Dying to learn FMQ! Machine suggestions needed. :)
#11
I FMQ on a brother that was 200 I'm learning but wasn't hard to do my first lap. I do with what I can afford. Try and find something that comes with accessories. Mines a CI6000 and it came with a walking foot, darning foot and the even quilting tool you attach to the walking foot. Great deal for me! Get the most for your money and look at feet for the machine because those are an investment too. Cheap machine with expensive feet or expensive machine and expensive feet. Make sure it all fits in your budget. Invest in batting while you have the money too!!! Goes fast when you can quilt your own quilts!
#14
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Kansas City, Missouri
Posts: 1,040
I'm a huge fan of vintage machines for FMQ. I wouldn't trade my Singer 201 or 15-91 for anything. They do fantastic FMQ!! So does the vintage Kenmore I bought at the thrift store for $5 last week. Just please don't feel that you have to spend a ton of money on a machine to do excellent FMQ work....you definitely do NOT.
#16
I have always been told it doesn't really make a difference what kind of machine you use to free motion quilt. You are the one guiding the quilt and it takes a lot of practice so I wouldn't worry about quilting with the machine you have. Later you can always upgrade but I would suggest you at least try it with your machine.
#17
Super Member
Join Date: May 2008
Location: My favorite place in the world is Lake Erie Region USA
Posts: 2,743
I use a brother machine. Biggest suggestion...gloves, very thin with tips of fingers rubber..watch as many utubes as possible first. Relax you shoulders , practice on a few sandwiched pieces to get tension right first. Write down each tension setting and stitch length on your practice sandwitches to know your machine settings. Have Fun! Did not have to have 500 dollar machine. :0) PS i always have a song in my head to keep rythem...suggested in one utube "seminar"
Last edited by chairjogger; 03-19-2012 at 10:20 PM.
#18
Power Poster
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Northern California mountains
Posts: 12,538
Whatever you get, you might want to try it out first, if at all possible. Lots of good, workable machines show up in garage sales at very low prices. ($50 or less) However, before you do FMQ on your precious quilt, practice on something else, like maybe a potholder. My guild has a lovely LA. The "experts" try to get everyone to work on a scrap sandwich, just to loosen up and get the feel of it. I have done most of my FMQ on a variety of home machines. Dropping the feed dog is important. I always use a embroidery/darning foot.
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