Three Dog Night

I graduated with the Fall 2020 cohort. Was best FMQ instruction I have experienced. Love the feedback and encouragement from all the Academy members, like you I am just a participant with no other affiliation. You go Rockstar.

ckcowl

It takes lots of practice. I used to always have a practice sandwich put together. Every day I would work a little bit on a practice quilt. I did practice quilts for years- and now that 20+ years have gone by I still every now & them put one together to try new free motion designs on.

Watson

For me, the thing that helped me learn meander was when someone told me to form balloon letter H's and E's when I got stuck. For some reason this was a real lightbulb for me.

In other news, I have started FMQ-ing on a long arm and I suck. Very frustrating after I was doing well on my mid arm/domestic machines and now I'm back to (literally), square one. I will keep practicing and sacrificing fabric, until I get a bit better.

Watson

froggyinNewMexco

Amen to the quilt by check! The people who have invested in the equipment and have invested their time and talent have my admiration and my business. I might try to FMQ a pot holder, but anything larger has to go to a local long armer--So far the work she has done really suits my fancy!

aashley333

I had trouble using the rulers as guides, so I draw the lines to follow with washable marker.

Dolphyngyrl

FMQ takes awhile to master. How long have you been practicing. It took me 4years to finally have it down. The best way to get better is to get a sketch book and doodle quilt designs constantly once you are comfortable on paper make small square sandwiches and practice the same designs. You also have to get comfortable at managing speed of hands. Its worth it once you get the hang. I recommend renae Merrill free motion mastery book you need at least 15 minutes a day drawing of practicing on machine

Nanscan

Please do not give up. As has been said, practice is the answer. Doodle on paper and make up some some quilt sandwiches to practice on your machine. The concept of moving the sandwich and keeping the needle in one place is in opposition to how we draw or write which is to keep the paper still and move the pencil. Once you think about that as you are quilting (with some nice music on to relax you), I think you'll find satisfaction in what you are doing.

DEMITY

What is a suspension system?

DEMITY

I am new to quilting and love piecing but am totally intimidated by quilting. However, today I decided to approach it like learning to play the piano and make myself do at least 15 minutes of "scales" every day - only it will be FMQ. I sure hope that works! Do you think it would be easier for me to try using a Super Slider?

Lalla

I may well be in a minority of one but I’ve given up on super sliders; I think I move my fabric around too much, and find that the slider unsticks itself and gets caught up by my needle if I don’t turn up my work constantly to make sure it’s not going to. And it’s a complete pain when it comes to changing the bobbin, which might not matter if one only does a little FMQ, I suppose. I ‘draw’ with my sewing machine, so use FMQ at least as much, if not more, as ‘dogs up’ sewing, and frequently have to change the bobbin, either because its run out, or because I need a different colour. You can’t, either, see any of your needle plate guidelines, should you want to - I don’t use them at all for FMQ so that doesn’t much bother me, but I guess it might be useful in some cases? I do know that others swear by the super sliders but they are not for me.