tucks on the back that need to be seam rippered, and it is so bulky. Is there a good method for machine quilting? I have took some classes over the years, but by the time it is time to quilt it, you take it home to finish. I would love to be confident when it comes to machine quilting, but I am just not. I see some beautiful free style quilting but I get all nervy when I go to do it, I do not know why. I guess the thought of completing a whole quilt only to find 10 tucks on the back that need to be ripped out makes my stomach churn. Anybody got any sure fire solutions, I do baste, but to no avail.
The last one I did, was in 3 long strips about 33 inches wide and the length of the quilt which was 110 inches. I was able to smooth out the back, pin and then stich from centers out to begin to stabilize it then each block row in the ditch to the ends, from there I quilted to within 1/4 inch of the top edges, the back and batting was cut 2 inches more all around, then I joined strips as for a quilt as you go. It is a variation on Marti Michells methods that I find works for me. I did not baste, just pinned. pm me if I can help further. :-D