Am I the Only Quilter Who Thinks Stippling is Hard?
10-13-2010, 06:08 AM
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Chattanooga, TN
Posts: 470
Well, I just completed my first try at stippling and I have to say, It looks ok. The length of the stitches really depends on how fast you're going. The faster you travel the smaller the stitches I have discovered. I really found it fun and so fast that I got excited thinking, maybe I really will finish all these projects before Christmas. :-)
But I do have to say I find it difficult also. I just don't have the "creative" gene. I can follow a pattern but when it comes to dreaming up (and executing) something, forget it. Mine doesn't look like the pros or folks that do this regularly but I really enjoyed it and think it looks well enough to give the grand-kids.
Hang in there and keep practicing, I think it will get better.
But I do have to say I find it difficult also. I just don't have the "creative" gene. I can follow a pattern but when it comes to dreaming up (and executing) something, forget it. Mine doesn't look like the pros or folks that do this regularly but I really enjoyed it and think it looks well enough to give the grand-kids.
Hang in there and keep practicing, I think it will get better.
10-13-2010, 06:09 AM
#12
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 462
Originally Posted by aorlflood
What I prefer to do for the rare times I machine quilt is to pick one of my decorative stitches on my machine or the meandering stitch and go down the seams with it. No SITD or stippling if I can avoid it! LOL
I have also used my embroidery machine and done embroidery designs in the center of blocks.
Here is an example of where I did the decorative programmed stitch in the white strips and an embroidery pattern in the center where the blocks meet.
What a wonderful idea! What beautiful quilting!
10-13-2010, 06:28 AM
#14
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Outer Space
Posts: 9,319
I have a Bernina with BSR like you do. Stippling and all FMQ is SOOOOO much easier and better when you use a Supreme slider http://www.freemotionslider.com/ and gloves. And make sure your machine is inside a table to make a flat surface. With these two tools, I can do anything! Here's a picture of my latest which has a lot of FMQ stippling. http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-69826-1.htm
10-13-2010, 06:33 AM
#15
Super Member
Join Date: May 2009
Location: La Pine Oregon, USA
Posts: 5,907
Some of it has to do with RELAXING! Not too long ago I did a stippling that's really close and tight. Just working to get the wall hanging DONE. After that, I went to a larger stippling and discovered I found it easier..........I think doing the small stippling helped a lot.
10-13-2010, 07:06 AM
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 947
I'll second the use of the supreme slider. That helps a lot.
Also, practice the smooth curves and even spacing by doodling with a pen on paper. I do this at meetings or when on the phone, and it really does help my brain/eye/hand connection.
I also find it helpful to visualize a dime or a nickel and make my curves around my imaginary loose change, keeping it close to the same size. I do a very basic stipple pattern of 3 nice curves to the right, then 2 down, and 2 to the left, then three down, and repeat. Over time, you work in a lot of variations on that.
With the BSR -- which mode are you using? I started with BSR 2, without the foot pedal, and going solely on speed of movement. As I've progressed, I find I like my results on BSR 1 with the foot pedal -- I personally have better control and more pleasing results.
If you haven't taken all your classes yet, that may help -- having an instructor show you the various modes and methods of using the BSR.
And finally -- it's really not hard, but nobody is going to deny that it takes practice. Your sandwiches destined for stockings approach is a good start, but keep going. The freemotion quilters who do the amazing work we all admire most likely put in time almost every day.
RST
Also, practice the smooth curves and even spacing by doodling with a pen on paper. I do this at meetings or when on the phone, and it really does help my brain/eye/hand connection.
I also find it helpful to visualize a dime or a nickel and make my curves around my imaginary loose change, keeping it close to the same size. I do a very basic stipple pattern of 3 nice curves to the right, then 2 down, and 2 to the left, then three down, and repeat. Over time, you work in a lot of variations on that.
With the BSR -- which mode are you using? I started with BSR 2, without the foot pedal, and going solely on speed of movement. As I've progressed, I find I like my results on BSR 1 with the foot pedal -- I personally have better control and more pleasing results.
If you haven't taken all your classes yet, that may help -- having an instructor show you the various modes and methods of using the BSR.
And finally -- it's really not hard, but nobody is going to deny that it takes practice. Your sandwiches destined for stockings approach is a good start, but keep going. The freemotion quilters who do the amazing work we all admire most likely put in time almost every day.
RST
10-13-2010, 07:08 AM
#18
Power Poster
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: SoCal
Posts: 11,917
Originally Posted by kwhite
I sometimes find i am over thinking it. When i have a glass of wine first my stippleing is much better.
10-13-2010, 07:23 AM
#19
Power Poster
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: SW Iowa
Posts: 32,855
I love meandering but stippling is hard to me. What helped me most was to get a stencil and mark it on my quilt and follow that pattern. I felt more at ease with it after that. I love quilting gloves too. It helps me move my fabric.
10-13-2010, 07:31 AM
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Posts: 579
The main thing is practice - not caring how it looks at this point. There is a rhythm to it, and when you get the rhythm it will make sense to you. Some people are good, some people are not. I am in between, when I first start it takes me a while to warm up, but when I do, I can do it.
I hope you have success. The main thing I'd advise is just do it, and don't worry about what others may think about it or your progress - then it'll turn out great ;)
I hope you have success. The main thing I'd advise is just do it, and don't worry about what others may think about it or your progress - then it'll turn out great ;)
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