Free motion sewing machine settings
#11
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Tn
Posts: 9,059
I was told to lower my speed and put the pedal to the metal. This way your speed is consistent. One said FMQ is like patting your head and rubbing your tummy at the same time. Lowering the speed and stepping on the foot feed all the way eliminates rubbing the tummy. You just have to concentrate on moving your fabric at a consistent speed
#12
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,255
After 30 years on a lot of different machines I find my favorite is with the walking foot and circles or asymmetrical lines. I dislike meandering because it seems to add nothing to any patchwork pattern. Just my opinion of course.
The magic isn't in the machine, it will be in you if you practice the craft.
Welcome to the board from SW Washington!
The magic isn't in the machine, it will be in you if you practice the craft.
Welcome to the board from SW Washington!
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Upstate SC
Posts: 686
I was told to lower my speed and put the pedal to the metal. This way your speed is consistent. One said FMQ is like patting your head and rubbing your tummy at the same time. Lowering the speed and stepping on the foot feed all the way eliminates rubbing the tummy. You just have to concentrate on moving your fabric at a consistent speed
It does take practice, been practicing for about 6 years now and still need lots of practice. A good way to practice is to make mug rugs, placemats, smaller projects. A friend told me recently in trying to use up her stash of fat quarters is to cut them into squares, circles or ovals layer two of them together with scrap batting, stitch and turn, then practice free motion, and use as "dividers" between her nesting pans and rarely used (holiday) larger dishes platters etc.
#14
Another take on the "Pedal to the metal" is to play with your speed and hand movement until you find what is comfortable and gives you the best stitches consistently and then choose that speed, not just a general slow speed. As mentioned above, then you only have to worry about keeping your hand speed up.
Watson
Watson
#15
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 9,782
Thanks, I have read the length on 0 before, but someone the other day told me to put stitch length on 3? Not sure how this helps. I do feel that the more I practice the better I'm getting, it just takes quite awhile! Also feel that by keeping the speed steady and not to slows also helps form better stitches.
#16
As with everything in life. Some days everything goes right, other days everything seems to go wrong.
I FMQ I love the look and I love doing it.Speed up the machine and move your hands slower. Practice is the answer to conquering anything. FMQ is not any different.
I FMQ I love the look and I love doing it.Speed up the machine and move your hands slower. Practice is the answer to conquering anything. FMQ is not any different.
#17
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 3,749
You will find lots of advice from board members in the post I made below asking about free-motion quilting tips.
For me personally, this is what I do: straight stitch plate, Feed dogs up...stitch length and width are set to Zero, Supreme Slider on the machine bed to allow the quilt to move smoothly across the machine bed. Support the quilt with tables if needed to allow you to move the quilt smoothly. Chair height is important so you can keep your arms at a comfortable position. It helps to make a practice quilt sandwich using the thread, batting and fabric from your quilt. Have fun!
Please Give me your favorite tips for Free-Motion Quilting Success
For me personally, this is what I do: straight stitch plate, Feed dogs up...stitch length and width are set to Zero, Supreme Slider on the machine bed to allow the quilt to move smoothly across the machine bed. Support the quilt with tables if needed to allow you to move the quilt smoothly. Chair height is important so you can keep your arms at a comfortable position. It helps to make a practice quilt sandwich using the thread, batting and fabric from your quilt. Have fun!
Please Give me your favorite tips for Free-Motion Quilting Success
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09-05-2013 06:05 PM