quilting pattern question
 

I recently purchased a Babylock Tiara quilting machine. It is NOT a long arm. It does not have computerized patterns. It is a sit down free motion quilting machine. What is your recommendation for resources to learn free motion quilting? A good book, an exceptional utube video, a tutorial you have found etc.?

My first stop would be Leah Day's free motion site. She uses a regular sewing machine but the quilting process is the same. There is a wealth of information in Craftsy. Enjoy your new toy.

Leah Day is an excellent resource. There are also many other video how-to demos on Youtube. Click a few and see what works for you. Most of all, I think practice is the key.

I just watched a tv show what highlighted a machine for FMQ that wasn't a LA. LAs take up too much room but the machine shown has the regulated stitches so you can move the fabric slow or fast but the stitches are the same length. Is that the machine you bought??? I'm so excited for you. I'm thinking I need to go see one of those.

Anyway, back to your question. I think FMQ is just a matter of practice, practice, practice. You will get better once you get the 'feel' of the fabric and machine. I'm sure there are some tips out there (I watched a FMQ video on utube that helped me) but there's not a better teacher than experience. Just go for it.... on a practice sandwich first.... and good luck. We want to experience the ride with you..... at least I want to... I really like the idea of this machine.

Do you want person to person, like in a LQS class ... or will an online tutorial do? There are several on Youtube, Craftsy, and more. I expect you'll get a lot of sites with this posting. I just looked at the inbox jaunt and loved it.

My favorites are Leah Day and Diane Gaudynski. There is always something new on youtube to try. Mostly, just dive in and have fun!!

I used you-tube alot when I was learning. You just have to take it by the horns and give it a whirl! Its a lot of fun and easy once you get the hang of it. Good luck!

patsy thompson has some free tutorials, she is a very good instructor. Just took a class from her, and really enjoy her style. I also love ann petersen on craftsy, she is awesome as are her classes

I'll put in a vote for Leah Day as well, she gives a lot of great advice, she's got a bazillion different patterns that you can try, plus I find her voice soothing, which I need when I'm trying to figure out how to do something new!

I have the HQ Sweet 16 and no matter how many tutorials I watched I just couldn't get the hang of FMQ. Another QB member recommended the book "Quilting Dot to Dot". I got it on Amazon and wow! I had the proverbial "AHA moment" and my FMQ has improved tremendously! (Well, I went from kindergarten to third grade level--still have lots to learn). I also use the Patsy Thompson site for pattern ideas.
Good luck--you'll love your machine but it does take getting used to.

Leah Day's Craftsy classes are very good, and be sure to sign up on her website for her newsletter. She's doing a thing right now with her husband as he learns to free motion quilt.

My best advice is to start small. Make practice sandwiches no larger than fat quarter size. You can also use layer cakes (a great hot pad size). Table runners and placemats are also great sizes to practice on. Once you get comfortable moving the smaller size fabric around, go to crib sized quilts, then toddler/lap size quilts. It takes time.

I have the same machine .
I like Leah day on YouTube.

I also have a Babylock Tiara and recently purchased the videos by Handi-quilter for their Sweet Sixteen with Debby Brown, and the first one volume 1 : "Getting Started" is a tremendous wealth of information for just that. It focuses solely on the sit down Sweet Sixteen, which is exactly the same as the Tiara. I wish I had gotten the videos a year ago when I got my machine.

Just re-read your initial post and see that you are seeking advice for quilting patterns and not using the machine.

I will keep an eye on this, for the same advice.

Harriet Hargrave's Heirloom Machine Quilting is also an excellent resource for learning to quilt. I have the Sweet Sixteen.

Cheers, K

yes, it has the stitch regulator. I know once I get the hang of it, I will have a blast. I debated between the Tiara and the Sweet Sixteen ( I think that is the one) And chose the Tiara due to a subsantial price difference for the same features and, in my opinion, quality!

yes, it has the stitch regulator. I know once I get the hang of it, I will have a blast. I debated between the Tiara and the Sweet Sixteen ( I think that is the one) And chose the Tiara due to a subtsantial price difference for the same features and, in my opinion, quality!

Solstice3, how exciting! I have purchased Leah Day's program. I recently ran across a blog by Wendy Sheppard which referred to the site "Ivory Spring" which has FMQ tutorial. While I haven't "studied" it a lot, I did like her designs

I have been researching the Tiara sit down and the HQ 16 sit down for awhile. I tried the Tiara and she was "sweet". The nearest HQ dealer to me is 2.5 hrs. away and I haven't found the time yet to make the trip. Did you try out both machines? If so, was the stitch quality comparable on both? Were they both the same as in ease of use? Could you elaborate on why you feel the Tiara was the better buy?

Thank you!
Sharon

Finally found the 2 links I was referring to in my previous message:

https://ivoryspring.wordpress.com/20...ng-machine-21/

https://ivoryspring.wordpress/2013/0...sewing-machine-45/

I second The Inbox Jaunt. Lori breaks down her designs to easy to understand steps.

I also suggest a white board. Practice your quilting with a dry erase marker-making sure not to put your elbow down. You want to teach your arms the motions, not your wrists. Let us see your progress!! And welcome to the wonderful world of machine quilting!

The pajama quilter

lLook at all mentioned then select the ones which speak to you. A very good friend loves Leah Day another cant get on with her. I think you need the one or more you are happy with.

The Sweet 16 and Babylock are the same machine, both are built by handiquilter so the quality is no different. Same machine, different branding.

As far as resources for FMQ designs the internet is chock full of it. I like Harriett Hargraves Heirloom machine quilting as a good resource to start showing you tricks and tips from making your sandwich to stabilizing the quilt with ditch stitching. The book is full of pictures and the back of the book has numerous continuous line designs to get you started. You can usually pick up one of the older version on Amazon for the price of shipping.

I assume that you didn't buy this from a dealer because they usually have classes to teach you about using your new machine. The two things I learn from Harriet Hargrave were these:

1. Find a comfortable speed that allows you to make a consistent stitch length similar to a DSM.

2. Don't focus at the needle but look ahead to where you want to go. I found it easier at first to follow a line or a stencil, then as your skills improve, then try it without a drawn line. Good Luck. It is just as any skill building takes time and practice.