Hooping for machine embroidery on a quilt
 

I'm going to try this thread again as the first time I didn't mention that I was talking about machine embroidery not hand embroidery. Here is the original question:

"Looking for any helpful tricks and tips on hooping a quilt sandwich. I've been practicing on small pieces before I try working on a lap size waiting to be finished. Any thoughts or suggestions?"

Is there a trick to make sure the chosen design is quilted in the correct spot and how much of an area to you do at a time? I have the Bernina 830 which has a large embroidery field. Do you work blocks bit by bit?

Really new to this and looking for advice!!!

I do a lot of "continious" line quilting but I quilt each block before putting the quilt together. It is much easier to get the "sandwich" into the hoop rather than a huge quilt. I did a large quilt one time but I had to put embroidery machind on cutting table which is large in order to handle that large project. I only did one like that. By quilting each block as you go, it is much easier. I usually center the design on the block and let the machine do the work. I do very little hand quilting anymore due to arthritis in my hands so bad. Hope this helps answer your question.

Have you had Bernina 830 mastery classes? You should have been taught how to align your embroidery by using the touch screen. I've done quite a few quilts on my 830. Typically I resize any of the designs I choose to fit the block I'm working on. Resizing is also something that's covered in the mastery classes.

I have never had a class in embroidery as I am self taught via manuals and the soft ware that comes with the machines. I have a Bernina Artista 165 which is a sewing/embroidery machine. I also have a Bernina 1260 which is a sewing machine only but is a "work horse". I had a Deco 650 embroidery machine but it needs to go to the shop. A friend of mine updated from the Artista 165 and gave me this machine. I love both of these machines and wouldn't buy anything but a Bernina.

I was directing my question to the original poster and trying to answer her questions.

Oh, I am so sorry!!

:> I should have quoted her!

you might want to try a water stablizer and put it in the hoop, then either pin your quilt block on it after you get it lined up, or spray it with adhesive spray and line it up. embroider then remove most of the stablizer and the rest will come out in the wash. Hope this helps you some.

I embroider my quilts a lot. I use different size hoops and love to do the border with a larger hoop 360x200 so I can get a continuous look. I only pin the border edge with striaght pins to keep it lined up in the hoop.

Is anyone aware of any good "how to" videos or books on finishing a quilt on an embroidery machine vs FMQ?