Is there some magic spell or fairy dust that'll help with free motion quilting?
03-11-2011, 09:49 PM
#41
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Winter/South Florida;Summer/anywhere & everywhere North
Posts: 578
I have the 1475 and have been practicing FMQ for a few months now. My big breakthrough came when I read somewhere to leave your feed dogs engaged. If you have the darning foot at the presser foot half-way down it doesn't matter if they're not down. That way the machine has a pseudo stitch regulator of sorts. That's when I really saw an improvement, still not perfect but better. I also cut open the darning foot so I could see better. Just get that glass of wine, margarita, or martini, hook up your tunes and find you mojo. If I can do it, anybody can!
03-12-2011, 03:30 AM
#42
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Tippy-top of a ridge in WV
Posts: 6,355
Well, I don't feel so bad now. I thought surely that I was the most inept FMQer on planet earth.My first attempt about 7 yrs. ago is most likely the best job I did and it was the borders on the first full sized quilt I made. I used invisible thread because I was going to try meandering and I just knew I would cross a line and the quilt police would come get me. It came out pretty good, what I could see of it, LOL. Since then, my efforts are definitly not professional, believe me, but I keep plugging away. Have all the oddments you should have, slider, gloves, you name it, but results are sure not quilt show worthy. I also learned to slow the machine down to the turtle picture, that helps some. I will continue to try. I always start with great expectations, if nothing else.
03-12-2011, 04:15 AM
#45
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Glenmoore, PA
Posts: 7,941
Originally Posted by tsdelvis
I'm using a Pfaff Creative 1471. I finally figured out the presser foot setting to use - it's surely not clear in the manual! :? I've scoured the internet sites and youtube for help with FMQ.
Basically they all pretty much say to practice every day for 2 years and you might eventually get the hang of it. I think you must also have to hold your tongue right, turn your fingers into rubber, and mindmeld with the machine.
My hardest things to conquer are regulating speed, stitch length, and a wonky bobbin thread that wants to peek thru the top.
Any hints or words of wisdom?
Basically they all pretty much say to practice every day for 2 years and you might eventually get the hang of it. I think you must also have to hold your tongue right, turn your fingers into rubber, and mindmeld with the machine.
My hardest things to conquer are regulating speed, stitch length, and a wonky bobbin thread that wants to peek thru the top.
Any hints or words of wisdom?
03-12-2011, 04:15 AM
#46
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: North Central Texas
Posts: 378
Originally Posted by knlsmith
WINE machinger gloves WINE sharp needle WINE and don't forget to breath. Oh and sometimes WINE. lol Works for me everytime.
03-12-2011, 05:13 AM
#49
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Little Rock, AR
Posts: 15
Originally Posted by bailey
I use a 1471 as well and have just started doing FMQ. I practiced on the French Roses bed runner and by the end of doing that I think I have almost got the hang of it. If I can help with your machine just PM me. Took me a little while to figure it out too. I am not all that good at it but am comfortable doing it now.
There have been such great comments here - and funny ones. I'm going to try all the suggestions... also need to finagle some xanax and buy some wine and get some mellow music!
03-12-2011, 05:23 AM
#50
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Chaska MN
Posts: 353
I have to remember to breath! Now wouldn't ya just think that would be automatic? My FMQ isn't very good. But everyone I've given a quilt to loves it and thinks I am an artist. I never tell them anything different.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
debbiemarie
Main
58
01-21-2024 04:52 AM
