Who knew....
 

that sewing straight lines was so hard! I'm new to quilting anything other than in the ditch. I had NO idea that quilting a straight line is nigh to impossible!

I was so excited to get my new sewing machine, a Babylock Crescendo. And even more excited to finally get a project to the "ready to be quilted" stage.

Being a newbie to this, I foolishly thought that I could follow the seams and quilt 1/4" from the seam lines. What a dumb idea!!! The lines were all wavy, but I didn't really realize that until I was all done.

I also didn't know to increase the tension slightly, nor did I realize that I needed to lengthen the stitch length slightly. Argghhhh!!

Ok. So now I know those things. I also got the courage to switch over to the Muvit foot, which helped tremendously. I didn't want to mark the quilt, so ended up finding some 1/4" quilter's tape that seems to be working well. I've also learned to pay very close attention to any drag possibilities. I didn't really notice that the first time around.

Off to sit on the deck and pick out the original quilting. There's something calming about it, actually. :)

Hang in there! Sometimes, there's no substitute for experience.

Did ou try using a walking foot with a bar? If you want them closer together, you could use the presser foot as a guide and move the needle to far left. Hope this makes sense.

Hang in there Nana,I'm very new to this also and after many mistakes I finally made a small sample sandwich and practiced my straight lines and found the right tension, (yes, had to increase it to 8 from 4). Practice makes perfect.

bjgallent...I started out using the presser foot as a guide. Apparently that's not gonna work for me until I get some more experience under my belt. I also think that my seams were not as straight as I thought they were. They look fine, big picture. They look fine until you add the detail of stitching next to them. I guess I just wasn't being careful enough.

The Muvit foot doesn't have a bar, and I haven't looked at the walking foot. I don't remember even getting a walking foot with the machine. I think I only have the Muvit foot. I've been too chicken to try anything with moving the needle, but that sounds like a possible solution. I'll try that tonight.

I think I should take a beginner's class for quilting. I didn't think it was going to be all that hard! I have a whole new appreciation for those whole cloth quilts that I've seen!!

I mark my quilt for straight lines. I can stay straight sewing on a line but will wobble if trying to use a guild line like the edge of the foot or seam line.

I have always used a walking foot and the little bar(guide) you attach to the pressure foot and is adjustable for whatever width you want. For crosshatching I would start in the center and stitch diagonally on the quilt, then go to the next row and so forth. I would stitch from the center out on each side.

If you mean it's hard to keep a consistent straight line there are several tricks to help. Here's one:

Jan in VA

I would think that Baby Lock has a 1/4" flange guide foot available. The flange is that little metal guide thingy on the right side of the foot.

I have one for my machines, though a different brand, which I have used for years. Love it.

I got the 1/4" foot for the Baby Lock and it works GREAT. I have the one with the flange and it does not give a true 1/4" seam, so beware - but the regular one does.

This proves you are not a quitter. Yes, taking out can be calming if you don't pick a hole in something.

Jan, you are always so helpful. I learn something from your posts every time. Tools, tools, tools--that is the key.

After all these years, I finally got one of those last month.

Don't be too hard on yourself if you are new to quilting. Practice helps and it has taken trial and error for each of us to get where we are today and where we will be tomorrow When quilting a sandwiched quilt a walking foot makes a world of difference. When stitching straight lines I use a piece of copy paper cut to the width I need and then place one edge against the seam and stitch along the other edge. I also use this method when stitching across a block and move it from from to block across the quilt. If I stitch into the paper I just through it away and cut a new piece of paper. Now that there are rulers for quilting you could use a ruler edge and do the same thing.

I wasn't expecting ideas....just was venting. You guys are the best!

Blue painters tape is great for marking straight lines.

Did you use a walking foot or does this machine have a built in one. I usually use a Clover Hera marker
http://www.joann.com/clover-hera-marker/9620873.html
and than I can follow the line. It is a process for each quilter to find what works best for them.

I have to remind myself not to watch the needle. That almost always gets me in trouble. You have to keep your eye on the edge of the presser foot, or the marking on the metal plate, or some other place, just not the needle.

I use blue painter's tape too. Couldn't quilt without it! :) (I put it on the fabric and sew along the edge of the tape. It is the only way I can do straight lines, unless I am doing SID.)

Dina

Nana - that's why I use curvy, wavy lines! They look interesting and don't have to be straight!

Jan - so that's how you keep the notepad on!! Makes more sense now!

I cannot sew straight to save my life. Some days I find it very discouraging but I am also very inexperienced. So, I'm here to lend support and I have to say I LOVE these ideas! I cannot wait to incorporate them this weekend.

Nothing like experience for learning how to do - or not do - things.

Experience
 

I still can't get used to the idea that the majority of persons on this board are "machine" quilters. The only things I machine quilt are the Linus blankets I make. I realize that they will probably be washed to death. I am a died in the wood "hand quilter". It can be totally portable and something I can do while watching TV and sharing time with my family and even friends. I use everything from a lap hoop to a full size stand alone quilting frame. I recommend that everyone at least give it a try.

We all started out as novices to quilting, and sometimes it's a learning process; however, to me that's the best part, learning a new skill and then improving on it. Congratulations on your new sewing machine and happy quilting.

I have to look a few inches in front of the needle to keep a straight line

what is a Muvit foot?

Being a robotics engineer, I can't imagine anyone spending time with a needle and thread. Machines do it so much faster and nicer. I spend my TV time working on my computer making up new quilting patterns for my QBot. I do own a needle... it's for burying threads after I cut them off from my quilting. BTW, I am just teasing... you quilt away ms. speedy2

tim in san jose

You should check out the Craftsy class by Jacquie Gering about quilting with a walking foot. It has many inspiring ideas. One of them is to use blue painter's tape as a guideline to sew next to.

.....and what is a Muvit foot?

It's a digitally controlled foot. It has a little rubber belt that helps move the top fabric smoothly.

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&r...+foot+babylock