rosalynd

So I have never done FMQ on my DSM, but I'm hoping to try it on the most recent quilt top I made. I've been practising a bit to get a feel for it.
I was just wondering what little bits of advice you ladies and gents might have for me. Best ways to sandwich? Good pattern to start with? Anything you can think of.

Prism99

I recommend heavily starching the backing fabric before layering. Also give the top several layers of spray starch before layering. Starch stabilizes the fabric so it is less likely to stretch and distort while you are machine quilting.

In my opinion, spray basting is one of the best ways to baste because it keeps all 3 layers in continuous contact. Pins, in contrast, create contact only every 4 inches or so.

It helps to use specialized gloves (machingers are a good brand). These give you a good grip of the fabric but still allow your hands to breathe and your fingers to feel.

Pinkiris

Practice for a while before putting your quilt under the needle. Then, relax! Don't expect perfection, but work with confidence!

Tartan

I use Hobbs 80/20 fusible batt or 505 spray to make my quilt sandwich. I always wear my Machinger gloves. I found it easier to use a design with a stopping point so I could rest and reposition my hands. I stitch the sashing outward from the center of the quilt first. Once all the sashing is stitched, I quilt inside the blocks. I puddle my quilt top for FMQ instead of rolling. Have a good surface around the quilt so you don't have any drag to impede the FMQing.

rosalynd

By the way, this is the quilt top I'll be quilting. It's nice and busy so if I screw up it won't be so obvious.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]433960[/ATTACH]

rosalynd

Also, where is a good place to buy 505 spray?

fireworkslover

I've found I prefer doing a teardrop or paisley design as a beginner pattern to fmq. I think it's a shape we all know how to make so there's no question of where to go next. Make them different sizes and they'll fit together and look great. You can stitch one inside another to change it up a bit too.

Prism99

JoAnn's online usually has 505. I have also ordered it from http://www.createforless.com

Stitchnripper

My recommendation is to practice, practice, practice. It may come naturally to you, but if it doesn't, don't give up and keep at it. It usually gets easier the more you do. And have fun with it!!

PaperPrincess

Quilting gloves (or any glove with rubberized fingers and palm) will help. Actual quilting gloves were worth it for me, as they fit snugly and breathe. You can guide the fabric without having a death grip on it. Slow hands (move fabric slowly & steadily), fast feet (run machine at a high speed).