lizcake

I have been hand quilting for years, but am now working on a baby quilt for a friend. Obviously, it needs to be finished within a certain time-frame as babies tend to have somewhat specific deadlines. Plus, for a baby, I would feel better about the heavier style of quilting that usually results from the machine work.

I'm fairly certain I have the basics down, and will be working on a few doll-sized samples to practice before I mangle the top I'm laboring over right now. (the samples will actually be used as doll quilts too!!) I love the library, and my local branch had several books that I was able to get the idea from.

The biggest question I really have right now is: do I really need the straight-stitch needle plate for my machine? I have ordered one, but Murphy's Law rules supreme and it is on backorder, no idea when it will be in stock. I have a Singer 6510, pretty basic machine, no fancy frills or attachments. How large a risk is the issue of the bulk of the quilt getting pulled into the zig-zag opening?

Other than that, are there any other tip, hints and suggestions I can use before I begin? My quilting foot can in the mail today, and I will hopefully begin practicing tomorrow!!

Stitchnripper

I have never used one on any of my machines that don't have one. It has never been a problem for me. You could try it and see what happens. And the main thing is, practice, practice, practice. I am by no means an expert, but when I find that "sweet spot" of speed of machine coordinated with the movement of my hands on the quilt, I know it. Not that I am there all the time yet!!! One of those Supreme Sliders is good too.

erstan947

Give it a try. I only have the zigzag plate on my machine and have not any problems.

lizcake

Supreme slider?

katier825

http://www.freemotionslider.com/

It's worth every penny!

I have both plates for my machine and I find that I do better with the FMQ when using the single hole plate.

grammyp

I don't have a straight stitch plate, and have never had a problem. The walking foot is a must for me, but doesn't do well with tight curves. Go slow, be careful and it will be fine.

Lady Shivesa

I've been using the zigzag plate and haven't encountered any problems. I think you should be all set! Have fun, machine quilting can be a blast! :)

nursie76

Are you planning on free motion quilting? If so you will need a hopping foot (I think it is also called a darning foot). If you are just doing straight line stitching and stitch in the ditch you will need a walking foot as the keeps the thicker quilt sandwich layers from shifting.

I have a single hole plate, and only find I need it when piecing as the 1/4 inch seam, sometimes causes the material to get sucked down into the plate.

Good luck. So nice of you to make the little one a special quilt.

littlehud

I have never used a straight stitch plate with my Pfaff and I do quilting on it all the time. It's perfect for my smaller projects.