SandyinZ4

I will jump in here and put in my stitches worth. I am just learning FMQ, also. My machine is a Viking basic- no electronics. I do the darning foot and lower the top tension a bit.I have tried feed dogs down but prefer them up. I wear a pair of garden gloves with those litle nubbies on the palms and fingers. No slick anything underneath. I will post a pic in a few days of the one I am doing now. It isn't perfect but there are no quilt police. It is a lot faster than hand quilting, although I still love that a lot. I can see that I have a lot more practice to do but will keep at it. Figure when the quilt is done, most folk won't notice the little mistakes. It will be warm to snuggle under and that is all that counts.

SandyinZ4

sorry about double posting.

ljorange

Check out Leah Day's web site, she gives a lot of information.
http://www.daystyledesigns.com/freemotionquilting.htm

sew wishful

I find this interesting...I tried for the first time to FMQ yesterday (after a year and a half saying I'd never even try it!)and am using the slowest speed on my machine...Should I speed it up? And should I or shouldn't I drop the feed dogs? I did last night. I'm just practicing on mug rugs and to me it seems "okay". I'm very interesting in knowing the "right" way.

justlooking

OMG, so much information!

justlooking

OMG, so much information!

dgmoby

Agree with the thoughts that a stitch regulator is not required! I learned without one...and you can too. It does take some practice, no doubt - but so does a SR :)

Have fun learning. Once you get it, you've got it!

Debbie in Austin

dgmoby

There isn't a 'right' way...It's however it works for you, and your particular machine. When it comes out looking good, then you've found the 'right' way :)

You can put feed dogs up or down, depending on whether you like less control or more control (the feed dogs will provide you with a little more resistance, but many people like this). Use whatever thread you like, and make your stitches as long (but not TOO long <smile>) or as short as you like (but not a knot <smile>). It is 'right' when it looks good and feel comfortable to you :)

Have a great time learning!
Debbie in Austin

Tinker Tots

I am in the market for a frame. I went to a friends and watched her, and she has a metal frame, and a regular machine, and a stencil, I call it, but there is another name for it, and a style pen and away she went and made butterflies, I was itching to use it, and since it was my quilt, she said are you sure you want to try, and I said yes, and the first couple of butterflies had point on the tips and then they got better. You can do it, and my Babylock dealer told me the same thing. for about $7,000.00, and I said no way. So I am looking into buying a frame for about $1,000 and using my ellegeo on the frame. I will always ask now before letting my dealer talk me into a deal. I know these ladies on here know from experience

Brenda Joy

mocha827

The only thing that is needed for consistent stitch length in FMQ is PRACTICE. You will soon hit the sweet spot where you move the quilt at a consistent speed in harmony with the needle going up and down. My first suggestion is to go a bit slower on the curves but if you practice, you will get it. I did. Good luck.