Machine quilting advice
 

Hi, so I have been a member/reader for a while and have been a hand quilter and embroiderer for about 18 months. I finally took the plunge and got a machine at Christmas. I have pieced together my first thing by machine - a simple table runner(really for practice) but would like some advice on how I should try quilting it for the first time by machine. I have an open toe walking foot.


I know what I would do by hand but I want something more simplistic (and probably achievable) for my first piece of machine quilting.

Thanks. I'm not entirely happy with one of the end panels as the points don't line up but not bad for my first ever time on a sewing machine! I like the idea of stitching in the ditch round the pinwheels as well as the more obvious sashing

As well as stitching the ditch around the pinwheels, you could echo around them once or twice.

Thanks for the idea. I'll let you know how I get on tomorrow once I have figured out stitch length etc!

I recommend that your first machine quilting project be simple and engage the feed dogs for best control. A walking foot experience is a great start. Stitching in the ditch with the walking foot is a great way to start. And, in order to show off your new skills I think the idea of echoing once or twice around the design is great. Your table runner will be quite attractive. When I was learning to FMQ I liked to use stencils for my designs. Then, I could concentrate on my stitching rather than creating a design as I was trying to learn to control my stitching. I really enjoy the quilting process and do most of mine on my DSM. I am learning to long arm at the local store which has a rental unit. Enjoy the journey.

For being rather new at this you're really good! I like your tablerunner a lot. I don't have much advice though b/c I'm fairly new at machine quilting. I have always done it by hand. I find practicing is helping me a lot.

Two things that have really helped me are Machingers gloves and a slick surface. Makes a world of difference. You may not need them for a tablerunner though but in the future if you do larger things.

While STID is usually good advice, I literally hate doing it. I can't stay in the channel to quilt. I like more freedom to do my thing, since I obviously don't machine quilt vary well.

Crosshatch quilting is a good start. Mark lines about 2 inches apart. Then if you want more quilting, stitch between the lines.