fmq
 

For a long time I have fmq with my machine turned sideways, the same position used for longarm quilting. I have found this to be easier as my hands have room on both sides of the machine for moving the quilt. Recently a friend, another quilter told me that this can mess with the timing on the machine. I really would like your opinion on this. I find this way easier, but do not want to ruin my machine. thanks

John Flynn does it all the time so it must not effect the machine.

I don't understand what difference it would make. Isn't the fabric is moving through the machine the same way it would if it were facing you?

The only way you could mess with the timing is really pulling on the fabric and having the needle hit the bobbin case a few good times. And this could happen with you sitting in front of the machine also. I really don't think you have anything to worry about.

it's not a problem for your machine to turn it. I keep meaning to try that myself!!

ooooooh Ima try it this afternoon! The only problem will be my vintage cabinet top, not sure my arms are long enough! lol

I turn my machine, too, when I quilt big quilts. I find it so much easier.

WOW what a good idea :)

Timing involves the feed dogs. As long as the feed dogs are dropped, I do not see how this could create timing issues. Maybe pulling on the quilt while FMQing with feed dogs up could mess with timing, as there would be sideways stress on the feed dogs. I have never seen this raised as an issue before, and I've seen this method recommended for years. (Tried it myself, but I prefer the regular way.)

Great idea that I will try! Can't see how it would mess up your machine.

I don't see it messing up timing unless your feed dogs are up and you are pulling on the fabric. If you have been doing this for a long time and your machine is fine, then I wouldn't worry about it.

It's free motion so you turn your quit every which way. Doesn't really matter where you sit, imho.

What kind of machine do you have? I tried to turn mine around but I can't see well enough and can't reach my buttons. I have the Janome 6600P.

I didn't know timing was in the feed dogs. I've wanted to try sideways FMQ, great idea !

I have my machine turned that way on the mini pini frame and I can't imagine that the timing would have anything to do with it. I love it because it is so easy to get into my Juki for the bobbin when it sits sideways.

I have only been quilting for a little over a year and all I have done is stitch in the ditch and a top stitching with good results, but I want to learn to FMQ. I have been reading the posts about FMQ and I am ready to try it. Thinking about it, it seems to make sense to turn the machine to have more room for your arms. Thanks to all for the great tips I have picked up reading these posts.

Wow I never thought of that. I learn so much here. Thanks for the great idea.

I tried this..just can't get the hang of NOT seeing where my needles is heading...drives me nuts..so back to normal it went!

Timing involves the needle, bobbin assembly and feed dogs. All 3 are very important components. If one of those is out of whack, the timing is off.

Yes, I would agree with this driving me nuts too.

I have not done FMQ..yet...but want to learn. I'm grateful for this thread. I think turning the machine would be the most helpful, so I will do that when I'm ready to start learning. (Not until after Holidays..to busy to play :) )

Thank you for all of your help. I have a brother pc8500. I can see the needle with the machine turned sideways (have to use a different light source than needle light). I can also set the stitch direction so that I can stitch in the ditch using the feed dogs up. I could not really see why it would cause harm to my machine, but after being warned, it kind of scared me. Thanks again for your replies. This is the greatest board. I have really learned a lot here.

I have to try this. Sounds like a great way to quilt. I don't think that it would mess up your timing. How does your sewing machine know how it is turned.

I also FMQ this way. The fabric is much easier to handle. I don't understand how it would hurt the tension. The fabric is moving the same as it does with the sewing machine in the horizontal position.

fmq
 

I've had it in the back of my mind for about 6 months, to try this. The thing is, the only way I could do it is to set the machine on TOP of the table, so it would be about 3" higher than normal sewing position

I've thought about it, and rejected the idea of cutting the top and filling in the little hole when it's regular position, because I just can't ask my husband to cut the table that he so lovingly built to my specifications. He's already cut a hole for when the machine is in the customary position

He's already made an insert for if I need to use the table (such as pinning a quilt)without a hole)
So, do you think having it a little higher is ok? Do you stand up when it's sideways?

WOW! never thought of it. I will have to give this a try. I have a quilt to be finished by.... Thursday! An it is exam and grading week at the university. Why oh, why do I do this to myself?

I think this is a good idea and am going to try it myself. The machine is not moving the fabric so I feel confident that this would not damage my machine.

Thanks for the great tip. I do lots of FMQ. Anything that makes it easier is a plus.

Wow. Neat idea!!!!!!!!

i have heard of doing it this way before but have not tried doing this yet but it is on my list of things to try,but i still have a question, when doing it tis way you will have bunching as it comes out of the machine with little space between the needle and the arm part of the machine, instead of flowing out the back of the machine and on to the table behind the machine when doing it with quilt in the regular way, maybe i just need to sit and viualize it !!!

It does bunch up at the arm, both sides of the arm allow the rest of the quilt to flow to the back. For me it is easier to deal with the bunching there as to deal with the bunching next to my hand. On that area of the machine there is always going to be bunching as you quilt, but with it being behind what I have quilted I still have room for my hands to control the area that I am quilting. This may not be workable for everyone, but it is easier for me. I started fmq this way before I knew the correct way to do it.