While I was meandering (FMQ) on a lap quilt today, it occurred to me that it would be a lot easier if I meandered the opposite way we usually sew: that is, instead of directing the fabric from me through to the back of the machine, instead I tried meandering by moving the fabric from the back of the machine towards me. This way I could clearly see what I had already quilted so I didn't have to worry about crossing lines, etc. After I tried this, it was so easy that I got the feeling that I have to be the last quilter on earth to figure this out.

That is an awesome idea! Sure makes sense now that you've told us about it.

Would never have occurred to me on my own to do that.

Nope. That would make ME the last to figure it out. Great tip...never thought of that!

Well, I don't know if you're the last to figure it out or not ... I didn't even think about it until you posted it here! I've been putting off learning FMQ anyway, now I'm not so intimidated by it. Thank you! :thumbup:

Actually you may just be setting a new trend. I'm going to try this as soon as I can, but I can tell just by visualizing that it's going to be the smart way to go. I'm not sure whether to say Eureka! or Duh! LOL. Thanks for the tip! So who gets to wear the Girl Genius hat now! Go Renee....

I think you found the "missing link" :thumbup: :thumbup: I'm going to give it a try. Thanks :!: :!: :!:

I never thought of doing that but it makes sense.

I am sitting her visualizing that and yep, it just might make it easier. Thanks for the tip.

ditto!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

very good tip

Some people turn their machine sideways and quilt from left to right or right to left.

OK, put me on the list of folks who didn't know this. I did once read that you should turn your machine sideways, wheel farthest from you, and quilt that way.

??? sew everything in reverse??? I would have to hold that lever down...so I don't think it would work for me

I finally figured the same thing out. I can see the pins behind the machine a lot easier than I can see the prior stitching. My mom is getting ready to machine quilt (meander) and I suggested this same thing to her. It feels odd at first, but is really much easier.

Carolaug - I think this will only work when you are FMQing, because the feed dogs are down and you 'freely' direct the flow of the fabric.

Thanks everyone for your comments!

This works well for me but I might try this new idea too.

Great tip. Now I have to watch how I FMQ. I never paid attention...

I had to look up FMQ...free motion quilting - LOL yup still so new...thank goodness for this site...I am learning so much!

Great idea...i never thought to do it that way...thank you!

Great tip! I'm anxious to try it; one of the hardest things about FMQing for me was not being able to see where I'd already been. Thanks for the tip!

I can't wait to try this! I can piece quilts together and do fairly well, but oh, when it is time to quilt them, that is the biggest hurdle! Your method may make this part much more fun and will probably do a neater job. Thanks for sharing !!!

I'll be trying this on my next quilt! Great idea - thanks for sharing.

Well how about that! It took a new pair of eyes to see what we couldn't. Good for you and thanks for passing along the tip.

What a great and ingenious idea! I can't wait to try this out :D:D:D

I sure am going to try this it really makes sense. Thanks for sharing this with us!

I tend to go left to right but I don't turn my machine. I agree it is a lot easier to pull the fabric toward you. When I FMQ, I try to emmulate hand quilters who can quilt in any direction without turning the fabric. So far it has worked well for me. And I am probably strange because I have never been afraid to FMQ but absolutely hate to stitch in the ditch!!! (So boring!)

ohh-kay! gotcha. my fmg fears just flew away .... i can picture this! will try this. big huggy thanx

FMQ never scared me either. It may not be perfect, but I get it done. And I hate stitching in the ditch, too.

I'm poor at any quilting ....but SITD is even worse.I My straight stitch looks like someone wobbling along :-)
"FMQ never scared me either. It may not be perfect, but I get it done. And I hate stitching in the ditch, too."

I agree SITD is no fun at all, but FMQ is! Yes, I have worked toward me when I free motion. I like the idea of turning the machine so it acts almost like a free arm in the sense you have room for your quilt, however I will have to train myself on my start button. That is a bit diffrent being on the side rather than in front. I am excited to try that!

It sure it worth a try and it does make sense. Thanks!

I haven't tried FMQ yet...it kind of scares me. After I finish the quilt I'm working on, I'm going to do a table topper or something small and give it a go. Thanks for the tip!

Thanks for the tip! I think this will be so much easier for me- Ive never done it before, so this will be so helpful!

Me too. :thumbup:

I guess it would feel weird, but then again since I have never done FMQ it would feel weird anyway LOL thanks for the hint, think I will do that when I try it.

Revolutionary!

What great ideas!! I am going to have to try both of them and see which works best.

i have heard of this too..i would like to try it that way too!
but that would mean i would have to learn to use the foot!
with my machine, i use the start/stop button!

This is how I do it - if I understand your description correctly...

Quiltung Di, I love love love the quilt in your photo, what is the pattern? I`m new to quilting and I`m not sure if I`m using the right lingo. I love it! Lokks complicated, but to me pretty much all things beautiful look complicated,, I`d better make this short. The other day a lady said I need to go take my `meds` ,, whatever the heck she meant. Thanks for your time!, rosie