Help please
 

I always hand quilt my quilts no matter the size. But now my hand/fingers will not cooperate for me and I'd like to machine quilt it. My quilt is 104x96. How can I quilt it on my machine without my machine moving all over the table. I would like to do a(Med meandering stitch) what are your suggestions as how to start? Thank you

DONNA P

Take a look at craftsy.com. There is a class there about how to quilt large quilts on home machines. I haven't taken it, but it has very good reviews. It might be worth the money.

Pam

I would put something under your machine - like some shelf liner. I would start in the middle and work out into each of the four sections. You will get lots more good suggestions.

Post a picture when you are done.

I have quilted many quilts and my machines have rubber feet and don't move around.
Read all you can and begin with a practice sandwich and just practice alot.

I took that class. It was excellent! A large part of the class was learning how to break big quilts down into separate sections, from the beginning, and then quilt each section and sew the sections together. I highly recommend this course. It also helps if you just want to do a big quilt on a home machine.

http://reginasquiltblog.blogspot.com...hmaschine.html
I once made some pictures when I quilted with my home machine, it's only in German but if you want I can give some explanations! And what you really need are gloves with rubber dots on so you can lead the quilt without heavy pressure!!

Thank for all the great suggestions. I have another one....how do you keep from your backing from puckering or over lapping in spots when quilting on your home machine...that part terrifies me. I like to end up with a somewhat smooth back

Make sure when you pin it the back is taunt. Depending on the size, tape the back to a table or floor and keep it tight - not stretched. Then pin, pin, pin. Make sure they are about 4 to 5 inches apart.

When you are quilting, are you using a walking foot for the straight lines? This will help with the puckering. Also make sure the area you are quilting around the needle is flattened. Check this often. Do you wear gloves with dots or garden gloves that grip? This helps move the fabric smoothly and evenly.

Hope these help.

Go on Youtube and watch the Sharon Schambler video on basting with boards. It is great. I followed the suggestions and no puckering on the back.

The Craftsy class from Leah Day on uses a Janome machine but you will find a lot of YouTube vids of hers too which is much cheaper. I started quilting a seven foot five inch square on a Designer 1 but the throat was too small and I swapped for a Pfaff Quilter which was just a little bigger throat. Even the biggest of quilts can be done - I just got sick of walking around my machine to pull the quilt through on the D1. I've since bought a Sweet 16 sit down, but didn't really need it - just wanted it lol It will come in very handy in years to come as I just adore quilting despite being a beginner. It's the best part of making a quilt I reckon now.

Support is everything when dealing with a large quilt. I throw mine over my shoulder, use a chair or an ironing board to support the weight of the quilt and only quilt a small portion at a time. For me, small is about a 12" square. Meandering is harder for me than quilting a design. With meandering you are constantly moving your quilt in all directions. If I use some type design....think wispy flower, curls, large feathers, I am not moving all the quilt so much. There are so many great long arm quilters on this board, that any picture they put up is very inspiring to me. I have learned a lot from them. I may not be the best one to help you, because I have never quilted one without some little puckering somewhere and sometimes, just downright pleats. I am going to try the washable glue method next time.