All the methods mentioned are really great. I also have a tool that is wonderful. It allows me to practice and develope eye had cordination. It is called the Quick trainer they have them for both DSM (home machine) and long arm. It is by La Li La Designs. They are available on La Li La Design web site and also I have seen them on Cozy quilt site. They have really helped me and I have not had to use so much fabric for practice. Good luck and practice, practice, practice!!!! There is also a youtube demo on it.

Lots of ways to do what you want. I would suggest you get some of the Preview Paper from Golden Threads. It is a clear plastic like material with black borders on the sides. You can put it over your quilt and 'preview' different quilting designs before you sew.

I do most all machine quilting on my home sewing machine or my Sweet 16 sit down. Not good, but if I am doing some design that I want to copy over and over I first draw it up on Glad Press and Seal. DON'T USE INK TO DRAW. The wrap will stick to the quilt. Just remove when done. Sometimes if you use ink you will sew the ink into the fabric. Very nearly impossible to get out. Keep tweezers close by for those teny tiny pieces caught under the stitches...Works great, especially for intricate designs. Good luck and keep practicing.

While you said to NOT use ink to draw on the Press N Seal ... you did not tell use what we are supposed to use?
So what might that be?
Please? and Thanks!

Wow! There's some great advise here. Here's my 2 cents worth, so it may not be worth much.

At an art supply store, I bought a sheet of vinyl. I lay it on top of the top and draw with dry erase pens. Don't like it-wipe it off and try again.

There are lots of books with patterns for quilting. They can be photocopied to any size that fits your quilt. Use a light box/table and make the top before it's sandwiched.

There are companies with patterns. My favorite is Digi-tech, on the web. Their service is great. You can order the pattern in the size you want.

There are many companies with stencils for quilting. Golden threads has a pounce powder they claim doesn't rub off, takes a warm iron. Has anyone used it? Whenever I use chalk powder or markers the marks rub off before I get to quilt them.

Terrific thread. Thank you so much. I'm learning so much here -- as I always do on the QB!

This topic was spot on for me. Just like others have said, I was intimidated by the free motion quilting and it kept me from completing any of my quilts. Well I took the plunge about a week ago. I have a Brother 1500 which has no bells or whistles but does have a powerful motor, a dependable stitch and a large throat. I just stippled thinking that I could work on the stitch length without having to worry to much where I was going. What a surprise, as long as I keep my movements smooth most of the other problems I was worried about were insignificant. Don't get me wrong, this is not in the class of the amazing quilts I see on the board but it has opened the door for me and I am no longer so intimidated. Dare I say it? It is also fun! So don't be afraid, try it.

Borders made Easy are nice to begin with, and you can also mark a design on Golden Threads quilting paper. You sew on top and then rip the paper away.

I guess I started backwards. I selected a design appropriate to the fabric (crane shapes on a crane print), cut the crane out of cardboard and stuck it on my quilt with double stick tape. Then I quilted around one, moved the shape to the next spot and quilted around it. Kept doing that until the whole thing was quilted. I have also used tracing paper to put the design I want onto the quilt. Sometimes I draw the design with a #2 pencil. Pounce chalk has not yet worked well for me, although I keep trying with different templates. I have used cookie cutters, plastic templates, and outlines of animals or other things that I find on the internet for my shapes. If the size isn't right I just put it in my picture program and resize it until I am satisfied. I've tried stippling but just can't seem to get the motion down.