FMQ - Thin Border Suggestions Needed
 

Today I looked at the quilts I have made for Project Linus and decided I really need to add to the quilting.

I have only ever used Stitch-in the-Ditch but I now think it’s time I tried something different. I have watch a lot of tutorials on YouTube etc and have been practicing and am beginning to get the hang of meandering and stippling but I think the next step is that I try something on an actual quilt.

I want to FMQ on the thin (2 inch) borders that I have put on a couple of the quilts but I’m not sure if meandering would work. I will be using a small domestic sewing machine.

Any suggested on how to ‘take the plunge’ would be really appreciated.

Try this one in a thin border.

Watson
[ATTACH=CONFIG]603249[/ATTACH]

I sometimes do strings of flowers in these narrow vertical areas. Just do a curvy line and then some "petals" before continuing with another curvy line. Another thing to do is a straight line broken up with a "snail" circle that continues to another straight line. Good luck - you'll do just fine!

Check our Queen of Remnants on YouTube particularly vine border and faux geese.

I just do squiggly lines and a few loops.

my "go-to" is the wishbone like Watson showed. But another one you could use is a ribbon--do a gently curving line, at the end do a notch like a ribbon, and then go back over the line, and cross over right before you get to each curve. Practice on paper--you'll be able to do more than you think!

I like to do loop de loops. They go fast and look cute.

Thank you for your suggestions.

I eventually plucked up the courage to attempt something similar to Watson’s idea. All I can say is every loop is a different shape and size, there’s not two stitches the same length and the lines are crooked - but it’s my first attempt and it’s staying put!

Good for you! Being an adventurer is fun and look at all you have learned. The next attempt will be more "perfect", as if any quilt is ever perfect in the eye of the maker. Quilt on!

Good for you Moira for stepping out of your comfort zone....you’re on your way. It takes a bit of practice but you’ll be filling in those borders in no time.

Moira! If you are able to access Pinterest, just search (on their site) FMQ for quilt borders. There are a ton of ideas from easy (but great) too difficult using more than one continuous line of stitching. I really like using one continuous line as I really hate thread tails. Good luck! I'm sure that you will find something easy and wonderful. Yolanda

There are several 'easy' things to start with. As you feel more comfortable, you can try more involved patterns. As far as an overall pattern with a home machine (and on a smallish top) try going diagonally thru the whole top. Start with the center diagonal and work outward. Then turn around and work the other side. If you choose to do both directions, follow this same procedure. This allows for the least amount of fabric in your machine and will keep your frustration levels down. As far as the borders, how about using a decorative stitch on your machine rather than a FMQ? I love a stitch that looks like a wavy line with a tiny leaf. I use this on so many of my items. It is easy, decorative and very functional. I like to use a variegated thread for a bit more textured look. Again, the point is to make you feel accomplished and want to try more difficult things. The root cause of UFOs is frustration!

I've tried a product called "Borders Made Easy"
They are rolls of paper about two inches wide that have stitching lines printed on them. They have a light temporary adhesive (like Post It notes). You just stick the paper on the border and stitch on the lines and then remove the paper. They come in various widths and designs. http://www.quiltingmadeeasy.com

Moira! So glad you gave that pattern a try! As you get going at it it gets easier and they start to have a rhythm to them. You can also mark where you want the top and bottom loop to end, so that your loops are always the same size. Also, make the line that connects them straight across at an angle then begin your curve to make your loop.

Love to see your results.

Watson

What a great idea!

I love Pinterest and will definitely search for borders (not boarders!)

The ribbon is a great suggestion...I've often used it on table runner borders, too.

Moira, a lower case "l,e" in script also makes a very pretty fill in a border and is very easy to free motion quilt.

You can use your walking foot and use one of your decorative stitches, increasing the size of the design. Some of my guild members use a stitch that looks like an elongated “S”, and they quilt the quilt from end to end. Good luck �� Annette

Good luck in your endeavors Moira. I've been forcing myself to fmq on a birthday calendar I've been making. It's taken two years. There is a base with borders and each month is a mini quilt that snaps onto the center of the base. The individual months are about 16 by 20 inches. In the two years I've become better at fmq but I'm no where near what I see here on the board. But I have found as you step away from your work and look at it, it does look better. I decided I had to learn the skill and it's taken actual quilts to help me do it. Yes practice helps, but the biggest step to helping you is what you are doing right now. Congratulations on the courage to do so! You will be amazed at how you feel about it and how it will really look good.

Just wanted to say thanks to you all for the encouragement and helpful comments. I don't post often now because of poorer internet connection but thanks to you all. Charlie