I am always afraid to free motion on a project that I am working on and ruining it. I am a bit of a perfectionist. My mom taught me to rip it out if it wasn't perfect. I have tried working on just muslin but I could end up with a king size quilt and have nothing to show for it. Last week I made myself a tote bag from a pattern on Moda Bake Shop. I wanted to quilt it free motion. I took out the stitches 2 times. I referenced a book put out my Sulky called Weekend quilting by Sulky. There is a wall hanging in book where they show a different style of quilting in each square. It was like a light bulb moment for me. I tended to look at the large quilt it self and not block by block. I went on to quilt my bag which I visually divided into 4 sections. My bag turned out realy nice and I didn't have long loopy stitched. The book says to sew at a slow to med speed. I put on some music and let it set the rythm. I am ready to start another project.

I practice on 'crumb' blocks. I do the blocks quilt- as- you- go and practice the FMQ on them. I plan to put the blocks together with narrow sashings to make a quilt.

I have FMQ'd with the feed dogs up and it worked just fine because the darning foot doesn't put much down pressure on the fabric.

I would buy some panels or busy large print fabric and practice around the printed designs. They are always cute and a non-quilting person will never know your mistakes and will love the lap quilt, table runner, pot holder or wall hanging you made. By finishing them, It also gives you the feeling of accomplishment and the practice binding them that I know I need.

I would check into ordering a new book for the machine. Be sure when you are purchasing a quilting foot that it is for machine quilting and not a 1/4" foot. A good way to practice FMQ is to practice on paper first. It helps the brain remember the motion you are trying to achieve.

I practiced on a couple of pieces of poly/cotton I had lying around. Then I just put in a couple of tops made from crumbs and started quilting. They aren't perfectly quilted, but work great for picnics and camping.

I would check into ordering a new book for the machine. Be sure when you are purchasing a quilting foot that it is for machine quilting and not a 1/4" foot. A good way to practice FMQ is to practice on paper first. It helps the brain remember the motion you are trying to achieve.[/quote]

Wow, I like the paper idea also. only wasting thread (not other consumables).

I got a 1/4 inch foot and darning foot for my little Brother CS4000 at a LQS that handled Brothers. They had both the brand name and generic feet and actually recommended the generic saying that it worked fine and was 1/2 the price. I also downloaded a manual (for free) for my machine from online, before I got my machine.

Thanks, I knew that didn't sound right , but my minds eye and words didn't connect. :oops: :-D

Exactly what I was going to say. Even for the cat cages so they aren't on the metal floors of the cages.

I also practice on my Project LInus quilts. The children who get them never complain. They just snuggle up and hug their blankies. No waste of fabric then.