practiced machine quilting w/out fabric? Just using a worn needle and some paper. No thread in bobbin or machine. I know this probably sounds stupid but?? :roll:

I have not done it, but I have heard that it is a good way to practice.

I've heard of doing it before also. I think it's a great idea since all you're "wasting" is an old needle and some paper.

sounds 'intelligent' to me - worth a try. I only practiced on scraps sandwiched & always hated to see all that wasted thread.

This is actually how my mom taught me to sew , she did not want us wasting good fabric. We used scrap paper. It was great to get the speed and control of the machine first before the actual fabric was used.

This is actually how my mom taught me to sew , she did not want us wasting good fabric. We used scrap paper. Some times she would draw curvy lines or straight lines that turned 90 degrees .. and we had to sew on the line. It was great to get the speed and control of the machine first before the actual fabric was used.

Ditto!

Self taught and never heard of this????
I like it alot...... no wasting material........ Teaching myself to free motion quilt. Thank you for this TIP.........

I will keep this in mind as I am dedicating 2011 to learning to quilt so that I can finally finish all of my projects

It would be great for getting a feel for it, but not a total substitute for using practice quilt sandwiches.
Paper is different from the actual thing :wink: :D:D:D