Any hints for using pantographs? I'm trying my first one and I'm all over the place. Looks like it would be easy to follow a line with that little light but it's not as easy as it looks.

Linda

I personally stand to the left of my machine (I'm right handed) and guide with my right hand and stabilize my body with my left hand on the table. This works best for me.

It takes practice so don't be too hard on yourself.
Relax.
Remember to breathe.
Don't hold the handles too tightly.
No one stays on the line all the time. Those of us who do pantos a lot "wander" off the line.
My guess is that you are better at pantos than you realize. And remember, only you will see the line on the panto --- everyone else will see only the quilting.

The casual quilter was kind enough to send me some very helpful info on doing Pantos. First chance I get I will share the love and pass it on, just PM me with your info.

She's right, just relax, hold your elbows in to your side and move your entire body. Use the panto as a guide but don't focus so hard on staying right on the line and you will end up with a more natural effect.

Happy Quilting!

before i start a new one i just turn on the laser, not the machine and run thru it a time or two to get the feel of it
as long as you don't get so far off that the next row is going to run over your first it should be fine, also when you get off don't jerk back on, do it gently, like driving
good luck

The one thing that was very difficult for me to do was look ahead of the laser light; when I finally got that it was much better. I had it explained to me that it's like driving a car, you don't look at the hood of the car you are looking down the road where you are going. Good luck and most of all have fun!

Make sure your light is screwed tight so doesn't move--the vibration can loosen it and your pattern will be all wonky If and when you get off the pattern line easy back to your line, don't jerk And when I was starting out bring the takeup roller down a little closer to the machine so not as 'Free' motion a little tension makes it not get away from you so easily Not sure I explained that very well,, practice, practice...oh yea PRACTICE :):)

My sister does it this way too ... but I stand to the left and hold the left handle with both hands and RELAX!!! That's what works for me. After a lot of practice it does get better. :)

Your posture is very important. You should be able to relax and be comfortable as much as possible. I just got a new set of EZ Glide Wheels last month for my Gammill Premier Plus. They make such a tremendous difference! The machine glides ever so much easier!

I find that if you use a panto with no sharp corners, just a easy flowing line (meander), you will have much better results. I stand with my feet about shoulder width apart or farther, hold both handles very loosely and guide with whichever hand seems to work best at the time.