I'm a Slowpoke....speed on your mid/longarm
 

On my Tiara (I don't use a stitch controller) my top speed for doing FMQ is usually about 16, can go as low as 13 when using rulers or depending on what I'm doing. I got up to 18 when I was doing Figure 8's over an entire length of sashing. I thought I was a speed demon.

I watched a HandiQuilter video where the lady said she'll often reduce her speed "Way down to 30" when she uses rulers. Way down to 30? Then I read an article from Helen Godden where she said that most people who have trouble with FMQ are going too slow...they should set their machines at 30 and have a fast machine and slow hands. 30 again!

So, I'm just wondering...what speed do you set your machines at? Just curious...I'm not about to change anything because this works for me...but, am I the only one creeping along?

Watson

I go slow too, but I don't remember what I have the speed setting on.

I have mine set at 50 most of the time. I find that my FMQ is smoother. Its whatever your comfortable with.

Mine’s set at about the 3/4 point on the speed control. I tend to go fast, but have learned to really slow down when doing spirals or curved designs. I do use a stitch regulator.

No stitch regulator on my machine, so I need to keep my speed up for free motion and pantographs. Run at 60-65. However when I use rulers I need to slow down to 50; and even slower to 35 for SID

I quilt at 70 on my HQ16 free motion from the front of the machine, No SR and easy patterns. I quilt for myself and charity. I also do not do pantos. I had to go at a snail's pace for the one that I did.

I’m on a sweet sixteen and quilt about 35% when using rulers and up to 50% or 60% when doing full FMQ. Unless I’m using very fine thread and then I go down in speed. I don’t use a stitch regulator, but I also don’t always do pedal to the metal whatever the speed setting.

Hey Watson,
I have the HQ Sweet Sixteen ( same as your Tiara) and like you I don't have the stitch regulator (I tried one and didn't like it at all). When I'm doing ruler work I can be anywhere from 12 to 20 percent on my speed. I tend to go a little faster if I'm doing large scale FMQ -- maybe around 30-40 but if I'm doing any micro quilting FMQ fills then I'm usually between 20 and 30. So, no, you're not the only one who goes slow.

I think what Helen Godden is talking about is folks who are having trouble with tension around curves and direction changes or when they're trying to do smooth curves and instead are getting jagged curves, or are having problems getting good consistent stitch sizes. Folks who are having those kinds of problems may be able to fix them by speeding up their machines. But I'd say if you're happy with your stitch size, consistency and tension then you're doing it the right way for you.

Rob

I have HQ Sweet 16. My typical speed for FM is 36%. (No stitch regulator)

Ruler work is 28 to 30% depending on the ruler. I find if I up the speed, I start to get too tense through the shoulders and my back aches. 45 is ok it is just a meander.

Enjoy the process, it isn't a race.