Would like to learn FMQ! How??
 

How do I get started learning free motion quilting? Looking specifically for something on-line or books that are helpful. i am not sure there is a class in my area - even if there was I don't have the time with my little ones.


I have a machine that I can drop the feed dogs and a FMQ foot. My mom gave me a 10 minute demo - but she has left again. I would love to start on the right foot with some helpful hints and technique.

THANKS!

I used this book to teach myself:
http://www.amazon.com/Heirloom-Machi...dp/1571202366/

It was very helpful.

Try craftsy site for tutorials also YouTube .

Just jump in there girl! I taught myself by watching youtube too...other than that just make up some practice sandwiches and don't give up til you get it. The first time I tried it, I didn't think I could ever do it just right and after about 5 new tries, did my very first quilt all by myself with leaves all over it...no stopping me now!

Google Leah Day and follow along with her FMQ lessons.

Craftsy actually just put this class on sale for Easter; 19.99. You can also check out Leah Day's website. Which by the way is now a teacher at Craftsy.

I have taken the Craftsy class and it is pretty good. Now I just need to practice. I really like the Craftsy classes and have taken several including the free ones!!

Leah Day is great for free tutorials. Jenny at Missouri Star has a tutorial on the website, free. Just remember to practice, practice, practice!!! Like other posters said google it and you'll come up with a lot of resources.

Nancy's Notions youtube videos are great also.

I am also hoping to teach myself FMQ - so I'll be checking back for more ideas and resources !

Craftsy classes, patience, and practice....

LEAH DAY is my hero !!! Daystyledesigns.com i belive

Drawing your design ad nauseum really helps. I learned my Fmq by practicing on 144 rag quilt blocks. Small enough to handle, and I'd it is not perfect who cares, it is a rag quilt. I backed my blocks with muslin and quilted them with muslin side up so that I can see what I am doing. I also used a contrasting thread. Nothing beats practice!

There's a Craftsy class on sale today. I bought it - I think it's going to help a lot! But I think the real key is practice and patience. It's not easy! But I think it can be conquered.

I bought a new book the other day that appears to be very good in FMQ. The Title is "Free-Motion Quilting Made Easy" by Eva Larkin. Most of the book deals with quilting motifs with basic shapes. However, the information in the beginning is thorough and clear. The author deals with the basics of machine quilting. Check it out if you can find a copy It might be useful to you.

Have you tried youtube already? There are tons of videos...that way you can really SEE what is being done...

Leah Day have the best free tutorials.

I have the same goal as you. I'm a returning quilter who took a 10 year break and appreciate all the answers. I was just getting the hang of FMQ before I went on my long break. I did buy the Craftsy class today and hope that will give me the push I need to regain some skill.

As so many others have already said - Leah Day. Thanks to Leah's blog posts I finally overcame the fear and despair that had come to accompany every attempt at FMQ - she explains clearly, both on video and in words, and always emphasises that it's supposed to be FUN!

All good ideas here, also check out free you tube from Patsy Thompson (not sure it's spelled right) She was very helpful along with many of the others already mentioned. I'm just learning myself and using all of these resources.

I needed this to. Thanks for starting it.

My friend and I took a class many years ago. We were told to bring 3 15" quilt sandwiches. After teaching us about correct posture ( bent elbows should be even with bed of machine, which means either raising a chair or lowering the machine), we put on our gloves and began. On the first one we were to write our name in cursive with the machine a few times. Next we moved on to tracing a design on one and following the design with the machine stitching. We did many exercises like this using straight lines, curved lines, etc. We next tried the stippling. By then we were feeling pretty comfortable moving the fabric. After the class, we practiced at home a little more before beginning on a quilt. After that, without sounding like I'm bragging, both my friend and I can do beautiful free motion quilting.

As an aside, after I got a frame and a long arm, the free motion was so easy for us, and the ones who never learned it sitting down first have had a much harder time learning how to free motion.