I have Finally figured out FMQ
 

I have struggled for a long time trying to get comfortable doing FMQ. The last time I tried it (just before Christmas), I decided that I hated it, and was done with it.

I was chatting with someone at work who does it, and she asked me if I used the spring action or the floating. I had no idea what she meant (I have seen both options on my sewing machine, but didn't really explore the difference!)

Well, I was trying to get it using the spring loaded method ... I tried the free motion floating ... what a difference! I just did three feather borders doing free motion floating, and it was awesome and easy!!!

I think I am onto something!!!!!

So for those of you out there struggling, see if you can try another option like I had ... who knows, you might like it!

Don’t you just love those lightbulb moments? I had one myself today, and it has renewed my quilting energy! Post some pix of your quilting please!

Great that you found something that works for you!
I much prefer the floating foot myself.

Watson

Here's some pics ... i figured it out doing the applique. The cockatoos are with the spring action, and I was really unhappy with, and put this away for a couple of days. Then I tried the floating motion and did the borders. There's a lot of empty space at the bottom because I am bringing this to the parrot sanctuary I volunteer at and want to write the cockatoos names on it!

The other one is the slip knot wall hanging that I did because I loved the fabric, and I tried FMQ on it - it's not perfect, but it's not horrible, and I actually enjoyed doing it!

Thanks for looking,

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Wow! Yes, you have figured out how to FMQ! Nicely done! And I love that there is a parrot sanctuary! So many wonderful opportunities that we can contribute to with our time and talents. Thumbs up!

great quilting! good for you. I don't understand what do you mean by "floating"?

So glad you didn't give up beautiful wall hangings and quilting!!!

Ditto! Does floating mean your presser foot raises automatically a smidgen when you lift your foot and stop sewing? Clarification would be great!

Great job on this! What machine do you have?

I don't understand floating either.

Great work, have not seen or heard anything about a floating foot for FMQ.

Yes, I am also wondering what you mean by floating foot for FMQ.

Congratulations, great FMQ 👍👌

Good read: https://www.google.com/search?q=floa...TLi4GYAw_1:365

http://www.sewmamasew.com/2014/04/free-motion-quilting-feet-guide-start-free-motion-quilting-class-giveaway/

Congrats and thanks for the tip!

Your FMQ looks great, I wouldn't have believed that you were just learning it if you hadn't told us.

By floating, I think it's possible they may be referring to something like the Pfaff machines have called Sensormatic. It's a floating free motion foot instead of the spring action type. As far as I know, Pfaff is the only make machines making this type foot. I love my Pfaff but can't get the hang of the Sensormatic so am considering buying the spring action foot.

I have a Viking Designer 1 and I think that it has a "floating" option on it. My machine does come with a FMQ foot that is not a spring action. And there is a setting for FMQ. I can use either foot on it.

I also don't know the difference between them. I'm only a year into FMQ.

Marionsquilts- your work is wonderful!! So glad you found what works for you. Yay!!

I learned with the floating foot and thought I would do the spring loaded and I think I should go back to the floating as I also seemed to be happier with that. I haven't been wanting to FMQ since using the spring loaded. Thank you for this reminder.

Thanks for the tip! Your border came out great!

I modified my spring action to a floating.

It feels great to get to the next level, doesn't it? I remember when I figured some of the FMQ out. It's only getting better from here on.

Here's one for Janome...The foot doesn't move up and down, it stays stationary just slightly above the fabric. Those springs you see are to adjust the height, not so that it moves.

http://janome.com/en/accessories/sewing-machine-feet/convertible-freemotion-/

Thank you!

Leah Day has a you tube on how to modify a regular free motion foot. Check it out. I tried this & it really made a big difference.

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q...C193&FORM=VIRE

I'll have to try the Leah Day technique and see how that works.
Does anybody know where to find a floating foot for Brother machines? I like the one that just clips on to the holder like a regular foot--do you know if that would work with the Brother Innovis?

I have the husqvarna designer topaz 30: http://www.husqvarnaviking.com/en-CA...IGNER-TOPAZ-30

This is the spring action foot: https://www.sewingpartsonline.com/op...130376-46.aspx

This is the free motion floating foot -https://www.sewingpartsonline.com/foot-clear-open-free-motion-vkg.aspx

So when I'm using the spring action, for whatever reason, I just can't get the technique, movement whatever, down pat. I break needles, my tension sucks, I snap thread, and get frustrated.

When I tried the free motion floating - you remove the walking foot and put on the free motion floating foot (just like you were going to piece) and drop the feed dogs.

For me, I find it much smoother ...

I hope this helps!

If you find one I would love to know! I am struggling to learn FMQ at the moment as my fabric doesn't seem to want to move smoothly and so I end job with giant stitches. I really think this would help. From what I have read brother don't make them though

The hopping of the foot is a big pain in the neck, particularly when starting and stopping. I want to try modifying the foot, like Leah Day shows. It could be the difference between night and day. Thanks for bringing this to our attention!

Please tell... how did you do that?

Check out the links above to Leah Day. She explains how to modify a hopping (spring action) foot so it doesn't hop any more.

Thank you for asking this question. I didn't understand what she meant. Lynn

MarionQuilts, I’m happy you have found what works best for you and just wanted to reply that your parrot project is wonderful.

Thanks all! I'm so glad I complained to my friend LOL ... it turned out for the best for me, and I was able to share a better method (hopefully) for other people - so nice to know I wasn't the only one struggling with the spring action!