I have a Simplicity Quilters Classic and it has a Start/Stop button, never thought of using it for stippling, will have to try it.

Carol J.

Check out: http://www.freemotionquilting.blogspot.com

There are more than 200 fmq varieties here, along with an instructional video for each, and best of all...it's FREE!

Good luck and have fun!

I have a Viking Designer 1, an SE LE and a Diamond. You can put them on very slow all the way to very fast, push the start button, and they sew without the foot pedal. I don't know what other models of Vikings can do, but if you have a Viking, I would check to be sure.

I also have the Magna Quilter, but you have to use the pedal on that one.

My brother has an on/off button too and I use it. This along with the speed regulator button helps me some, but my fmq is still pretty amatuerish and I frequently have to pull out stitching that I'm not happy with.

Oh well.....

Another couple of ideas - check the tension on your machine. Also, if you are moving your fabric faster than the machine is running, you risk breaking needles and saying bad words! :roll:

If your bobbin goes in a case, you may want to have a separate case for straight stitching, and a different one for when you adjust the tension for fmq. Put a dab of colored fingernail polish on one to differentiate the two.

Also, practice practice practice and give yourself permission to not be perfect right out of the gate.

Most importantly, enjoy the ride! Feel free to contact me if you want to chat.

Are you using the same thread in the bobbin as in the top? Because that can cause a lot of problems on some machines.
Or it could be a tension problem. If re-threading doesn't work, wind a new bobbin.
Good luck!!

My Viking Sapphire 870 has speed adjustments from 1-5 and a start/stop button also. I set the speed on 2 for stiching that I have to start and stop frequently and often use the foot pedal for that since I'm able to stop quicker. But I use the start/stop btton and go up to 4 speed for fmq sometimes depending on how fast I can move the quilt sandwich around. It's really fun!

Glad you have that option! Do share pics with us of your finished projects!

I'm trying to learn FMQ, too. I can do the stippling or a meandering path fairly good, but am practicing feathers. Definitely, need more practice...ha. I have a Brother that I can take away the foot pedal, but have never tried that with FMQ. Do you have to think ahead to push the button for it to stop? I would love to see a picture of your FMQ.

I never thought to try that. I guess this is what you would call a DUH!!! moment. I've been practicing my fmq and having a terrible time with the tension so I am going to give that a try this afternoon. Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!