ca2jo

I am about to embark on my first free motion project, I am going to work a large meandering stitch on a quilt top but am unsure of how to proceed.

1. Do I divide the quilt top into sections and fill each section in?

2. Do I start at the top and just work across the quilt in "rows"

3. Same as 2 but working down the length of the quilt.

Any suggetsions would be most welcome.
Thanks

Carol in the UK

erstan947

I'm not very experienced but I start in the center and work out. Someone more experienced may have better information for you:)

ca2jo

Thanks for the quick reply, it would make sense to start in the middle.

featherweight

I try to divide the quilt into qtrs. I kind of puddle the quilt instead of rolling. Some like to roll the quilt but it seems to get in my way. I use quilting gloves to help move the quilt. I try to take breaks quite often so I don't get into a hurry and have to remove stitches. Take your time and you will do fine. Best of luck. It is a gratifing feeling to get it finished.

wannaquilt1

check out this site http://www.daystyledesigns.com/freem...ltingintro.htm

she has lots of info and videos and shows you how to break up your quilt into 4 sections to make it easier. I spent lots of time here before I was brave enough to try my 1st quilt and I'm having so much fun with FMQ now :)

pnptrapp

Just remember to keep your pace steady! That's what I struggle with the most. Also double check your tension. I always have trouble with my bobbin tension for quilting on my domestic!

skippitydodahquilts

Check your tension on a practice piece.

Divide your project into quarters, sixths, eighths, whatever works for you.

The faster you go, the better. As in, motor speed. Lay the pedal to the metal ;).

I just did my first FMQ project (I normally quilt on a longarm) and I used something called the Supreme Slider. It's a piece of sticky vinyl type material that goes on the bed of your machine and reduces the drag to almost nothing. I highly recommend this product because it made my movements more fluid and easier to work with.

I use these gloves with grippers on the palms and fingers. You can find them at any hardware store for like $7 US. It makes it much easier to move the quilt around and won't tire your arms as much.

I've found that where you start doesn't really matter. I use spray baste, and I've found that I don't really need to work from the inside out because when I baste, I eliminate all wrinkles and there is no shifting of the layers with spray baste.

Hope this helps ;). I'm no expert, but that's been my experience.

carslo

I have found for myself that working from the outside to the inside works best - I haven't run into any trouble yet and have done up to a generous queen size this way. As soon as I have the first outside done, I cut off all the excess backing and batting to cut down on the weight. I have switched to Hobbs 80/20 batting also to cut down on the weight. I use gloves and I spray baste! * I always pratice first on a square*

God'sCrissie

I learned to start in the middle and quilt out, but over the years, I've learned that if it's basted (pin basted, spray basted or hand basted) very well, it really doesn't matter. I try to do one block at a time, because that's what I can spread open under my machine. practice on a quilt "sandwich" for about 10 minutes before you get to your "good" pc, get all the kinks out. Write your name, do stars, squiggles, etc. At first, we all go slowly, but try to gain speed- it makes stitches less jerky and makes smoother circles/ curves. I say to go as fast as you can and still breathe! It's foot-hand coordination. pedal goes fast and hand speed matches. You can always rip it... Carol Taylor has a fantastic book with exercises to practice. Good luck! Welcome to quilting 301!

ca2jo

Thank you all for your help and suggestions for fmq. Lots of different things to try before I start on my quilt.

I am going look at the online videos and try to get Carol Taylor's book.

I am hoping it's a like riding a bike, once you have mastered it you never forget how to.

Thanks
Carol

If I ever get the quilt finished I will post a photo!!