Machine quilting woes!
 

I have been practising free motion quilting for the last couple of hours and have decided I am challenged when it comes to this. It's soooo frustrating! Either my stitches are too small , too close together or too long, then there is the needle jumping to the side when I have resumed quilting after readjusting the quilt. I have watched tutorials, read up on it and still don't get it. I am sooooo ticked I want to strangle something with a big piece of unwaxed dental floss!! Thank you for listening, I feel a bit better now.

If it's any comfort, it took me a ***lot*** longer than a couple of hours to achieve reasonable FMQ.

A lot of it is the old pradtice-practice-practice ... and then suddenly it clicks! :)

For your needle jumping ... when you stop, end with your needle down. That way your needle is stopped in the right spot.

QuiltE, I did have my needle down and it still jumped to the right- sheesh! I am thinking of just hand stitching my border or just doing some straight lines.....boring, I do that all the time!!

Most people can make it work except me. Can't relax. Good luck, it'll all work out.

Oh, I remember feeling exactly the same way a few years ago when I got my first long-arm. I was ready to throw the whole kit and Kaboodle out the window with frustration. I did finally figure out that, whether you are quilting with a sewing machine or a long arm, the key to making it work is just lots and lots and LOTS of practice. Don't be discouraged. It will come.

I could do a decent job FMQ but always had some micro stitches. I hated that so I bought my Bernina with Bernina Stitch Regulator. My FMQ has really improved and I can now do a pretty good job without it. I think the BSR is kind of FMQ training wheels.:D

I've had my needle jump, too, and it is very frustrating. To make sure it is in the right spot, raise the needle and slowly lower it. If it's not in the right spot, move the quilt ever so gently and lower the needle into the right spot. Be careful when you stop. I found I was moving the needle a little sideways, and that was why it jumped. Take a break. Quilting for several hours is wearing you out! LOL

I feel your pain!! I'm trying to learn to quilt with my Bernina - It does take a lot of practice - I can see improvement with each quilt though.

are you doing practice blocks? you should do some first to learn to relax first. slow movements with your hands help keep stitches the same and no jerky movements. of course I have fought with some quilts that just won't move for some reason. others do great. good luck!!