Go Back  Quiltingboard Forums > Main
My first attempt at FMQ >

My first attempt at FMQ

My first attempt at FMQ

Thread Tools
 
Old 12-26-2011, 01:15 PM
  #1  
Super Member
Thread Starter
 
Mazda's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Oklahoma City
Posts: 1,020
Default My first attempt at FMQ

No pic, but I tried it and like everybody says, it is fun!!!
Mazda is offline  
Old 12-26-2011, 02:26 PM
  #2  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Woodmere, NY
Posts: 1,422
Default

I tried it yesterday, and felt like crying.. I don't know what I was doing.. All the stitches were different sizes, and it looked like crap.. I was trying it on a case I was trying to make for my Kindle.. I ended up changing the foot back. Ripping the stitches out, and stitched in the ditch.. I'm just wondering why I can't fmq with the feet up.. I'm not ready to give up.. Just a temporary set back.. Ughhh
Barri
barri1 is offline  
Old 12-26-2011, 05:29 PM
  #3  
Super Member
 
quiltinghere's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: PROFESSIONAL Longarm Quilter NW Indiana
Posts: 3,400
Default

"I'm just wondering why I can't fmq with the feet up."

Aren't you supposed to FMQ with the feed dogs down? and the presser foot lever lowered?
quiltinghere is offline  
Old 12-29-2011, 12:51 PM
  #4  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: IN
Posts: 1,153
Default

If your feed dogs are up, you need to set your stitch length to "zero", if they're down, it doesn't matter. It takes lots of practice to get the hang of FMQ. Your machine speed vs the speed you move your project with your hands determines the even-ness of your stitches. You also need to use a darning foot or FMQ foot and the presser foot lever needs to be down. As stated before, PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!!! Try using gripper gloves, keep the weight of your quilt on a side table. You can also go to YouTube and see video tutorials. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!!!
Val in IN is offline  
Old 12-29-2011, 03:01 PM
  #5  
Senior Member
 
ploverwi2's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Appleton, WI
Posts: 738
Default

Originally Posted by barri1 View Post
I tried it yesterday, and felt like crying.. I don't know what I was doing.. All the stitches were different sizes, and it looked like crap.. I was trying it on a case I was trying to make for my Kindle.. I ended up changing the foot back. Ripping the stitches out, and stitched in the ditch.. I'm just wondering why I can't fmq with the feet up.. I'm not ready to give up.. Just a temporary set back.. Ughhh
Barri
Go online to Leah Day Designs. You will be glad you did. She has lots of free help and videos of designs, etc. You can even e-mail her with a question, and she get's back to you quickly with really good advice. She will tell you want is causing your problems.
ploverwi2 is offline  
Old 12-29-2011, 08:55 PM
  #6  
Junior Member
 
Taino Jan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Oregon
Posts: 204
Default

It is fun! I took a class at my lqs to get the basics with hands on help and was so pleased. I also us Leah Day Design. She is awesome and very inspirational. Happy quilting.
Taino Jan is offline  
Old 12-29-2011, 09:07 PM
  #7  
Super Member
 
quiltjoey's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: SC
Posts: 2,027
Default

I have found that having the feed dogs down worked best for me. Keep practicing and don't give up. It takes a "learning curve" and before you know it, you'll just be doing it!!
quiltjoey is offline  
Old 12-30-2011, 08:34 AM
  #8  
Senior Member
 
littlesurfer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Palm Coast, Florida
Posts: 552
Default

Presser foot down...feed dogs down, or if feed dogs up, set stitch length to "0". Keep practicing...it will get better.
littlesurfer is offline  
Old 12-30-2011, 09:30 AM
  #9  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,515
Default

It really does take PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE. I can do it but it still doesn't look as good as the professionals. But I will keep on doing it!
Xstitshmom is offline  
Old 12-30-2011, 09:42 AM
  #10  
Fabriclovr
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Default

I have resided myself to the fact that I can only do 'squiggles' in FMQ. I use a Juki on my B-line frames and that is the only stitches that I can get to look half way decent. If I try to do it off of my frames, forget it, just forget it! Straight lines with my walking foot are all that I can do on my regular machine.
 
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
newborn
Pictures
20
06-13-2011 06:17 AM
ginnie6
Pictures
6
02-08-2011 02:57 PM
QuiltedComforts
Pictures
30
08-26-2010 02:13 PM
catrancher
Pictures
25
08-02-2010 06:44 AM
judyjo
Pictures
15
08-01-2010 10:16 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off



FREE Quilting Newsletter