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definitely going to try the shoulder technique!
What do you think about QAYG? It seemed like kind of a pain in the butt to attach the squares? But maybe I should actually try it before I make that decision.
Originally Posted by dpendleton
(Post 8717357)
I agree with the recommendations above about how to distribute the weight of the quilt while stitching. I also roll my quilt on each side, then throw the roll over my left shoulder.
I also put my adjustable ironing board to the left of my sewing machine table to give me a place to support the left fuller & heavier side of my quilt. I take the cover off my ironing board so the quilt slips easily along the surface. I also put my sewing machine and ironing board on the short side of my sewing machine table so the quilt can stretch out along the longest side of my table as I sew. Literally doing anything to keep it from getting trapped or dragging down either before or after pushing it through the machine. I also started sewing QAYG so I can quilt each individual patch by itself before joining together. Much less stressful! |
I recommend buying a plastic extension table for your machine. I know you have the weight on your shoulders part figured out. The plastic extension table is a big help when quilting on a home machine. I loved mine instantly when using it to quilt.
plastic extension table for domestic machines - Google Search I am not affiliated in any way with the makers. |
Originally Posted by RedGarnet222
(Post 8717430)
I recommend buying a plastic extension table for your machine.
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1 Attachment(s)
I think about it more as keeping the quilt on my chest than in my lap. I tried throwing it over my shoulder but I couldn't quite get it through feel comfortable.
I also got a couple of cheap adjustable tables and put those on either side of me to help hold the quilt. I put Artbin Super Satchel boxes, books, and the extension table for my old machine around my extension table to make a bigger surface as well. I am attaching a photo of me quilting a queen-sized quilt on my Janome MC6700p. It was heavy to get everything situated, but once I had it set up so the front was folded up on my chest and the sides could move freely (with the occasional shove through the throat on the right) it chugged right along. |
There are also suspension systems (both home-business-crafted and DIY) for holding up the weight of a quilt while you FMQ.
My husband termed one of them that was made of PVC tubing and a bunch of elbows and tees "rage in a cage" :D |
I also learned from a Rob Apell video to stop every few minutes and "fluff" the quilt. I lift it up a bit and make sure nothing is catching anywhere. It helps a lot.
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Yes have one already!
Originally Posted by RedGarnet222
(Post 8717430)
I recommend buying a plastic extension table for your machine. I know you have the weight on your shoulders part figured out. The plastic extension table is a big help when quilting on a home machine. I loved mine instantly when using it to quilt.
plastic extension table for domestic machines - Google Search I am not affiliated in any way with the makers. |
Wow I would have never dreamed of quilting a queen, that is amazing! I will keep that in mind, thank you for the visual, (beautiful quilt btw)!!
Originally Posted by effika
(Post 8717433)
I think about it more as keeping the quilt on my chest than in my lap. I tried throwing it over my shoulder but I couldn't quite get it through feel comfortable.
I also got a couple of cheap adjustable tables and put those on either side of me to help hold the quilt. I put Artbin Super Satchel boxes, books, and the extension table for my old machine around my extension table to make a bigger surface as well. I am attaching a photo of me quilting a queen-sized quilt on my Janome MC6700p. It was heavy to get everything situated, but once I had it set up so the front was folded up on my chest and the sides could move freely (with the occasional shove through the throat on the right) it chugged right along. |
I use my dual feed to do walking foot quilting on my Elna. It recently was skipping stitches and varied the length of stitches on a small sampler. I found that lengthening the stitch length slightly and using a smaller needle (which seemed counter-intuitive to me) made it all go a lot more smoothly and evenly. I have a larger harp so usually don't roll my quilts up to quilt but rather let the puddle in my lap, on the sides, and up the wall (or window) behind the quilt. Works for me.
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I have this same machine and I have quilted many quilts on it, from baby quilts to king size. I think the key is to not have any weight on the needle. When I first started trying to figure this out, I followed much of the advice given by Diane Guadynski. She "pools" up the quilt around the needle area and works on a small section at a time. This has worked for me whether I am straight line quilting or free motion quilting. I don't roll the quilt or put it over my shoulder, but I just keep the quilt piled around the area of the needle to keep it moving freely. Just take your time and focus on the area that moves freely under the needle, and when you feel any pull, then stop and move the quilt. Baby quilts are great to learn on and you will figure out what works best for you.
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