another one without a regulator! When I first started FMQ, I had small stitches and jagged curves. But after much practice, I don't think my FMQ is that bad. Even to this day, before I start, I pull out my 'practice' sandwich. To get 'in the groove', before working on my quilt. :)

The biggest difficulty for me was to not match my machine speed to the hand speed. Basically put your foot to the floor and move your hands in slow steady manner. We are programed when the machine is going fast so must our hands. you will get this. Try to do some cursive "C's" to look like waves across the fabric. Good quality thread is also very helpful, and a new needle. Good luck.

No you absolutely do not need a stitch regulator. You will most likely need to practice more. I do not have a stitch regulator and do all my own quilts on a regular sewing machine. Some things that made a difference for me was wearing gloves for quilting and pray bastig versus pinning. Also relax. Oh use a new 90/14 top stitch needle and good thread like aurafil or whatever your machine likes. Yes, drop the feed dogs or cover them.

A lot of us learned Free motion before the stitch regulator was invented. Yes you can do good work without it. Also, I disagree with the idea of leaving the feed dogs up. Why...unless your machine is an older one and not have this feather, then you cover them up with a piece of platic or note card.
Drop the feed dogs, get a darning foot and practice. The secrete is to learn to balance the speed of the machine with the speed of your hands. The best way is to rev up the machine to what sounds like a comfortable pace and then start working the hands until you find the balance. AND don't try to go fast as some say. This may be for later but not at first. Start with a medium speed and work from there. I don't know how anyone learns to satisfactorily learn free motion quilting with so much preferencial information out there without explanation of why is is a preference. To me it borders on mis information. Much of this information is contrary to all the well known quilters to started us free motion quilting and are the leaders in the techinique....The only exception to this are those teachers who say you must go fast.......perhaps later but not at first.

By the way.....you can do good free motion quilting on a treadle sewing machine. Just have to accommodate the lack of technology on the newer machine.

You MUST have a stitch regulator? That is BS. The only thing that is a must with FMQ is a darning/FMQ foot and lots of practice. It is recommended to drop or cover the feed dogs but even the Daydesignlady doesn't drop hers.

From all I have read from this one post, is more than anything I could have obtained from a book or a teacher. Your responses have taught me alot. True with new technology,everything should be new and improved but getting back to bascis is the most simplified way to do anything. Thanks to all who have given us newbies the courage and the inspiration. Much love for the support. :) :-)

BellaBoo is correct. They haven't been around that long. I'm doing what everyone suggests- practice practice practice!
I have a Bernina but it doesn't have one and I'm not going to upgrade anytime soon but I AM going to learn FMQ!!!!!!! :D:D

OMG you all have me almost wanting to try this again!!!

Don't have a stitch regulator and seem to do fine without one doing FMQ. Buying one for my machine would be about $200-300.00. Think of all the fabric I could buy for that!!