np3

Just read about your bobbin challenge. Is this when you first start the quilting? I take two or three stitches in the start point before I begin moving. It has the same effect as backstitching but doesn't show. Then I clip the threads after I stop.

patricej

what you do is ...

-practice freemotion on scrap sandwiches until you feel brave enough to try it on a real quilt.

- in the meantime, you'd be surprised how many ways there are to use straight lines and broad, sweeping curves (which can be done with a walking foot) to produce beautiful quilts. look around online for ideas and inspiration. :-)

AgapeStitches

Do you have any "fancy" stitches on your machine? I have done SID using some of them on my machine....have to go very slow, but it looks better to me than just straight stitches.

QuiltnCowgirl

Thanks! This is what I needed to hear! Hadn't thought about broad, sweeping curves using the walking foot. Although...my walking foot broke last time I used it. Guess I had better hunt down a new one for my old Singer 403a :) Need it for straight stitching too!

QuiltnCowgirl

Thanks for the suggestion & the picture (worth a 1,000 words). My old Singer 403a does have the stitch cams - not as fancy as the newer machines, but some do look fairly good. Will have to think on this & see what I can come up with. Both couples are pretty contemporary & not into too much pretty, pretty stuff (do I make any sense?). Don't want to get too carried away with embellished stitching.

QuiltnCowgirl

Yes - when I first start. I tried staying still & do nothing but try to get a stitch to catch...wouldn't do it. I'm using my Singer 403a that I inherited from my Mom. Thought I would get out my Featherweight, cover the feed dogs, and try it. If that fails, I'll get out my yucky Kenmore & try it. If all of them do it...then well...guess it must be me! :D

karenchi

That is really pretty. Nice idea also

amma

A combination of sweeping curves and more open decorative stitches can be beautiful :D:D:D

AgapeStitches

Made perfect sense...my sister preferred the simpler "curve" stitch over the "vine and leaf".

Jennifer22206

I've made miniature quilts with decorative stitching.