Quilting squares for practice
12-31-2015, 12:56 PM
#32
Power Poster
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Lowell, MA
Posts: 14,083
There is no such thing as a dumb question. I too, am not very good at FMQ and have been reluctant to start, although I've been quilting for some time. Paper Princess commented that she was told to use old mattress pads for practice, and I think that's a good idea and I might try it. When I was first learning to quilt, but I'm not recommending this, I took a cheater panel, added backing and in between used 2 layers of an old mattress pad and at least one layer of batting. My old Sears Kenmore always loved sewing on heavier fabrics, so she sailed through this one. My daughter loved it as she would take it outside to play and no sticks or rocks stuck up through it. I haven't done that since though, I stick to one layer of batting in a quilt. LOL.
12-31-2015, 09:05 PM
#33
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: kansas
Posts: 6,407
I use the left over backing/bat from quilts in long strips on my long arm. But because they get tangled up in the side clamp straps, I've found that if I use the PVC pipe cut into clamps on them, I can snap them on/off easily and leave the quilt loaded and untouched.
01-01-2016, 04:40 AM
#34
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Heart of Colorado's majestic mountains!
Posts: 6,026
Some quilt stores carry a product called Skill Mastery that is pre printed fabric to use for learning to FMQ. It was not very expensive and I found it to be helpful. It came with a CD of lots of quilting motifs that can be printed and drawn onto fabric. I admit, it is like training wheels; but I also admit that I need all the help I can get. Lots of practice is important. I like the helps that Lori Kennedy gives on her blog site and in the magazine from AQS. She also has a Craftsy class.
01-01-2016, 05:30 PM
#36
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Central Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA
Posts: 7,695
This may be a dumb question but does anyone know of any place that sells pre-made sandwiched squares for practicing quilting? I know I could make my own, but I just thought maybe some place uses material that is flawed to make up some practice quilting squares. Also, what is the best way to learn free motion? I am making that my goal for the new year!! Thanks!!
01-01-2016, 07:07 PM
#40
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Central Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA
Posts: 7,695
When I first got my long arm, someone suggested using mattress pads. Check thrift stores, immediately wash in hot water & cut them up. You can add a piece of fabric on the top, or just go to town. Also, you can reuse. After quilting practice, just put another piece of fabric on top and requilt. It's best if you use a different color thread the second time so you can easily check the tension on the back.
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