Fmq ?
 

I've never FMQ quilted before but I am getting ready to do my first one and I am really neverous about this I've read two differant things. Don't start in the middle and then I read start in the middle, and if you have stitch in the ditch to do that first.

Do you FMQ all over out to the edges? The quilt I'm working on is a panel in the middle and 3 borders.
Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks:eek:

How big is it....have you sandwiched it ....are you going to do stippling ...
how close do you need to quilt, what does the batting manufactor suggest, 3" 6"....
These are all things to think about,,,,,,have you made a "pratice quilt" to learn on ???
I would suggest for your first couple quilts match your thread as close as possible to the fabric color, so that the design will not jump out at you until you get better.....Would strongly suggest a pair of quilting gloves, or at least a new pair of garden gloves, will really healp with your control.....pratice until you are confortable, you will not be sorry you took the time, and it will give you confidence.

I would also not recommend FMQ on a real project until you have done many practice squares. Gloves help A LOT!!! pin securely or use a spray adhesive.
If I was going to stitch in the ditch, I would do that first. This will stablize the quilt and you may be able to remove a lot of the pins, if used. If you do this, you can start your FMQ anywhere (unless the center panel is really big). If you are just going to do FMQ on the whole thing, then I would start in the center and work your way out. It's up to you if you want the quilting to extend to the edge of the quilt and be partly covered by the binding or if you want to stop 1/2 to 1" from the edge. Personal preference.
Again, whatever you decide I would strongly recommend not to FMQ on a real top unless you have done some practice pieces.

Paper Princess is right .... don't touch that quilt with FMQ until you are no longer nervous about FMQ!!!

Practice, practice, practice!!

Practice a few different techniques to get the hang of it, and practice a lot more on the specific techniques you plan to use.

I keep a bag of batting pieces around and make practice sandwiches before I start all of my quilts. I practice the technique/pattern I am going to use with the thread I plan on using - I try to use the same fabric, and so far I've always used the same batting.

i agree totally with---STOP! do not start on your (real quilt) make up practice sandwiches- preferably with the same fabric/batting/fabric and thread you plan to use for your quilt and PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE until you are comfortable with what you want to do- and make sure you baste your quilt very well (at least every 4" preferably) before starting.

I totally disagree. I am a newbie too and I jumped in and started FMQ on my first quilt. I love the way it turned out... flaws and all. If the quilt is for you, or even someone close to you, and you can get the nerve up just go for it. If after you do a tiny bit and its a total nightmare, then just rip it out. Be fearless and quilt baby!

I really think you do have to practice some but I do also think you have to just jump in and do it.

I didn't practice much and I'm satisfied with what I've done. I am ready to learn feathers, so now I will need to practice.

For your quilt, I would meander over the center panel - think big puzzle pieces, then quilt in a linear pattern in the border - I like a curving pattern with stops every five inches for a flower or leaf. I do not quilt to the edge. If you have enough pins in your sandwich, I don't think it matters where you start.

I think practice is important, just so you have a feel for moving the quilt at the right speed and keeping the stitch length fairly uniform. I usually use a hoop and start in the middle. I pin bast which seems to work fine. With the hoop I can make sure that the sandwich is tight and I don't have any folds in the backing. It is also a lot easier on my hands to hold onto the hoop than trying to just move the quilt with my hands. Most of my quilting is FM thread play on pictorial, so I am changing thread constantly to blend colors. Having the quilt in a hoop also helps keep everything stabilized when I am changing tread. But the biggest advantage of the hoop is how much easier it is on my hands (I have arthritis.)

Check out Leah Days site; she does fmq on a regular machine and has lots of free advice. Good luck and practice on some practice squares or some quilts for the kids to drag around before you do one that you've worked hard on. Good luck

If you haven't started on it, give me a call later tonight. We are on our way home and will be home all week. I can help you out. I like doing SITD with something besides a straight stitch. It's too hard to stay in the ditch!

Also if you can post a picture it might help too.

Ditto for me.

I agree with both schools of thought. Diving right in a FMQ on a real quilt IS a great way to learn. By the time it is done, you'll have no more fear!! But the caveat is - I wouldn't learn on a quilt of real value to me. Make something that you'd feel fine about donating to a charity - even if it's cut up for your favourite dog rescue!! Once you get over the fear - the sky's the limit :)

I FMG with large stipples and quilt in rows, trying to avoid thick intersections. I pin my sandwich 3 - 4" apart. I start in the center and FMQ down,up,across each way and quilt a quater section at a time. I always quilt next to quilting except to start. I quilt the quilt center, then quilt the borders. My Daughter did it opposite of mine, got to the center and had a horrible big pleat on the back. She had to rip it all out and start over. She has decided that doing it the way I do works much better.

It's the picture in my profile and avatar now. The center is 1 big piece. It's birds,and the backing is pieced from colors on the front in the 2nd border.