Carla P

Get a stronger prescription for your glasses, a smaller needle, some smaller thread, and get out of the ditch!! :lol:

kathy

stippling is just free motion with one needle but it is very close(1/4) together. I generally do what is called meander which is just random patterns (like a jigsaw puzzle) but not real close together, mine is probably 2 inches apart at the widest but almost touching in places. It's like doodling with thread.

Joyce

These are my tips for FM quilting;
You definitely need to have a balanced tension. Use a white on the top and black on the bottom so you can easily tell what's happening. If you are getting loops on the bottom, then turn tension to a higher number.
Always remember to lower the feed dogs as well as to lower the presser foot on your machine even if you are not using a foot.
Nubby gloves is a must in my opinion, in order to move your fabric while holding it taut.
I started practicing with a piece of large motif fabric with a lot of space between the motifs. This fabric was made into a sandwich with batt plus backing.
I started with outlining the motif design. I then continued with "echo" quilting lines by just continuing to outline the motif.
You can then switch to "stipple" style, which is small, size of a pea, all-over quilting, but don't cross over previous sewn lines.
Then there is "meadering" which is similar to stippling but just much larger curving loops, still not crossing over previous stitchlines.
You can also practice leaves, vines, feathers etc.
You can always switch the upper thread to a darker color and just do it all over again. This is just for practice so get the most out of it.
I would also reccomend taking a crayon and paper, even old newspaper, and just start free-handing feathers etc. to get the feel of the movement needed to do this. It will really free up your inhibitions when you know you can just toss your practice sheets. You can also sew onto the newspaper sheets with your sewing machine if you want to try it. You will need to replace your needle when finished.
Here's to free-motion freedom!
Joyce Raab

Yvonne

I have heard so many times, that when you are quilting you should NOT cross over previous stitching. My question here is, "Why not?"

I know there are no quilt police so who made up this rule and "Why?" I'm sure there must be an explanation and maybe it goes back to our hand quilting ancesters but I cross over whatever gets in my way when I'm quilting! Hasn't seemed to cause any earthquakes so far and I live in California!

History lesson anyone?

:P

kathy

well now I know why we had all those storms in Texas!, Yvonne

I think someone decided it looks better if you don't cross, I'm like you, if it don't want to be crossed it better learn to move outta the way!

k_jupiter

1.) All us low lifes live in the ditch.
B.) Smaller thread don't show up like that 40 weight stuff. Someday I'll show you.
3C.) Who told you I was blind as a bat? Getting 40 wt through a 75 needle is a PITB. Nothing like having the thread right on the eye and it won't go through.
4.) Real Men don't use needle threaders.

*L*

tim in san jose

Carla P

Yeah... Yeah... Yeah... I've heard it all before :roll: If you're scared, just say so... We'll still respect you in the morning...

8) Until then, I'll wear my shades to filter some of that light shining through those crater size needle holes in your quilt tops :lol:

Rebecca Chambley

Susan
Yes! Kathy explained it well, But when I meander, I usually go in loops,and circles and winding around. When I stipple I travel in a jigsaw pattern. Depending on what I'm quilting I go from small to larger type, but I never cross over a line that I've layed previously.

susan s.

O.K.! sounds like we are almost on the same track. I will be posting some photos pretty soon. I will find a way.

Rebecca Chambley

Sorry, I can't post pictures, I don't have the camera or scanner to do that.