Whigrose

I am hoping someone can tell me how to free hand machine embroider.

I'm not looking to fill in designs, rather I want to outline them, such as when I do a small fusible applique. I have seen it done on a piece and was once told how to go about it, but I don't recall the process.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Best,
deb

Eva Knight

I've seen this before, but never tried it. I is somewhat like FMQ. Drop the feed dogs and move the material around or back and forth to get the look you want.

PaperPrincess

I have always seen it done like darning. Use a darning/FMQ foot and lower the feed dogs.

IrishgalfromNJ

I did a google search and found a few links. Here is the link to a youtube video that looks neat. (I can't turn the sound up because I'm at work).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBGUqJIz6_4

Dolphyngyrl

Terry White is phenomenal in this. She has 2 craftsy classes and a few books I believe. I haven't taken them but have seen here gorgeous quilts in person. Her I think won choice this year at road

ManiacQuilter2

I was curious so I watched the video. Looks like you should buy her book. It looks more like outlining and doodling than an actual embroidery. You would need very good FMQ skills.

bjchad

You have some good ideas already but don't forget to stabilize your piece. Depending on what you are doing you can use stabilizer made for the purpose ((tear off or dissolving or even Ricky Tims stable stuff) or a piece of thin batting that stays in the piece. The heavier the embroidery the more stabilization you need. Some folks also use a narrow embroidery hoop to help keep the piece flat.

QuiltE

When you speak of free hand machine embroidering .... is this one and the same as thread painting?

Whigrose

Thanks all for your input.

My computer is a bit old and I'm sure it needs some updates. It will play some videos and not other- the same for my I Pad. I was finally able to get a couple of videos to play, including one using a treadle!

Dropping the feed dogs, using a darning foot/FMQ foot and backing the fabric that will be stitched illustration all seem to be a must. After that, it looks pretty simple. And depending on the sewer's preference, a hoop might be used.

Thread painting-didn't know about this until I did a quick search. Definitely something I'm going to try!

Thanks everyone. I really do appreciate your responses.

Best,
deb in Maine