FMQ - it "clicked
#1
FMQ - it "clicked
I had become decent, but not proficient at FMQ on "quilting round 1" when I was quilting 15 year ago, then I took a 10 year quilting break. I started on "quilting round 2" about 3 years ago, but I've been doing mostly straight like quilting on the things I've done.
I made a quilt top that is for me, so it felt safe to work on my FMQ, plus I took a Craftsy class from Leah Day and wanted to practice on something "real". I've been using a meandering loop de loop type of quilting, except for some square in a square quilting in the random squares in the design. I've finished the interior and did straight lines on the border (feeddogs engaged) tonight, then I started the FMQ on the border. After about 20 minutes in the border it suddenly "clicked"! I was able to increase my speed and keep my stitch length fairly consistent and not quilt myself into a place I couldn't get out of easily. I just had to share with those who understand!
Constructive criticism welcome. I know the stitch length isn't 100% consistent and that will just take practice.
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I made a quilt top that is for me, so it felt safe to work on my FMQ, plus I took a Craftsy class from Leah Day and wanted to practice on something "real". I've been using a meandering loop de loop type of quilting, except for some square in a square quilting in the random squares in the design. I've finished the interior and did straight lines on the border (feeddogs engaged) tonight, then I started the FMQ on the border. After about 20 minutes in the border it suddenly "clicked"! I was able to increase my speed and keep my stitch length fairly consistent and not quilt myself into a place I couldn't get out of easily. I just had to share with those who understand!
Constructive criticism welcome. I know the stitch length isn't 100% consistent and that will just take practice.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]480099[/ATTACH]
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Posts: 988
That's really good to hear. Congratulations. I just finished my first quilt on my new Tiara, and I was not 100% pleased with my results. Most of my dissatisfaction comes from the pattern I used. I need to get more creative when it comes to figuring that out. The machine ran quite well. No nests or eyelashing on the bottom. I didn't get the Tru Stitich, because I didn't like the erratic action and sound of it. I'm sure I will get better. It was really great to finish a quilt totally on my own. Now on to my second top. I think I will try the stipple on this one.
#6
Congratulations to you! I am still working at it. Getting better all the time, but not there yet. I read somewhere that it takes 6 hours of FMQ for most people to get it. Your quilt looks very pretty. The thread is a great match for the fabric. Now you can complete the whole quilt yourself. That's great!
#8
Power Poster
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Southern California
Posts: 19,127
Yes, I have told quilters over the decade that with FMQ, it will suddenly CLICK just like riding a bike. Be sure that you are not transfix on the needle because that is where you are NOW, you need to look at where you are going.
#9
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Sonoma County, CA
Posts: 4,299
FMQ = "Free Motion Quilting" - where you stitch with a hopping/darning foot and move the quilt in all directions around freely, rather than in straight lines.
I loved the Leah Day FMQ class! It's mesmerizing just to watch her work.
I loved the Leah Day FMQ class! It's mesmerizing just to watch her work.
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