Sunnie

Several quilts that I sent out to be LA quilted came back very stiff, but after washing & drying them they are perfect.

ckcowl

the stiffness of a finished quilt is based upon the density of the quilting and the batting used.
just because you are doing free motion does not mean you have to quilt every space---batting like warm & natural you can have up to 10" between quilting lines- even the ones that need to be quilted every 2"=4" leave enough room for a nice, soft, drapable quilt.
if you don't like the stiffness- try a more (open) design. and perhaps a softer/loftier batt

mudsprite

I have been told by longarm quilters to leave no space larger than the palm of your hand unquilted. But Like the other gals have said the closer the quilting, the stiffer quilt.

Use those as guidelines and you won't be far wrong.

Good luck.

Cindy

mudsprite

Oops forgot stitch length makes a difference too.

C.

jillaine

Thanks everyone; learning as I sew... I appreciate the feedback.

Yeah, I'm coming to realize that I prefer Hobbs 100% cotton to Warm & Natural. I'm not liking the scrim or whatever it's called; unfortunately, I bought a bunch on sale before I knew better.

And yes, my FMQ is rather "tight". Okay, live and learn.

-- Jillaine