I am struggling to learn FMQ on my sewing machine. I'm not very coordinated -- can't rub my tummy with one hand and pat my head with the other, for example. So, I'm having problems coordinating moving the fabric with the machine speed.

I'm wondering if I would do better with a machine with a stitch regulator. I've read some negative comments on some quilting blogs. I don't want to invest in yet another machine if that won't solve my problem.

Is there such a thing as an after market stitch regulator that I could add to my machine? I have a Pfaff 2027.

Can someone recommend a machine with a stitch regulator that they love?

Thanks

I have a stitch regulator for my Bernina and I love it. Without it I struggled for years trying to do some kind of free motion, and was never successful. You will see negative reviews of it as well, I suppose the only way to know for sure is to test it thoroughly! I know there's also something called a Fabric Mover but can't remember who makes it.

One of the problems I found with free motion quilting is that I want to go with the rhythm of the machine motor. Try putting on some music that will alter the rhythm. I love country and listen to it while quilting on my longarm.

It took me a couple of years to do FMQ fairly well without a regulator. I think it just takes practice. I can't "walk and chew gum at the same time" as DH says, so I'm sure you're coordinated enough. I practiced on plain pieces of scrap fabric sandwiched with batting. Agree about the music so you're not just hearing the machine. I have friends who use the regulators, too, and they do like them. I just made up my mind that I could do it on my own. Stubborn that way.

I started FMQ with the Bernina 440QE BSR. I love it! It is easy to use, but buying a new machine for that reason alone probably isn't necessary. If you are looking for a new machine anyway, I would definitely recommend the 440QE. I don't think there are any true stitch regulators on other DSMs, or on the after-market.

I'm kind of nervous about the fmq to, except I haven't had a chance to start, since I'm getting mine tomorrow hopefully! So I'm looking forward to the answers on your post.

I really like the BSR on the 440, as dunstr says -- it's very easy to learn quickly.

I did FMQ on my Viking, and had adequate results, but I never really enjoyed the process. I spent a lot of time with clenched teeth.

With the BSR, I love it, find it relaxing, and it's easy to get into a very zen-like state of creativity. Because I like it so much, I've done a ton of FMQ, and because I've done a lot, I've gotten better at it. So now when I use a machine without BSR, I do really pretty well. It's kind of like training wheels on a bike. You get quick confidence and good results that enables you to do it later without the extra help.

RST

If you purchase a quilting frame, you can get get a stitch regulator specific to most computerized machines (Juki, Pfaff, Viking, Brother, etc.). Without a frame, you are limited to the Bernina.

i would also say practice practice practice. If you do decide to get machine with stitch reg take a small quilt sandwich with you so that you can try it out on the fabric type that you use not the stuff they give you for trying out it is usually very stiff so that it is easier to use

I have quilted with and without a stitch regulator and while I DO like it, the best thing I did was relax and enjoy the process! After many dog beds and some charity quilts, I am loving my results. I also like to practice my designs on a white board. If I don't like it, I just erase and start over till I"m happy with my 'doodlings'