Am I the Last to Figure This Out?

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10-08-2010, 07:41 PM

#81

QUILT4JOY

Senior Member

Join Date: Aug 2010

Location: Tucson AZ

Posts: 383

Quote:

Originally Posted by renee765

While I was meandering (FMQ) on a lap quilt today, it occurred to me that it would be a lot easier if I meandered the opposite way we usually sew: that is, instead of directing the fabric from me through to the back of the machine, instead I tried meandering by moving the fabric from the back of the machine towards me. This way I could clearly see what I had already quilted so I didn't have to worry about crossing lines, etc. After I tried this, it was so easy that I got the feeling that I have to be the last quilter on earth to figure this out.

Awesome. I only just recently figured that out myself. It is soooo much easier. Another quilter suggested another trick for FMQ. Turn the machine so the end of the sewing machine is facing you and move the fabric sideways. Haven't tried that one yet but it sounds like a great idea.

10-08-2010, 07:55 PM

#82

ladyredhawk

Senior Member

Join Date: Dec 2009

Location: kingston, OK

Posts: 968

wouldn't that be like turning the the machine sideways with the needle in front and the belt wheel in back

10-09-2010, 05:39 AM

#83

mpeters1200

Super Member

Join Date: Jan 2007

Location: Omaha, NE

Posts: 1,618

Quote:

Originally Posted by ladyredhawk

wouldn't that be like turning the the machine sideways with the needle in front and the belt wheel in back

That is correct. When you drop the feed dogs, your machine won't be pulling the fabric. Some quilter's find the quilt sandwich easier to maneuver when the machine is facing the other direction.

I just tried it myself the first time. It wasn't too bad. I'm more intimidated by the FMQ itself and it's challenges than machine placement.

10-09-2010, 05:55 AM

#84

Jeanniejo

Super Member

Join Date: Apr 2010

Location: Southern , Virginia

Posts: 1,518

I have always done it that way but thought I was backwards !! It has worked for me. Besides no one ever sees me when I do FMQ as I close my door and tell everyone to leave me alone so I can concentrate. FMQ definately takes my complete attention!!

10-09-2010, 01:42 PM

#85

Annz

Power Poster

Join Date: Nov 2009

Location: West Roxbury, Ma

Posts: 10,353

I have done that on other things but did not know I could do it on a whole quilt. Thanks for the tip.

10-09-2010, 01:44 PM

#86

katied772

Senior Member

Join Date: Jul 2010

Location: Ohio

Posts: 390

Probably a silly question: What is FMQ?

10-16-2010, 06:09 AM

#87

cbuchanan

Senior Member

Join Date: Jun 2008

Location: Johns Creek, GA

Posts: 321

That's the way I've always done it. Would have never thought of doing it the opposite way.

10-16-2010, 07:14 PM

#88

Pastor_Ruth

Member

Join Date: Oct 2010

Location: Blue Ridge, GA

Posts: 27

ok I will cave and try FMQ one more time! Maybe this will work for me.

10-16-2010, 07:42 PM

#89

tjradj

Super Member

Join Date: Sep 2010

Location: London, Ontario, Canada

Posts: 1,326

Shoot, you caught me! I love this method. It's the only way I can get "loop de loops" in the borders to be anywhere close to the same size.
Go for it. I'll keep the quilt police at bay. :o)