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I have the 1475 and have been practicing FMQ for a few months now. My big breakthrough came when I read somewhere to leave your feed dogs engaged. If you have the darning foot at the presser foot half-way down it doesn't matter if they're not down. That way the machine has a pseudo stitch regulator of sorts. That's when I really saw an improvement, still not perfect but better. I also cut open the darning foot so I could see better. Just get that glass of wine, margarita, or martini, hook up your tunes and find you mojo. If I can do it, anybody can!
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Well, I don't feel so bad now. I thought surely that I was the most inept FMQer on planet earth.My first attempt about 7 yrs. ago is most likely the best job I did and it was the borders on the first full sized quilt I made. I used invisible thread because I was going to try meandering and I just knew I would cross a line and the quilt police would come get me. It came out pretty good, what I could see of it, LOL. Since then, my efforts are definitly not professional, believe me, but I keep plugging away. Have all the oddments you should have, slider, gloves, you name it, but results are sure not quilt show worthy. I also learned to slow the machine down to the turtle picture, that helps some. I will continue to try. I always start with great expectations, if nothing else.
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I feel you on this one. Wonder if there is something easy to begin with.
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When i stop i put the needle down.
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Originally Posted by tsdelvis
I'm using a Pfaff Creative 1471. I finally figured out the presser foot setting to use - it's surely not clear in the manual! :? I've scoured the internet sites and youtube for help with FMQ.
Basically they all pretty much say to practice every day for 2 years and you might eventually get the hang of it. I think you must also have to hold your tongue right, turn your fingers into rubber, and mindmeld with the machine. My hardest things to conquer are regulating speed, stitch length, and a wonky bobbin thread that wants to peek thru the top. Any hints or words of wisdom? |
Originally Posted by knlsmith
WINE machinger gloves WINE sharp needle WINE and don't forget to breath. Oh and sometimes WINE. lol Works for me everytime.
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Yes, Gal288, it is like rubbing your tummy and patting your head at the same time. I just need to do nothing else but practice, practice and practice.
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LOL Lots of good helpful hints. Practice isn't a word i like very much but will just have to get over it. Thanks for the help..
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Originally Posted by bailey
I use a 1471 as well and have just started doing FMQ. I practiced on the French Roses bed runner and by the end of doing that I think I have almost got the hang of it. If I can help with your machine just PM me. Took me a little while to figure it out too. I am not all that good at it but am comfortable doing it now.
There have been such great comments here - and funny ones. I'm going to try all the suggestions... also need to finagle some xanax and buy some wine and get some mellow music! |
I have to remember to breath! Now wouldn't ya just think that would be automatic? My FMQ isn't very good. But everyone I've given a quilt to loves it and thinks I am an artist. I never tell them anything different.
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tsdelvis! I have a Pfaff Tectronic 2040 and was just "practicing" FMQ. I was told by the woman that I take my Pfaff to for service to put the machine on "slow". I have that button, do you? This has helped me tremendously. As I was FMQing, I remembered someone told me to look ahead of the needled and NOT AT THE NEEDLE. When I did this it was 80% better. Whew! Glad I remembered that. I also learned from a video or someone on the Board to cut out the front of my quilting/darning foot. Mine has red marks on each side so I used a "cut off" tool (for jewelry) and cut out the front. What a difference! Couldn't believe that I could see that much better. Good luck. Let me know if you try these tips and if they work for you as I am a newbie with FMQ too. Yolanda Wood River
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Just watched the first vidio. Thank you this is what I needed.
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If you get a Bernina machine and buy the stitch regulator, free motion quilting is MUCH easier to do.
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The Fairy Dust is practice, practice, practice and going slowly at first. Try drawing out a pattern on paper so you get used to free designing. Make practice sandwiches and try different methods. You'll get it in no time!
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Some one once told me to buy a yard of a batic with a pattern on it and follow it with FMQ when you are done now you have a pre quilted piece to make a tote bag and you have practiced your FMQ
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quilting gloves
wine music and many breaks |
I just started FMQ. I drew the design on a piece of paper. When my mind wanders and start doing crazy things, I look at my design on the paper. After my mind says I can do this, I start again.
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Originally Posted by kaykwilts
Originally Posted by knlsmith
WINE machinger gloves WINE sharp needle WINE and don't forget to breath. Oh and sometimes WINE. lol Works for me everytime.
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Go to Leah Day's website and watch her tutes. If you have a laptop, set it up next to your sewing machine. That's what I did and it helped. I'm not an expert, but I have more confidence than before. If you don't know her site, just search with her name.
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Originally Posted by Maia B
It must be "try and cry" FMQ day. I've been making quilts for 20+ years, hand quilting and machine quilting straight lines only. So I have great machines with which to FMQ, I've read some recommended books, and I tried it early this morning. Hundreds of thousands of people do this, right? So no tension problems, no eyelashes, but it was just awful. I think everything is set just fine, because the stitch line is great except that it's jerky, ugly, and inconsistent. I could feel the thread's shame and disappointment at being involved. I can't trace a line, make any attractive shape, nothing nice at all. I sewed out a bobbin's worth on a 12"x 18" piece, which I then took directly to the rabbit cage to die the worst death any quilt can as a peed-upon chew rug. I went back to bed. Later, when I opened my thread drawer, the quilting weight threads were all cowering in fear. Even the piecing thread looked nervous. The worst of the whole story is that I was using the Bernina 440 with BSR, which is supposed to help, right? So I know it takes practice, but I'm pretty discouraged. It's also not AT ALL fun. Which is crazy, too...fabric :) + batting :) + thread :) + Bernina :))) = sad and sore like I did too much yard work.
OMG, I laughed until I cried reading this. You have a future in stand up if the FMQ defeats you. |
If you find that magic spell or fairy dust will you share with me? I keep on plugging at FMQ and I do see improvement, but that stitch length drives me crazy.
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Originally Posted by catrancher
Go to Leah Day's website and watch her tutes. If you have a laptop, set it up next to your sewing machine. That's what I did and it helped. I'm not an expert, but I have more confidence than before. If you don't know her site, just search with her name.
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I say do your small projects you can handle then find a shop that rents use of their long-arm machine. My shop charges $18 an hour and I just finished a big quilt in an hour and a half. Trust me, I have the same problem you have and this is the answer for me. Most quilts wouldn't take 2 hours to do on their big machine.
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Several of my friends took a class from Harriet Hargrove. They have become fabulous fmq. I however was not arround to take the class. I bought her book but I quess nothing beats the personal touch. I am with you wanting that fairy dust.
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you'll find your fairy dust in a glass of wine. I'm not Kidding! A little wine, start moving your brain in free motion patterns, then your head. While still in this fairy trance, sit down at your machine, and, voilla, magic.
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Originally Posted by catrancher
Originally Posted by Maia B
It must be "try and cry" FMQ day. I've been making quilts for 20+ years, hand quilting and machine quilting straight lines only. So I have great machines with which to FMQ, I've read some recommended books, and I tried it early this morning. Hundreds of thousands of people do this, right? So no tension problems, no eyelashes, but it was just awful. I think everything is set just fine, because the stitch line is great except that it's jerky, ugly, and inconsistent. I could feel the thread's shame and disappointment at being involved. I can't trace a line, make any attractive shape, nothing nice at all. I sewed out a bobbin's worth on a 12"x 18" piece, which I then took directly to the rabbit cage to die the worst death any quilt can as a peed-upon chew rug. I went back to bed. Later, when I opened my thread drawer, the quilting weight threads were all cowering in fear. Even the piecing thread looked nervous. The worst of the whole story is that I was using the Bernina 440 with BSR, which is supposed to help, right? So I know it takes practice, but I'm pretty discouraged. It's also not AT ALL fun. Which is crazy, too...fabric :) + batting :) + thread :) + Bernina :))) = sad and sore like I did too much yard work.
OMG, I laughed until I cried reading this. You have a future in stand up if the FMQ defeats you. |
ROLF, you guys are hilarious!! I am fairly new to quilting (less then 6 mths) & saving $ to buy a nicer machine that I can do FMQ (just now figured out what it stood for). After reading everyone's posts, I at least know what I am in for! Meanwhile I continue to stitch in the ditch...
Sue |
I don't know about fairy dust but $30,000 will get you a Gammill longarm quilting system with computerized quilting!
FMQ? I send mine out, I believe in supporting other quilters. lol |
You certainly have the sense of humor for this sort of thing... keep on keeping on, I guess. I'd listen to all these good people... they all seem to know what is the best!
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So nice to know it is not just me - I am persevering with the SID untlil I get more courage. I've made a 'wall hanging' (small) for my son in to practice and lots of little things to place warm pots on for the table for my friends - but I just can't follow a curve to save my life. Hoping the wine and fairy dust will help too ! I'm with you sister !
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If you locate the fairy dust send some my way please. Until then I will just stick to hand quilting or sending out to a laq.
ha ha. Donna |
I bought a book by Eva A. Larkin @ my local Joann's called "Free-Motion Quilting Made Easy" and it has been a real help for me. Lots of instructions with pictures and tips. You'll still have to practice, but her tips may relieve some of the stress. Joann's had their books on sale for 30% off, so the price wasn't too bad and I think it was worth every penny!
Good luck! Carol :lol: :mrgreen: |
Originally Posted by Sewing Joe
I finally gave up tried hand quilting. Much less frustrating for me...
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Originally Posted by mommamac
I feel your pain!!
Have you seen these video? I've only watched the first 2 but she is easy to listen to and demonstrates well http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39I5A...layer_embedded Marysewfun :lol: |
Have any of you tried sitting at the end of your machine, as if sitting in front of your machine, the turn it a quarter turn and quilt from the end. I have not tried this but remember reading about it somewhere and was wondering how it works for you.
If I'm low on fairy dust,no wine or Xanax available, snowed in (yes we are in a winter advisory area) and was never able to master learning to play piano, is there any hope I can learn to FMQ? |
I just know that if a certian herb would become legal I would make brilliant designs! :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :shock: :shock:
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It's called Xanax and a margarita....totally agree!!! I keep thinking I will try again this summer but then maybe not! Handquilting was a natural but for some reason fmq is just not my thing. I so admire all the gorgeous fmq I see on this board and think...maybe I was standing behind a door when fmq skills were being handed out.
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This thread came in really handy and I realised I'm not alone! I'm very new to MQ and currently only doing SID for a single-sized quilt. I reckon I would have to move to FMQ for the borders once I'm done with the SID. Any advice on what FMQ designs to use for the borders for a beginner? I have an outer border of 4.25" and 2 inner borders of 1.5". Just the thought of doing FMQ really freaks me out! So far, I've only tried on practice quilts and well....they look horrible and uneven! I know it's the speed I need to improve upon and really dread to think about how I could maneuver a huge single-size quilt, when I couldn't even manage a practice quilt :(
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If you use the Magic Genie bobbin washers, they will help with the bobbin thread showing.
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I feel your pain. Recently purchased a pre-owned Pfaff 7570 and had a devil of a time FMQing a tablerunner. It was like a wrestling an alligator around a bathtub. I could have pieced a full-sized quilt in the same time!
Your comment about the instruction manual was spot on - it could use some tweaking. I wonder if it was written in German and then translated or written by someone whose native tongue is German. Anyway, a friend gave me a can of silicone spray which I used on my thread (which, to top things off was a metalic) and I used a pair of latex gloves. When I spritzed the spool of thread some of the overspray got onto the machine bed. That helped too, a lot, but I was hesitant to just apply it to the machine bed just willy nilly. Makes me wonder if I want to send the $$$ on that silicone sheet. |
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