Free Motion Quilting and iPad
 

I am trying to improve my fmq skills and know that muscle memory plays a big role. Does anyone know if there is a fmq app or book that you download and trace (either with your finger of apple pen) the pattern?

Thanks! Patt

I learned to fmq by watching different videos and practice, practice, and so much more practice. if I'm in a hurry, I'll use painter's paper and cut it the length of quilt, fold it like you would if you were making paper dolls, and then draw a design w/ a connecting line on the two folded sides. Unthread your needle and sew following the design. Open it up and pin to your quilt and free motion quilt away. The paper tears away like a dream.

Don't know of any, but sounds like a good idea. Come to think of it, some quilting books have disc's in the back of the patterns.

I have a small sketch book that I just doodle in with a fine point sharpie marker. It's amazing how quickly your skills will improve and the benefit of just doodling is that you will develop the ability to move around a quilt without marking. What I do is start with a motif (like a feather) and then try to work my way all over the page doing traditional quilting fills, like pebbles, paisleys, spikey things, anything I can think of that will help fill in and will also be fairly even in terms of density while at the same time using patterns that are of different scales, so some large things, some small and some medium. Another thing to look at would be some of the Zentangle books-- a lot of their patterns are identical to traditional quilting patterns, and the books give very clear directions on how to draw some of them as continuous line drawings--exactly what you would want with a quilting pattern.

Rob

I purchased a children's toy called DoodlePRO. I practice different FMQ designs on it and it has made my life much easier. I really struggle with FMQ designs. I have to put paper patterns over my quilt and sew on the lines. I use newspaper print paper.

I find that for me, drawing with my finger is different than moving the fabric so I haven't had much success with the doodling. I have better luck just doing the FMQ. It does improve over time although I am no expert! I have tried a few of Leah Day's motifs successfully, but, other than a nice meander I still need a lot of practice. I really do enjoy doing the FMQ. My machine has cooperated mostly and I got one of those Flying Carpet Sleds which replaces the Supreme Slider (google it or look on Amazon). I can do all of my own quilts. I find it easier than straight line quilting and I am a failure at stitch in or near the ditch, even with the special foot.

I just googled "DoodlePro"" and it looks an awful lot like an "Etch-A'Sketch" - am I getting old, even the toys are re-invented!!! LOL

Thanks for the Zentangle ideas - I'm adding some books to my "Christmas Wishlist" on Amazon! I think this would help to unlock a bit of creativity and help me to practice, practice, practice. Thanks again!

I'm honing my FMQ skills with videos and sketching on a sketch pad. It seems to be working for me

Yes, there is. Teachers on Craftsy demo sketches on their devices. My tablet isn't big enough to practice well, so I removed the app. Do not recall which one it was but there were several available . You might ask your question at Angela's blog, quiltingismytherapy.com.

There are a few drawing apps that you can d/l. Search for “drawing” and a bunch will pop up. “whiteboard” is one I have and I’m pretty sure it was free.

Lori Kennedy's blog, The Inbox Jaunt has lots of lessons on doodling. She's big on that. Her blog is fun

that is a great idea. I remembered that back in the day when I learned to sew in school (on a treadle) we did just that for practice.

This looks like another great resource that I have now saved - thank you!

I use "You Doodle" on my iPad . I put a use my finger to practice different motifs. It free in the App Store

Thanks for the many suggestions! I have fmq'd for years now so my skills are quite well developed. I want to expand my horizons now. I travel a lot and want the convenience and accessibility that an iPad offers so I can practice my FMQ. In a perfect world, I'd like a split screen....a fmq design on one side and blank side that allows me to practice it. I want the inspiration at my fingertips so that recreating that design idea is easier. Trying to use all this technology that's out there! I love reading all the suggestions...Thanks!

Some wonderful ideas in this thread...I just usually doodle in a notebook like Rob but I’ll be checking out the My Doodle app.

I'll use painter's paper. What is it and where do you buy it?
 

What is painter"s paper and where do you buy it?

I wouldn't think it would have to be a "fmq" app, any doodling or drawing app would work.

It's a roll of plain brown paper, about 12" by the length of the roll. You can buy it anyplace they sell paint - Home Depot, Lowes, Ace Hardware, etc.