Originally Posted by ShirlinAZ

I guess I started backwards. I selected a design appropriate to the fabric (crane shapes on a crane print), cut the crane out of cardboard and stuck it on my quilt with double stick tape. Then I quilted around one, moved the shape to the next spot and quilted around it. Kept doing that until the whole thing was quilted. I have also used tracing paper to put the design I want onto the quilt. Sometimes I draw the design with a #2 pencil. Pounce chalk has not yet worked well for me, although I keep trying with different templates. I have used cookie cutters, plastic templates, and outlines of animals or other things that I find on the internet for my shapes. If the size isn't right I just put it in my picture program and resize it until I am satisfied. I've tried stippling but just can't seem to get the motion down.

Originally Posted by sandrab64

I have started to do almost all FMQ freehand but will occasionally mark with a blue water soluable marker. The best thing I bought was a dry erase board and can sit for hours just doodling designs with a dry erase marker, wiping it off, and start again. I have a few plastic templates but have hardly used them because I hate to take the time to mark. I also bought a roll of Golden Thread paper which looks promising.

Originally Posted by QuiltE

While you said to NOT use ink to draw on the Press N Seal ... you did not tell use what we are supposed to use?
So what might that be?
Please? and Thanks!

Originally Posted by carolstickelmaier

I use a soft lead pencil or have used a water soluble marker. If using ink try it on a scrap piece first. Get into the kids markers and coloring pens and find what will work for you...It also will depend on color of fabric you are quilting. Also have ironed three layers of freezer paper together, drawn design on it and punched holes along the design lines ....... use a chalk pencil to mark holes...Sewing is kind of a connect the dots thing. Works fine if not doing anything too intricate.

Originally Posted by ArtsyOne

I recently graduated from stitch in the ditch to meandering FMQ and not only am I enjoying it, but even from the first quilt I did it turned out much better than expected because of the confidence I gained from reading this board. Like you, I want to do the feathers and beautiful patterns on the borders and don't yet have the skill or confidence, but I found a product called Borders Made Easy. It's a long roll of paper with adhesive backing that you stick onto the quilt and just sew right over the pattern and then rip off the paper. There are various designs to choose from and they're quite easy to do.