I'm new with embroidery quilting, would like advice before I start on my quilt top.
 

I have a Baby Lock Ellisimo and have pieced and quilted a number of quilts and things on this fine machine. I have used the embroidery part to do a lot of stuff but not quilting. I've pieced a queen size quilt top and would like to utilize the embroidery feature for quilting. I have not sewn the blocks together yet, but they are ready and waiting. I'm somewhat intimidated at this stage of the game at the task ahead of me. I would appreciate any advice you could give me. Thank you.

as long as you have not sewn the blocks together yet, then quilt as you go should be considered. once you have that entire top together, it has to be well-supported to embroider your quilting. and it still has to 'bunch up' into the harp/arm. i only use mine for quilting small projects. but i'd love to try a a QAYG

I would quilt each block with the embroidery machine and then connect the blocks.

This is why I haven't sewn the blocks together yet, thinking each one could be embroidered separately. The blocks are large, 15 1/2 x 20, 15 1/2 x 15 1/2 and 15 1/2 x 3. 12 are regular patterned pieced blocks, the rest are strips sewn together to form a block, 6 large and 6 smaller blocks.

choose a fairly (open) embroidery design- heavy stitch designs will pull up the fabric and really skew the blocks.
i would put together a small (maybe a 12" block) practice sandwich and try it out before commiting to your quilt blocks.

Thank you for your replies. I wish I felt more confident about this, I just don't want to mess up a years worth of work.

I use my embroidery machine to quilt my quilts and I do it after the quilt is put together. You can get a contiguous design going that way.

I would love to learn how to use my embroidery machine to quilt my quilts. That was the reason I bought it in the first place. Would you explain how you do it? I know I could do each block separately but that defeats the whole purpose.

This is why you should do a practice piece first. You can always give it to the kids to play with if its not good. Make a sandwich of two pieces of fabric and the same batting you'll be using; then just try. The worst case you mess it up and end up with a doll quilt or potholder, etc

I did make one, but I had it together when I quilted it

Were you happy with the results? I've been checking different sites trying to find instructions on this but so far ...nothing.

Thanks to those of you responding. It's appreciated.

I am quilting large butter flys on a baby quilt. I have my machine butted up to wall. I have a rod put up on wall with strips hanging down that I can attach quilt (with clamps) so it takes weight off machine. I have done all kinds of quilting on quilts. Wish I had pic's . works great.

Like said before do some sample squares and practice placing the design. Move it around a bit so that you get the hang of finding center/square....pretty sure your machine would have come with quilting motifs designed for what you are wanting to do. Good Luck...you will love it once you have built your confidence.

I am still taking classes for my sewing machine that has embroidery. I took the USB stick and the blocks to my dealer to have her help me get started on a quilt that I bought specifically for embroidering. She told me I had to have the quilt put together more. Not the whole thing put together, but bigger sections put together. Like 3'x3'.

When I bought this kit, it was made for my machine and it's embroidery. It came with a CD with specific embroidery stitches for the quilt. So, I set it aside for now, but will pick it back up and join sections so I can go back and have her with me while I embroider them. I took one class on embroidery and that was a year ago and I didn't practice, so I don't remember a thing I learned. I should have come straight home and practiced a lot. This next time I will.

I wish you had pictures too. This sounds wonderful. I would be interested in learning more.
I know I could do the blocks separate because I've used the embroidery application a lot. However, like I said before, I'd like to learn to do the whole quilt. I'm just going to keep surfing and checking on this until I find the help I need. I will most likely quilt this top on my machine like I've done before. I'll pursue this quest with another top..

This sounds like the method that is used on Leah Day's web site

I will try to get pic's when daughter gets home from camping. I am camera and computer dumb. Hope she will help. She is also on qb. Will get back to you.

Kate,
There is a computer and camera free learning workshop classes at HP.com. You take it at your own pace and learn so much. I took the professional photography class there and what a difference it makes. It isn't hard, it is just a matter of taking the time to learn.

ps) You do not have to own a hp in order to attend classes there.

Here is the link to the site.

https://h30440.www3.hp.com/learningcenter/Default.aspx

Got Pics...any questions, just ask! Have a great sewing day all!

Oh my gosh, I'll get my husband to take a look at this! Thanks for the picture.

The hoops at the top are shower curtain rings. Made strips that are hanging down. The clamps are from homedepot or lowes. They are nice and strong. It works great for me, and at one time I had my machine in front of a window so used the drapes with the clamps, that also worked great. Also go to embroidery Libriary. They have a lot of light quilt blocks. I always use the double run patterns holds better and looks better. Have a great time with your machine.

This looks very doable for me. Thank you for your wonderful help! My fun is just beginning.