Good book to learn FMQ?
#1
Senior Member
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Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Ohio
Posts: 390
Is there a good book you would recommend for learning machine quilting using a regular sewing machine? Not just patterns but actual tips and instructions. I have a Bernina Quilter's Edition machine that is about 10 years old. Should I be able to quilt on it?
Ironically, I had an APQS 14' longarm about 5 years ago and was just learning to use it when finances got in the way and I had to sell it. So, this is my reality now since my arthritis in my thumbs will not allow me to hand quilt much.
Ironically, I had an APQS 14' longarm about 5 years ago and was just learning to use it when finances got in the way and I had to sell it. So, this is my reality now since my arthritis in my thumbs will not allow me to hand quilt much.
#2
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Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 4,134
There are tons, but the 2 best I've come across are:
Diane Gaudinski - Guide To Machine Quilting
http://www.amazon.com/Guide-Machine-...8&sr=8-1-spell
Sue Nicholas - Machine QUilting- A Primer of Techniques
http://www.amazon.com/Machine-Quilti...2&sr=1-1-fkmr0
And, then, practice, practice, practice, practice.
Diane Gaudinski - Guide To Machine Quilting
http://www.amazon.com/Guide-Machine-...8&sr=8-1-spell
Sue Nicholas - Machine QUilting- A Primer of Techniques
http://www.amazon.com/Machine-Quilti...2&sr=1-1-fkmr0
And, then, practice, practice, practice, practice.
#3
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Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 4,134
And both these ladies quilt on Domestic Home Machines, and have done award winning, drop-dead amazing quilts.
Diane also has a great blog - worth going back and reading all her earlier posts:
http://dianegaudynski.blogspot.com/
And in this blog, 365 Days of Machine Quilting, Leah has been posting a different design (almost) every day. Great for practicing on scrap quilt sandwiches. Way less intimidating than confronting a queen-size quilt.
http://freemotionquilting.blogspot.com/
Diane also has a great blog - worth going back and reading all her earlier posts:
http://dianegaudynski.blogspot.com/
And in this blog, 365 Days of Machine Quilting, Leah has been posting a different design (almost) every day. Great for practicing on scrap quilt sandwiches. Way less intimidating than confronting a queen-size quilt.
http://freemotionquilting.blogspot.com/
#4
Power Poster
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Western Wisconsin
Posts: 12,930
I learned from Harriet Hargrave's book. Here is a link to its latest edition:
http://www.amazon.com/Heirloom-Machi.../dp/1571202366
http://www.amazon.com/Heirloom-Machi.../dp/1571202366
#5
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: lexington ky
Posts: 1,418
I have several and IMO the best thing you can do is just practice and more practice. Try to perfect ONE design at a time. Like the basic meander and then go on to something a little more complicated. That way you don't get too frustrated. LOL
#8
Banned
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 4,134
Originally Posted by katied772
I have never done it on a regular machine. Does the fabric just freely move about as you guide it? The needle remains rigid?
It's like moving the paper in a doodling design while the pencil remains stationary - or using a band saw, where you move the wood around the blade.
As for the fabric moving freely - LOL! It's a skill, and like all skills, needs practice.
#9
I have one called "Foolproof Machine Quilting" by Mary Machuta. She really explains things thoroughly and has lots of pictures. I like pictures!!!! I got on Amazon and I don't think it was very expensive. Good luck in your search!
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