FMQ on my domestic machine not showing
 

Hi, when I'm quilting so much of the quilting does not show up. I know it's most likely because I'm using prints but what's a gal to do. I tried making these really small feather's in the light sections of the pinwheels but do you know how hard it is to make nice feathers in a small area. What's a gal to do?

Well what I decided is to take a break and wait for the advice of my quilting friends. Good night for now.

Maybe you could use a heavier thread for quilting.

ditto!

I did some FMQ and line quilting with a coarser thread. It was nice and showed wonderfully. However, so did the not so well stitched sections. After that, I switched to a finer thread, to help hide the less desirables ... and as I get better, then will consider the coarser threads again.



Some other things to consider ... the batting will effect as to how well your quilting shows. Also, the closeness of your quilting. Plus the colour of thread you have chosen. More contrast, and it's likely to be more noticed.

And as you already mentioned, quilting will be less noticeable on prints than plains.

Definitely try a heavy weight thread. And maybe if you go with black that might help?

Use a contrast thread or a light plain backing on which the quilting will show up as a pattern as a whole quilt.

a heavier weight thread (i recommend a 30 wt) and a longer stitch length than you use for piecing. many people choose a print fabric specifically to (hide) the quilting stitches-so imperfections are not noticable- but the design itself will still show up well- even if the individual stitches are not apparent.

Hi I like working with a finer thread and the color is a little darker than the fabric. My real problem is knowing how to put a design in a small area.

Thank you for your thoughts, I plan on resuming my quilting on this project a little bit tomorrow

In addition to using a heavier thread, audition colors so you can find one that will show the best.

Quilting the top for many is an after thought, but it should be part of the planning process. If you want your quilting to show, you need to pick fabrics that will highlight the quilting. Busy prints generally don't- use those on quilts where you want piecing to be the star of the show. The most difficult thing is to plan a quilt where the piecing and quilting will be equal to each other.

If you use a heavier thread remember to change your needle size. Sometimes I have to use a 110 size needle with some threads. I find the heavier the thread the bigger the needle or else the thread with shred or break and that is just too frustrating for me. Good luck.