daniellern76

So, as a beginner making my first "official" project, I chose a table runner. I wanted to start with something small so I wouldn't get discouraged. I have the top all done and I think I did a pretty good job! Problem is... now I'm supposed to layer and quilt it, but I don't really know how. I tried to trace the teardrop shapes on the large squares with a mechanical pencil but the fabric is too dark... I don't know if I should try to machine quilt it or hand quilt it, since I've never really done either before. I'm afraid to mess it up! How do you keep the stipling(?) even if you are machine quilting? Do I buy some of the paper stuff and tear it away as I go? Thanks for any advice you can give me. (sigh)

jljack

Hi!! Don't fret, this is an easy thing. There are many tutorials available on this board and also on YouTube for machine quilting and/or hand quilting. Good idea to start small. Do you have a walking foot for your sewing machine? That's the first part you need. Then follow the tutorials. Good luck!!

daniellern76

Hmm, I think I have a walking foot. I'll have to google it and see what it looks like. Seems like I bought one a few years ago when I thought about trying this. (A real beginner has to google walking foot! LOL)

daniellern76

Nope, I guess I better go get one of those. If it's a kenmore I probably need to buy the foot at Sears??

BOYD56

You can do it! I did a couple of table runners for starters 1st one I just did stitch n the ditch & then did FMQ on the 2nd one They are really fun !

quilt addict

A walking foot is nice to have but I think on a table runner you may be able to get by without it. Walking foots are good for straight line quilting designs or easy curves. If you want to do stippling you will want to use a darning foot and practice to get your technique down on some scraps first. (I admit I haven't done this yet as have not been able to find a darning foot for my machine).

But this size is also good for handquilting which will take a while longer, it is just your preference.

But most of all, relax and have fun. Don't worry aobut it.

littlehud

My vote would be for the darning foot and try a nice meaner. It will be fun and beautiful.

deedum

I did stitch in the ditch with my first table runners, ended up ripping it out and then hand stitching, for me was much more satisifying! Think it is really a personal thing.