Bearisgray, l teach fmq . Here's what l teach my students:
Have a basic plan before you start quilting! Our 2 hr. class starts off with 1 hr. of planning ( methods & ideas)
You can " preview" your ideas right on quilt by placing a large clear plastic sheet over it, and marking with erasable marker. Take photo, wipe off, try another design. ..etc.
Fmq means free motion...that doesn't mean you can't mark.
Minimal marking is best...with chalk or water/ air soluble marker, little tick marks or dashes, measured out...something to " aim at" so a row of repeated movements are evenly spaced. I often draw in the corner areas of a border or sashing. It gives you confidence while stitching to know exactly where to go.
If quilting a large design using a machine with small throat, it's easy to " get lost" while stitching. In this case, or in the case of whole cloth quilts, using chalk,or an air or water erase marking tool to draw out the design really is very helpful.
Last edited by stitch678; 05-10-2019 at 04:12 AM.