I am just terrible at machine quilting, I have taken classes and watched tutorial until I am blue on the face but still my machine quilting is abysmal, question which foot do you use to machine quilt? walking or mending foot? I need to do less hand quilting as I have RA so I may go for it and close my eyes.

a walking foot is for straight line quilting- like stitch in the ditch- or cross hatch- used with the feed dogs up- working
a darning foot (sometimes called a hopping foot) is used for free motion quilting- stippling/meandering- designs- with the feed dogs down (not used so you can easily move the fabric around)
and it takes practice- start on small items (like pot holders/place mats) as you become comfortable with that size try a bit larger- and work your way up to quilts

thanks I will try again and again!

You are not alone. I too have trouble maching quilting. I know to use the walking foot, but my problems are in FMQ. I think that I am hopeless. :( . I keep thinking if I keep pluging away I will get better. Who knows. :?

Google Foolproof Machine Quilting. It's a book that explains how to use a walking foot for more. Maybe your library can request it for you.

Hi Rosiewell,

I just learned a technique from my Berninia dealer...(I have been struggling too, trying to match my foot power with my hand speed.)

Well, he told me to "put the pedal to the metal...yes, scary at first, but in less than 20 minutes, I was more comfortable. (Did not ever think about hand and foot coordination...it just worked.)

Needless to say, even my posture to say nothing of the reduced back strain is soooooo much better.

Happy Threads to You...

You, absolutely, need to wear the gloves in order to grip the quilt. Some use wide rubber bands, or kitchen gloves, but I prefer the ones from the LQS.

I learn on my own by using Harriet Hargrave Heirloom Machine Quilting book. I bought it when it came out in 1995. Not sure if there is anything else out there that is a complete as this book. GOOD LUCK and just keep on trying. I always have looked at quilting as like learning to ride a bike or how to drive a car. It takes some time to get you eye and hand coordination going. Just don't give up. HANG IN THERE !!! :)

thanks I will stick with it!

Have you looked at this website? http://daystyledesigns.com/
Look at Tips and videos on the left side. She has the most useful and practical info. Tells you how to set up your machine and sewing area. Use the gloves and the slider. She has the best info, IMHO