vickig626

I agree with this tip. I've struggled with FMQ too and even had a pair of quilting gloves. BUT, a friend gave me a pair of Fons & Porters Quilting Gloves. They fit better and grab better. FMQ is easier for me now.

My only problem is quilting large quilts and the weight. Even with good support, my arms / shoulders get real sore.

Pete

Thank you so much for this site. I am brand new to quilting and am trying my darndest to do free motion ---I sure hope practice will someday make me almost proud to show my work!

lazyquilter

That was my question.. I have the quilt halo. I have not tackle it as yet. It's supposed to help with working on a small section at a time. How often have you used it? I'm still making sandwiches and practicing with my BSR...My stitches are great. My motion is not. I never realized that making little "C" type waves could be made in numerious different sizes and directions and all within a 15 x 15" space. I feel like my hands stutter when I attempt free motion. I know! practice, practice, practice.

pam1966

I practiced feathers tonight on some ugly fabric and leftover batting. I put the date on it so that hopefully one day I can look back at it and say, "Yes, ONCE upon a time I was THIS BAD!"

shrabar

I bought a Fab U Motion to do free motion it is wonderful you move the plate not the material but you still have to pratice pratice
you can get it at the quilt show it was cheaper there than the store

windycitygal

Hi! I'm realatively new to the free motion quilting myself, but did a great deal of it for Chritmas gifts. The biggest thing for me was to not be caught up with making a mistake somewhere, afterall you will be the only one who knows where it is. If you are really into getting specific designs down then I would suggest you mark them out in chalk intead of pencil because it is easier to wipe away. Practice, Practice, Practice!

cacarte

Maintaining a constant speed is good.

My machine has a slider bar to adjust how fast the machine goes. I usually put it on a middle setting then I can push the foot all the way to the floor all the time. This helps to keep the speed constant without having the machine go too fast.

If you are just starting FMQ put the machine speed on a slow setting so you feel like you are in control.
I recommend the Ricky Tims CD - Grand Finale.
Great demos on FMQ. I learned a lot.

I also took a class that was very helpful.

I have a friend who recommends to have the machine go fast
and move your hands slowly.

Pat G

I tried that site, too, & get a skin products site.

knlsmith

Definitely get some machiner gloves, and a glass or two of wine for the nerves. if you don't drink, try some warm milk or a cup of hot chocolate. Also, get some muslin and make a 20 inch sandwhich to practice and warm up on. And get some music going.

I know, sounds silly, but all this really helps. even if just stitch in ditch.

knlsmith

http://www.youtube.com/user/lcvday

Here is Leah Day's youtube video site. Just click above and you are on your way. She is really awesome, I have watched her for a couple years now.