brightstar_202

you will be surprised with your work when you start. I sure was. I have paid out big bucks for years until this last 4 baby quilts. The firse started out with a bang and I have been doing it with them all now. Yes you are nervous, but it will pass once you start concentrating on the project...Trust me this too will pass..

PaperPrincess

You can also use thread that matches the fabric as closely as possible. Just go for it!

nclauri

This is a great idea. I have a large quilt I have put off quilting because stitch in the ditch would not do well and I really don't want to do FMQ over the whole thing. Your idea is perfect!

KarenK

Several years ago I made a child's charity quilt in a pattern similar to a Turning Twenty with a polka dotted backing. I was stuck on how to quilt it as I was at the beginning stages of FMQing. I quilted it from the back, using a loopy meandering FMQ around the polka dots. Turned out well!

You can do this!!! :D :D :D

19angel52

if it helps any, do a good search on quilting on domestic machines....(I love that word DOMESTIC...like it wears a little apron and vacuums and dust....)...I was greatly encouraged by wonderful blogs and a you-can-do-it attitude these FMQers have.

I've done 2 baby quilts and a sofa throw size quilt - and each time got better....

And there's no really one BEST way to do it - other than I did discover that rolling the quilt (even tightly) to the right of your needle does not work for me. The ole scrunch and crunch and start FMQing works. Oh yes - did find that starching the backing and then sandwiching the quilt made a HUGE difference. Less TEXTURING (lol - my word) on the backing resulted.

YES..you can do it. The more you FMQ the better you'll get....

carolaug

I found the seam ripper was my best friend until I got the hang of it....you will love it!!! Once you wash the quilt it will hide all of the oops...

quilter1943

I still use stencils and draw designs if I want something specific inside a big block. Like the idea of the wavy lines too. Whatever you decide, she'll love it. Don't judge until it's finished either. No one is going to look at every little stitch.

19angel52

Never thought to quilt backside up - brings up interesting possibilities! Thank you for sharing!!!

Janette

Try some of the preprinted designs on a roll. Just put them on top of your quilt, stitch over top then tear off the paper. Or try some of the Golden Threads paper to draw your own using a stencil. I often take a stencil that fits a block or strip, trace one design then stack up enough pieces of paper to give me 10-12 copies. Take the stack to your sewing machine and sew over the design without using thread so you punch holes along the design. Separate the copies, pin them over your blocks or strips and start sewing. I usually use FMQ with feed dogs down.

mimee4

Just start, have fun and be delighted with the outcome. I like the ideas of just meandering over an imaginary line. The quilt will be quilted with love!