I'm going bananas trying to FMQ - Help!
#1
![Default](/images/icons/icon1.gif)
No matter how much I practice, it ain't working. My stitches are too big. I am on a Designer 1. I installed the FMQ foot correctly, it works fine. I just don't. I have the feed dog down, a straight stitch, etc. I think everything is set up right, I just can't get the size of the sttiches to stay even. What can I do? Is there someone who can give me a basic lesson on how to using my machine? I am trying to finish a quilt by Monday. I have most of it done using SID along the seam lines. Now I am trying to FMQ the border and I am pulling my hair (what is left) out. Please, somebody!!!
#3
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: CA & NM
Posts: 1,120
![Default](/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Originally Posted by Gilla
No matter how much I practice, it ain't working. My stitches are too big. I am on a Designer 1. I installed the FMQ foot correctly, it works fine. I just don't. I have the feed dog down, a straight stitch, etc. I think everything is set up right, I just can't get the size of the sttiches to stay even. What can I do? Is there someone who can give me a basic lesson on how to using my machine? I am trying to finish a quilt by Monday. I have most of it done using SID along the seam lines. Now I am trying to FMQ the border and I am pulling my hair (what is left) out. Please, somebody!!!
#4
![Default](/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Getting the stitches to be even takes a lot of patience, and practise. Try slowing your speed down a bit to med-high.
Start with straight lines until you get that stitch even
Then try gentle curves. Most of us have a tendency to speed up going around in circles or arcs just because it feels smoother that way. Listen to the sound of your machine - if it stays the same when you're stitching. Then you've be able to catch things like speeding up/slowing down.
All you have to do is make sure the speed of the machine remains constant, and you take the time to move the fabric at a consistent speed.
Start with straight lines until you get that stitch even
Then try gentle curves. Most of us have a tendency to speed up going around in circles or arcs just because it feels smoother that way. Listen to the sound of your machine - if it stays the same when you're stitching. Then you've be able to catch things like speeding up/slowing down.
All you have to do is make sure the speed of the machine remains constant, and you take the time to move the fabric at a consistent speed.
#6
![Default](/images/icons/icon1.gif)
go to you tube and watch some of these videos....maybe you can get some pointers =) I want to eventually get to free motion but I'm not there yet. I do like watching though...
Quilting and Crafting with Leah Day
lcvday's Channel
Quilting and Crafting with Leah Day
lcvday's Channel
#8
![Default](/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Originally Posted by Gilla
No matter how much I practice, it ain't working. My stitches are too big. I am on a Designer 1. I installed the FMQ foot correctly, it works fine. I just don't. I have the feed dog down, a straight stitch, etc. I think everything is set up right, I just can't get the size of the sttiches to stay even. What can I do? Is there someone who can give me a basic lesson on how to using my machine? I am trying to finish a quilt by Monday. I have most of it done using SID along the seam lines. Now I am trying to FMQ the border and I am pulling my hair (what is left) out. Please, somebody!!!
#10
Super Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Round Rock,Texas
Posts: 6,135
![Default](/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Are you using the "R" foot or a spring type darning foot?
I have a Sapphire 875 and find that the spring darning foot works so much better for me. The Machinger quilters gloves are a huge help too. I take the sm/med. size.
http://www.softexpressions.com/softw...Gloves.php#mac
I set the tension lower too and it seems to help. Slow down and remember to breathe and relax. This is supposed to be fun.
Sharon W.
I have a Sapphire 875 and find that the spring darning foot works so much better for me. The Machinger quilters gloves are a huge help too. I take the sm/med. size.
http://www.softexpressions.com/softw...Gloves.php#mac
I set the tension lower too and it seems to help. Slow down and remember to breathe and relax. This is supposed to be fun.
Sharon W.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Ditter43
General Chit-Chat (non-quilting talk)
15
03-12-2012 03:41 PM
craftybear
Recipes
14
10-04-2011 12:55 PM