I have never drawn my quilting pattern on my quilt.....I just wing it. I do draw it on paper to figure out what I want and then maybe just trace with my finger to get the pattern into my brain. My favorite "go to" pattern for baby quilts is hearts. I'll try to post a picture. I thought I made it up but I saw my mom used the same pattern with her hand quilting. My quilt I made in a beginning quilting class 3 yrs ago is still waiting to be quilted. I didn't want to ruin it. Maybe this summer that quilt will finally get finished.[ATTACH=CONFIG]336914[/ATTACH]

I don't see any triangular holes in this quilt.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]336917[/ATTACH]

Ann, your quilt is lovely and I'm glad there's no damage to it, but a leather needle does have a triangular point designed to cut a very small hole.

I apologize if I have offended you in any way.
Judy

Love those hearts! I was taught to "Steal only from the best" and I'm stealing that one! :)

Mu biggest fear with motion quilting is ruining a great quilt............... There is so much great advice here and I know I will give it a try again........ Thank you one and all for posting such great advice.

I have really enjoyed reading all the tips and advice. I'm still in the practice stage and can use all the knowledge gathered here.

Great tips in this thread! I'm just starting by practicing on cheapy solid sandwiches. I've been watching this Missouri star quilt co video and it's a good intro. Pretty basic, but gives a good overview. I like how she stresses that perfection is not required. I also like that she isn't using a machine that costs thousands.
http://quiltingtutorials.com/all/beg...hine-quilting/

I better not try to FMQ with music. I usually have Abba or the BeeGees on. LOL.......Can't you just see it now..........

I had this prob. last yr. til I begged for help from the grp. They taught me to use a very strong needle & that solved my prob. Now my big prob. is tension. No matter how much I work with it & keep changing them, when I have to use diff. colors in bobbin & top, one color comes through. I'm at a loss now.

WOW!!! I think I might try again. I have tried to FMQ and it was a total mess. I know it takes a lot of practice. You Ladies have given me encouragement to try again. I so want to do a Baby Quilt. Thanks again, love this thread.