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-   -   Spiral FMQ help (https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/spiral-fmq-help-t279011.html)

bigsister63 05-29-2016 06:38 AM

IMHO it looks good. I do my own FMQ and do SID and meandering. I do not know how people do fancy FMQ on a large quilt on a domestic machine. I have enough trouble SHOVING my 80x90 sandwiched quilt thru let alone trying to shove it while doing "fancy" stitches. Whoever told you doing your own FMQ is easy is crazy!!!!!!

PS. I use spray basting rather than pinning and it really makes the quilt lighter and easier to shove thru the machine neck.

Watson 05-29-2016 08:05 AM


Originally Posted by Ellen 1 (Post 7562359)
Are you using a Longarm or a domestic? Try speeding up a little bit. Circles/spirals are more smooth if you don't go too slow.
Ellen

I'm using a domestic.
If I go faster, I lose my stitch length....always something. (And yet on paisleys, I can go like crazy...)
Watson

MadQuilter 05-29-2016 08:42 AM

One thing you could do is practice more by doodling on paper. That creates muscle memory and once you can do them in different sizes with a consistent distance on paper, go back to the machine. The other thing - if you want points at the very end, you need to actually stop before you go back. Just keep practicing. How about matching the thread to the fabric color? Then the inconsistencies won't be so noticeable and you are more apt to give yourself permission to soldier on.

Grace creates 05-29-2016 09:14 AM

They look pretty good, with practice you get better. I have difficulty with getting round pebbles, it's just not my thing.

annette1952 05-29-2016 10:21 AM

I think you are doing great. It does take lots of practice for sure. I'm not very good at FMQ but I watch a lot of videos & have several books & I get better all the time. Still I have a long way to go. I think drawing the lines on your practice piece & following them is a great way to get the hang of it. Then try without the lines. Also use a thread that matches to hide any errors. Also for the backing use a print or a busy fabric to hide any errors. I wouldn't use a solid color backing to start out with. Another way is with the new rulers they have out now for domestic machines. They are pricey but you can just keep adding on to your collection of rulers over time. There are all kinds of tips & techniques on beginning FMQ on you tube. The possibilities are endless. I think practice though is #1. Just make up a whole bunch of little quilt sandwiches & practice. I also practice first on a dry erase board or you can just use paper. I'm just passing on some info I find helpful. I am, by no means, good at FMQ yet. I can meander pretty good but that is about it. So I practice a lot on motifs & especially feathers. I don't think I'll ever be able to do a decent feather! lol Just have fun & you will get better all the time. Keep some of your practice pieces & check them out in 6 months with your new practice pieces. You will be surprised!

crb45 05-29-2016 12:16 PM

I think that looks great! I'd be quite satisfied if I could do that.

leighway 05-29-2016 03:25 PM

These look great...all you have to do is relax and enjoy the fact that you're being creative...it will just start to flow from your hands.


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