Buckeye Rose

When you make those practice sandwiches, make them a bit bigger....like fat quater size....they will be easier to handle and big enough to actually see how a design will look when done.....I would also try drawing a design on the fabric and try to follow the lines, maybe simple little loops/circles done over and over....it gets your brain to remember how and will be easier the next time.....and do some straight lines the length of the fabric to practice stitch length (the absolute hardest thing for me).....just remember that a couple hours of practice will not make you a long distance runner, so neither will it make you a master at fmq.....it takes lots of hours of practice.....last hint.....sometimes I will do a design upsidedown, it seems my brain works backwards (I start feathers with the bottom of the feather away from me and quilt towards me....crazy I know...but it works better for me).....HAVE FUN!!!!

michelleoc

Try not to compare yourself with others. The people on this board are so talented, when I see their completed projects I'm tempted to just give up. Make a bunch of quilt sandwiches to practice on. Compare against your previous attempts, I'm sure you are getting better. Then tell yourself "YAY ME!"

Quilts rock

QuiltE had a good point- the finger cots or gloves- I did think about that as my hands were slipping on the fabric at times, so will get me some of those. I will maybe even use some hospital gloves as they aren't too bulky.
thanks for all the hints, I am paying attention, lol!

QuiltE

FYI I did not like the Shoppers brand. The ones from my local drugstore (independent) had more tack/grip. They just came in small packages, though had a label on them about the large packs. When they priced them, I quickly ordered, as the priced worked out much less with the bulk pack.

I got a couple pairs of gloves when I was at the dentist to try, but have yet to do so.
If I like them, then I will buy a box from them.
They told me, if I wanted more stick/tack/grip, then to wash my hands with soap and water once I had them on.

ube quilting

It can take months just to get the feed of the quilt and needling to work together. Give it time and keep practicing on small (15") squares.

I can tell you the needle jumping when you start is due to the quilt being pulled by weight. Be sure that the area you are working on has no " drag weight". If there is the quilt will jump a little towards the area of stress and you will get a crooked sewing line.

Also take a few small stitches as you start sewing and bring the speed up slower. This may also help.

Hope this can be of some help.
peace

patchsamkim

It does take a lot of practice to get comfortable with FMQ...samples are good to learn on, but as soon as you feel ready, go on to something bigger....like a baby quilt. You will get a better feel for what it really is like to quilt a quilt...and a baby won't mind if the stitches aren't perfect. If you don't know anyone having a baby, donate the quilt to a good cause...like Project Linus.
Another tip is to put on some relaxing music...or something jazzy if that is something you prefer...the music will help to relax you to make it easier to fmq without so much effort.
Faster machine, slower hands...and keep practicing...you can do it!

Wintersewer

Same here. i admire those who can FMQ without it...which is most everyone...but I need the help. it is a crutch that I need.

Retired Fire Chief

Now I am really scared, the only quilting I have done is straight lines, stitch in the ditch, just outside stitch lines and following the pattern line (don't know what you call it, I following the outlines of a dresdan plate on a table topper). Now that I have my new machine that comes with a fmq foot I can try. I think it will take me a long, long time . I am going to try an idea I saw in a friends Fons and Porter magazine, it suggested practicing with a managable circle of scrap fabrics with batting, easier to turn and move before attempting larger pieces. Good luck, everyone says keep practicing so I will have to remember their support.

klgls

When I'm FMQing, I have to tell myself to relax and make sure I relax my shoulders. Goes much smoother that way. And I do get up at least once an hour and take a break. Helps much. Good luck!!

solstice3

Ifeel your pain... I am still at the bottom of the learning chain