I think np3 meant needle down. Feed dogs down is usually for free motion quilting.

You might want to check these videos on Youtube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7X7eMGCnv8g

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qlPEC...eature=related

Nice Dresden plate. Love the fabrics. :D

another suggestion--if you are trying to applique' a raw edge, it is easier to manage if you have a turned-under edge to work with. you can even baste it on to hold in place. use the method of sewing right sides together with interfacing (dryer sheet). sew your circle carefully, little stitches. cut around 1/4" & clip curves. slit dryer sheet in middle, turn all to outside,carefully, with wooden skewer or something blunt. get a good circle, press. applique'. you could use a blind stitch here or satin-stitch so your needle on the outside just drops off the fabric. sorry this is so wordy, can't think of how to shorten it. preparation is half the battle with circles.
use color to match circles or contrasting. matching hides any imperfections of stitching. you need close stitches.

Hey ! that video is great ! picture is worth a thousand words !! and it is the OUTSIDE of the circle for needle down.
thanks for suggesting this video. we all can learn more.

Thanks for the links, EasyPeezy. The first one was really helpful for me to understand the whole - stitch and pivot idea.

I have seen an attachment on a TV show that centers the fabric so the needle stays the same distance from the center of the circle and keeps the edge nice and clean. I don't remember what it's called, but maybe an internet search would turn it up.

Yep, here is one:

http://www.sewingmachinesplus.com/j-200-024-109.php

Darren

I always use a soft fusible. I draw a circle on the fusible, place it glue side to right side of fabric and use a small stitch and stitch on the line. Then I trim with pinking shears. Cut a small slit in the center of the fusible. then I turn it. I also stuff a small circle of batting in it to give it some dimension. I then use the iron to fuse it in place, then use the blanket stitch on the circle and on each petal to applique it down. You can use matching thread or, if you want an old timey look, use black thread.

I learned this method from Egg Money Quilts by Eleanor Burns.

Here is a video you can watch. Just choose Dresden Plate.
http://quiltinaday.com/theater/egg/egg1.html

That is very good for your first attempt :D:D:D
Stop with your needle down on the outside, make a few stitches, stop and turn often.
With all of the seams in the center, it could be why you were having a problem. Try putting stabilizer on the back, to make it smoother feeding through your feed dogs.

I've seen a video on this attachment and it looks so easy. I want one
but not sure if I could justify the cost. Here it would probably be
closer to $50.

Just practice, practice, practice. Stabilize some light colored fabric, pull out your lids, bowls, etc, draw them on the stabilized fabric and practice S l o w l y stitching and turning. You will be great in no time. Good luck!

yep, me too