Hello from San Lorenzo, NM
 

My name is Terresa Menard, I am a first time quilter. I have only made three quilts so far. My question today is for free motion quilting. I have been doing the stitch in the ditch, my question is, what is the easiest stitch to start out with when learning how to free motion quilting?

Hi Terresa - Welcome to the QB board! Here you’ll find tons of advice from experienced quilters. I’m in my first year of quilting myself and have been watching Angela Walters and Leah Day on YouTube. I’m currently following along with Angela’s FMQ challenge quilt-along - it’s free, it’s fun and it’s full of great advice. So far I’ve found both stipple/meandering and leafy meandering the easiest for me. Also, pebbles seem simple to do too. I think you pick a style that you like and practice, practice, practice and you’ll certainly get better! Good luck and be sure to show us pics of your projects!

Welcome from western NY and happy quilting :)

Hi & Welcome!

Congrats on your finished quilts! Do you have a LQS where you can take a class? Perhaps a local guild has classes. There is also lots of information on the web and videos. Make practice blocks to try your techniques first. Of course practice, practice until you see the results you want.

Good luck & Welcome!

Welcome from North Carolina. Happy quilting.

I think loop -d-loop would be easiest. You have to learn not to swoosh around the curves but you have to do that with anything with much curve in it. Swirls aren't bad when you get your spacing down.

Hi Teressa, welcome to the board.
I started with a simple meander design. First I've practiced a lot on little quilt sandwiches (scrap fabric and batting) to get the hang of it. I always hand quilted and this is so different. Be patient with yourself. It takes practice.

Welcome from Michigan!:)

Good Morning, welcome from KY! :)
I'm beginning to learn FMQ too (and ruler work) and I second Christine's recommendations of Leah Day and Angela Walters.
Both have wonderful teaching videos on YouTube and are very likeable/relatable.