amandasgramma

There isn't a stitching line I've found yet that couldn't be taken out. Start on it, if you don't like an area, or some stitching, take it out and start over!!!!

cizzors

I've got one waiting also. I know to start in the middle but as I go along, how do I close up the 'open' end where I started or is that where I do end? What if I can't make it back to start? Clear as mud?

Spring

Go for it!....so I can live through you. I have only made two block on my first quilt. I plan to free motion it too and Im already scared.
post pictures when you get it done. I'll be here cheering you on.

cbridges22

I learned something on here that has helped(actually I have learned lots of stuff)When you quilt bring your quilt fron the back of the machine towards you it makes it easier to see where you are going and gets the bulk out of your lap.I tried this and it was a great tip.

wolfkitty

Be brave! You have already done the worrying part, so now it's time to move on to the next step - QUILTING! Go for it!

littlehud

I would start in the middle and work your way out. Make sure is is securely spray basted or pinned. I always baste around the edges before starting. I found if I had puckers that's where they were and stitching helped stabilize it. I still get butterflies in my stomach every time I start quilting a new quilt. One other thing that may help is getting quilting gloves. They help you move the fabric. I have a pair from Fons and Porter, but my favorites were some gardening gloves with rubber dots on them. And they were so much cheaper. Have fun and keep us posted.

grammyp

Deep breath, relax your arms, and start. It will be ok.

quiltlady37

I haven't had enough courage to do anything but SITD . I went to a machine quilting class with my sister and my daughter and they picked it up right away. Mine was awful. They said that is because I tend to be more of a perfectionus(sp) than they are. I couldn't just relax and go with the flow. Good luck and be sure to let us know how it went for you.

shelburn

Why not do a small sample of free motion quilting on some small object just before you start your larger project. I do this on 7-inch circles that or the crown for cancer hats I make for our sewing group. It makes them a little more special and gives me practice with relaxing and breathing while I do it. Also have done pillow tops for the same organization. Ladies are impressed and it gives me more practice.

RST

Take a photo of the quilt and print it out as a full sheet of paper, black and white is ok. Now study the pattern, and use a marker to draw your plan for quilting it. Does it make more sense to start in the center and work out, or will it flow more naturally to work from the edges inward? Either works -- you just need to baste securely if you want to work from the edges in.

IF you have repeating blocks and want to have a repeated motif in your quilting, photocopy that block and doodle on the paper version with a marker until you have it perfected.

Then just dive in and do it. It's free motion quilting -- it's reversible with a seam ripper, and even your biggest booboo is probably not going to look bad in the context of the completed thing.

RST