I am a new long arm quilter. I see all these beautiful quilted quilts. What I need help with is planning the patterns to use. How do you decide how to quilt?

Welcome from Kentucky! It depends on the quilt!

I don't long ARM. Yet. But just look at the quilt for a bit and let it talk to.you. that is always the best.

i also have this problem as i am also a new long armer

Welcome from Kansas

I am a cinfident beginner. Got my TL in Feb this year. Deciding what to do has always been the hardest part of the whole process for me, also. Can't wait to see what everyone has to say. Thanks for starting this. :)

I am a new long arm quilter. I have not braved enough to get beyond the stippling. I want to learn free hand feathers. The instructors make it look so easy.

Hi and welcome to the board from Iowa.

Wouldn't it be great to have an online long arm quilting class? I also have a Tin Lizzie.

What kind of machine did you get? I have a Gammill and have been in business for over 7 years. First of all, PRACTICE! Load a cheap piece of muslin and a contrasting thread. When you're done with that thread (like red, for example), switch to green thread (or whatever) so you can go over and over the same piece of material without spending a fortune. Then change to another color, etc. Also, doodle. Get a dry erase board and practice your meandering technique first, and other free-hand designs. Did you have pantograph patterns? Those are always good to work with, but again, you need to PRACTICE before you become proficient. New longarm quilters tend to have a death-grip on their machines, which will show up soon with sore shoulders, etc. Relax! You WILL make mistakes, just don't get frozen in fear over them. When I got my Gammill, the shop said you shouldn't quilt a real quilt for at least 6 weeks. After a while, it will get easier. Good luck!