How I FMQ
 

I am not talented enough to attempt FMQ with my domestic machine, so I have found a crutch that works for me. First I tried buying patterns and using the pounce method with chalk. The chalk rubbed off too quickly and the chalk presented a dry cloth that the needle did not want to go thru. So I now print off patterns on computer on tissue paper, pin it in place, and generally only do borders. It is probably a few more steps than needed, but I have some visual problems and this works for me. Just sharing for anyone who struggles with FMQ [ATTACH=CONFIG]540504[/ATTACH]

and here is is what it looks like with paper removed
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That's a great idea. Nice work

I like your idea, but sewing through the paper didn't work for me. I print the design and post it on the wall in front of my machine so I can look up at it any time. It really helps keep me on track. Pinning probably works better for border designs where scale is more critical, but I mostly do free motion pantograph style.

p.s. I like your attic windows.

I have struggled with getting more complex patterns marked before quilting, so this sounds very interesting. However, I might have a problem with the English language... What kind of paper is that exactly? What I would call "tissue paper" is what I use to blow my nose, so I don't think that should work... (and it doesn't look like what you show in the picture). "Tissue paper" seems to be something else in North America... Can anyone help me out here? :o

you are right, tissue paper is what you blow your nose with. What I should have said is Tracing paper and I get it at a business supply store. Hope that clarifies it for you. Sorry about that

I think it's a great idea. One of my biggest problems with FMQ is where do I go next.

Tissue paper is also the "stuffing paper or wrapping paper you use on gifts. I always use Tissue Paper in gift bags to "cover" the gift. The trouble with the English language is that there are too many meanings for the same word. Gets confusing. However I love your idea as I am FMQ challenged. LOL

Me too. I get into a corner and "then what". I have to make my design smaller to get back or I have to travel in a straight line to get out of the spot and somehow the design that I "see" in my mind becomes distorted.

What a neat idea!

I'm a noob at FMQ. When I did my last quilt, I just sort of followed the print or did wavy lines to oppose stripes, leaf veins, loops and whirls and lots of stippling if I couldn't figure out what to do next. I went piece by piece and as I progressed I started to venture out on two or three pieces at a time doing kind of a flowery petal fan thing.

Stencils are great if FMQ is intimidating though, especially for borders and bare spots where blocks meet.

Thanks for the clarification! I think I now know what kind of paper you're talking about. Will have to try that with my next quilt!

WARNING. I actually did use this method once. It was recommended to me, and I thought it was a good idea. I used it in the dark coloured sashing of a quilt. HOWEVER....the tiny bits of paper never came out! Now you need to know that some of my stitches were quite small, as a beginner stitch length was not something I was good at. ANd I thought it was not a problem because I thought this thin paper would disintegrate in the wash. After 10-20 washes the paper bits remain. Because the fabric was dark and the paper white, it looks horrible.

[QUOTE=fatquarters;7437626]WARNING. I actually did use this method once. It was recommended to me, and I thought it was a good idea. I used it in the dark coloured sashing of a quilt. HOWEVER....the tiny bits of paper never came out! Now you need to know that some of my stitches were quite small, as a beginner stitch length was not something I was good at. ANd I thought it was not a problem because I thought this thin paper would disintegrate in the wash. After 10-20 washes the paper bits remain. Because the fabric was dark and the paper white, it looks horrible.[/QUOT

I had that same problem when I first did it, but am getting better with my stitch length. And now I just fold paper over stitching, press with fingernail and it comes off pretty easy. Still pick out with tweezers where stitching is tight and then use wide painters tape to pick up fine pieces of paper

Depending on what design I want, I use Golden Threads paper to do the same thing. I do like that it comes on a roll so I have a better choice on size. I don't use it all the time because I think it is kind of expensive.

Thanks for the warning! So that means it would be good to make the stitch length longer? I would have thought it would be easier to get all the paper out with smaller stitches...

I've done the tissue paper method that I had to pick out with tweezers, and the soluble stabilizer method that I scraped off with a butter knife. Both can be messy but it does help with following the line.

I like to use the rolls of paper that my chiropractor uses under my head on her table. Nice & thin, and I can see through it to place it on the quilt.

looks great!!!

Your finished quilting shows that your process works really well. I, too, was disappointed at how quickly and easily my chalk marks vanished, especially after hours spent getting them on the quilt top. Thanks for your suggestion!

hey, it works great!

This method works for me too

Thanks for the idea. When sewing through paper, I usually use an old pattern, cut into 8 1/2x11 pieces, taped to a sheet of printer paper. Goes through the printer, and tears off really easily.

If you lightly mist your fabric before you use the chalk, it will stay on better.

That idea has been around for almost two decades. There is even a company that has them pre-printed.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/BORDERS-MADE...3D171723190117
When I enlarge or shrink a quilting stencil, I use tracing paper to pin to the quilt. You can do multiple layers by letting your machine without thread following the pattern making little holes in the tracing paper that you can follow. Glad you found something that works for you.

Thanks for sharing, I really need help in this area!

Love your method, I will definitely be trying it.

Great way to mark and do FMQ!

I use baking paper (what you put on the trays in the oven with biscuits on) I lightly draw on the design with a pencil, not too hard otherwise it will come off onto the thread, and I use a longer stitch. Tears off easily.

I meant to say i use a tailors pencil. Not lead.

Looks good, too. Mission accomplished!

Great idea! My goal this year is to learn more FMQ. I am practicing a lot drawing on paper & checking out tons of you tube videos. I am working on feathers right now. Lots of practice for sure.

I do this but use parchment paper like you use in baking. It is transparent like tissue paper but a bit stronger so doesn't rip as much when I'm wrestling the top through the machine but still tears away easily once I've sewn my pattern. I do sections at a time, the width of the paper.

I say, whatever works for you (me) is just dandy and fine.

Smart idea. I'll give this a try as I'll be quilting a child size charity quilt soon. I like practicing on smaller pieces, and busy moms won't look too closely. Baby doesn't care either.

I, too, use the paper that doctors use to line their tables, like Dungeonquilter. It comes in a huge roll and I bought it at a local quilt shop for $5 a few years ago. It is a tissue about the quality of Golden Threads.
Thanks for the reminder Tartan.

sure. tissue paper is also a paper that is very thin. it is usually a white paper used to cover gifts for a present for birthdays, christmas and the like. However, it is so thin, that you can actually sew through. I hope this helps you out. You can find it at any dollar store, or walmart. You might be able to find it online. Just check your local 5 and dime store.

thanks for the tips ya'll. my goal too, is to learn FMQ.

Good idea and your quilting is lovely.

Very ingenious! I'm going to try that! Thanks for sharing!

Re: paper removal. I use a flat white artist's eraser and rub across the remaining paper caught in the stitches. Works like a charm for me. I have also used "Press and Seal" to draw designs on, using a Frixion pen. The plastic wrap "sticks" to the fabric (tho I still pin at the corners) and is transparent enough to center on a block or border. I also use the eraser to remove.