I just finished doing FMQ for the first time and I'm really happy with how it turned out. There were only a few problems. I did the outside borders on a full sized quilt and when I got done with the first side, I realized I had stitched the backing over itself and had to take out stitches over the last block. NOT fun.

Several times my thread broke and seemed to fray itself into a big ball. I took some pictures and put them below. I used Warm and Natural 100% cotton batting and Coats & Clark Dual Duty thread. Could it be the thread itself?

Also, I think I may be moving my fabric too slow. A clerk at the quilt store said "fast machine, slow hands". I've got my machine on full blast and I moved slow but it seems like my stitches are REALLY close together. Is that okay?

Wow you did a great job!

Looks great for a first attempt -

I am not an expert but what I found out with my few FMQ projects is that the thread needs to be good thread (I no longer purchase Coats & Clark as I have had that problem with just plain sewing with it) and that if you are using spray basting that your needle eye should be larger than you would usually use as the "glue" builds up in the eye AND you should go lightly on the spraying!

Also - some machines are more finicky that others with thread. I am sure that it is how it goes through the tension disks and needle.

I use either Microtex or embroidery needles and Guterman thread.

There are also a few threads (forum threads of course :lol: ) on this as well . Here are just a few that might help you as well:

http://www.quiltingboard.com/posts/list/14279.page

http://www.quiltingboard.com/posts/list/18640.page

http://www.quiltingboard.com/posts/list/4946.page

I just searched on "thread FMQ"

Great job.

Well I think it's great for a first attempt! :D

I'm new to this as well but what I find is using a quilting thread in the top and a finer one in the bobbin works best for me. I use Aurifil cotton piecing in the bobbin and a 100 percent cotton quilting thread in the top. And I don't think close stitches matter if you like the effect but if you want them wider, just experiment a bit on some practice sandwiches with speed of machine and hands, til you find a groove you're happy with. :D

Hope this helps, but I'm NO expert, it's just what works for me! :D

First attemp looks good to me. I had those same problems when I did my first few (sure will have again since I haven't done it in about a year)

I know nothing of the specifics of FMQ, but I do know yours looks good. Without the title no one would know it was a first time.

I think you did GREAT for your first FMQ attempt. I have to say, I don't think the breakage problem is you. My machine hates the Coats and Clark thread. It always shreds and then breaks on me whether I'm piecing or FMQ'ing. I'll bet if you change to a different thread, you'll find that you don't have that particular problem anymore. Good job!

I think you did a great job for your first time free motioning. As for the tiny stitches, I do think that you were going a tad too slow.

Looks good to me! :D