1ST Time FMQ ...feel like crying
#62
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Appleton, WI
Posts: 1,008
I am in the same position as you. It looked so easy in the store. I have practiced, but I am no where near ready to do it on my own. Together we will learn. I have spent many, many hours taking out tiny stitches.
#63
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Spanish Fort, AL
Posts: 498
Your machine definitely needs to go faster than your hands. If you have a speed control for your motor, you might set it at what seems appropriate and that would be one less thing you have to worry about.
Also, curves and circles are some of the hardest things you can do. When you go around the curves, you have to slow down just a big, otherwise you get those stitches that are quite a bit bigger than you really want.
And just do what everybody else is saying...Practice! Practice! Practice!
Also, curves and circles are some of the hardest things you can do. When you go around the curves, you have to slow down just a big, otherwise you get those stitches that are quite a bit bigger than you really want.
And just do what everybody else is saying...Practice! Practice! Practice!
#65
I also have tried FMQ but always revert back to either grid quilting or hand quilting. I have made small pieces and do ok with stippling, but when you get a large quilt and start in the middle..... how do you handle the other half of the quilt that is inside the machine. I can't "freely" move the area that I am working on with all that bulk. I always seem to end of with small pointy stitches and I end up picking it out. I have tried rolling it up, throwing it over my shoulder. What do you guys do?
#66
Originally Posted by glenda5253
Oh! Don't cry. Quilting is supposed to be fun. FMQ is another of my goals for 2011. I may be crying too so I need to remember what I just wrote. :D
#68
Go look up Leah Day and her blog. She has outstanding training videos on how to freemotion quilt on a standard machine. When you are finished, wash and dry your project...most of the "mistakes" will magically dissapear.
#69
so much wonderful advice here, you probably don't need my two cents :-) . (plus, I haven't read through all the pages - naughty me...) but:
1. my machine allows me to set it to a slower speed, and I do; before this machine, I just used a gentle touch on the foot pedal. Slow and steady wins the race.
2. Use a paper and pencil and draw your loopy meanderings.
3. Each time your loops become Points (hey! it happens!), stop sewing, hold your finger in the air and "Draw" your loopy quilting. This helps your brain and hand Connect, and helps you to slow down.
Like everyone here has said, it's all in the practicing. And even though this particular quilt will not be perfect, it will have been made with Love and the Highest of Intentions... and that's what it's really all about.
Charity quilts are Beautiful things. xoxo
1. my machine allows me to set it to a slower speed, and I do; before this machine, I just used a gentle touch on the foot pedal. Slow and steady wins the race.
2. Use a paper and pencil and draw your loopy meanderings.
3. Each time your loops become Points (hey! it happens!), stop sewing, hold your finger in the air and "Draw" your loopy quilting. This helps your brain and hand Connect, and helps you to slow down.
Like everyone here has said, it's all in the practicing. And even though this particular quilt will not be perfect, it will have been made with Love and the Highest of Intentions... and that's what it's really all about.
Charity quilts are Beautiful things. xoxo
#70
Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 187
Originally Posted by CAJAMK
yes, i am using a darning foot...I feel so stupid I know it is a learning curve...but a big one it is...
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