Go Back  Quiltingboard Forums > Main
Is there some magic spell or fairy dust that'll help with free motion quilting? >

Is there some magic spell or fairy dust that'll help with free motion quilting?

Is there some magic spell or fairy dust that'll help with free motion quilting?

Old 03-11-2011, 05:10 PM
  #11  
Senior Member
 
lisalisa's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Queen of California Baby
Posts: 509
Default

a good piece of advise I got was to draw the design out first to so you create the muscle memory. People learn by repetition. The idea there is to repeat it so much with pen and paper so that when you start quilting your hands will naturally follow that same motion.

I'm with you though, it's been one of the toughest things I've ever tackled. I'll get there by golly.
lisalisa is offline  
Old 03-11-2011, 05:10 PM
  #12  
Senior Member
 
quilter1943's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Edgewater, FL
Posts: 924
Default

I love this! Maybe it wouldn't have taken me so long to learn.
Originally Posted by jdiane318
It's called Xanax and a margarita.
quilter1943 is offline  
Old 03-11-2011, 05:13 PM
  #13  
Senior Member
 
quiltnmom's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: New Bern, NC
Posts: 515
Default

Originally Posted by jdiane318
It's called Xanax and a margarita.
I love this! ROFLOL! I have my grandson's quilt all sandwichedd and ready to go do some FMQ but... it intimidates me.
A grown woman, intimidated my some fabric.
quiltnmom is offline  
Old 03-11-2011, 05:15 PM
  #14  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: in retirement
Posts: 1,513
Default

It's like patty your head and rubbing your belly at the same time!

Practice is the answer, sorry to say.

Adjust your tension if the thread is popping up, usually one click at a time until it stops.

Slow the speed down on your machine if you have that capability, if not, then rest your foot half off the petal so you can't press fully and that may help to slow down the speed.

I have always found it easier to move sideways when fmq, I seem to be able to coordinate the movement easier. So experiment, see what works for you to enable to keep the stitches even. We all have a different coordination system, so what works for one, may not work for another.

Good luck, stay with it, it is worth the effort. Once you master it, you can pick up the speed, so don't feel like you have to be a speed demon at first. Speed comes later. Right now focus on the stitch evenness.
gal288 is offline  
Old 03-11-2011, 05:17 PM
  #15  
Member
 
scrappydoo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 64
Default

I feel your pain. I've been practicing for what seems like forever to FMQ. Here are a few things that I have found to help:

If your machine has a speed adjustment, set it at a comfortable speed (for me that's pretty slow).

For those peeking bobbin threads, try adjusting the top tension a smidge lower so the top thread isn't pulling your bobbin thread to the top.

Take the curves slower, on my machine this is where I get "eyelashes", by slowing down I have cut down on the eyelash effect.

And finally, don't clench your teeth. I literally have to sew with my mouth open so I don't clench my teeth. This helps me stay relaxed so I don't go nuts and start sewing at supersonic speeds.

Hope this helps!
scrappydoo is offline  
Old 03-11-2011, 05:18 PM
  #16  
Super Member
 
0tis's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Northern California
Posts: 2,644
Default

Yes, I would love some of that fairy dust please - I have a difficult time with FMQ - and I have a longarm - its frustuating to me - I envy those on here that are so good at it.
0tis is offline  
Old 03-11-2011, 05:23 PM
  #17  
Senior Member
 
debp33's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Idaho
Posts: 583
Default

If you do find that fairy dust I'll buy some from you! :lol:
debp33 is offline  
Old 03-11-2011, 05:35 PM
  #18  
Junior Member
 
PAMAR's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Chester County., PA
Posts: 156
Default

I have only been fmq-ing for about 9 months. In addition to the above suggestions (the best being to practice, practice, practice), a seasoned quilter told me to make sure to "puddle" the fabric around the needle. In other words, create a nest with the fabric bunched up on the flat surface around the needle to take the pressure off.

My fmq-ing isn't perfect, but this suggestion really helped.
PAMAR is offline  
Old 03-11-2011, 05:38 PM
  #19  
Super Member
 
mizkyp's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 1,020
Default

I'll take some fairy dust too. I keep telling myself it cant be this difficult. I keep practicing and one day it will work.
mizkyp is offline  
Old 03-11-2011, 05:47 PM
  #20  
Super Member
 
katier825's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: FL
Posts: 7,084
Default

Originally Posted by jdiane318
It's called Xanax and a margarita.
Too funny!

Seriously, it does just take practice. There were some things I wasn't good at, so I kept working on the ones I was good at, like loops and swirls. Then I moved on to other shapes. Now I'm pretty comfortable. Still haven't attempted feathers on anything but practice sandwiches, but do see myself doing it on a real quilt before too long.

Don't worry about perfection. Once the quilt is washed it will shrink up and pucker a bit. The things you worry about likely won't even be noticeable. Relax and enjoy it!
katier825 is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
daisey
Pictures
71
10-11-2011 05:41 PM
kellen46
Links and Resources
11
05-23-2011 09:08 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


FREE Quilting Newsletter