Gal

Hi Mom to 4, I cannot afford someone to quilt my tops for me either, I would like to try machine quilting some time in the future but for now I am hand quilting. (Just new to it) I made a top Qsize and thought this would take for ever to quilt. It took me about a month to quilt just working on it when ever I could, which is not bad for a first quilt and a large size too. I always thought I would not have the patience to do this but I actually enjoyed the process. It does not cost much to hand quilt, I use a hoop. If you are trying to keep your costs down I would recommend it, you just have to be patient. I realise this method is not for everyone, you either like it or not!
I keep my costs down by buying second hand fabrics etc and hand quilting, just because I cannot afford to buy the latest fabrics from my LQS does not mean I cannot make nice quilts.



Gal

quiltinghere

Oh I LOVE the encouragement everyone is giving to the poster. It's almost like you're talking to me too! I've never quilted on the machine or by hand. Only completed one 'quilt as you go'. I have several tops made and many more collections of blocks waiting in the wings.

Thanks!

littlehud

I have always quilted my own. First on my regular machine and then on my Juki. I love the quilting part.

MsDaniels

I have not been brave enough YET to try quilting on my regular sewing machine---so I hand tie them. I want to make one for all the neices and nephews, sisters and brother and I work full time. Tying works out nice for me now--when I grow up (HA_HA) --I will try machine quilting---but long arm quilting would be a dream of mine. I just love how it brings so much more to the over all look of the quilt!

steelecg

A walking foot shouldn't be terribly expensive and is worth having - just go slow and do small sections at a time

jolo

I do hand quilting, for starting, just remember,you dont have to do tiny stitchin and wont at first. consistency is the work make st. the same size. Tiny will come with practice. I also quilt using my home machine, I find free motion is easier than in the ditch,again go for it, you will find your nitch. Jolo

bstanbro

I have done it three ways--hire someone, free-motion quilting, and tying. If you can't afford to hire someone, can you afford to take a class and learn how to fmq? And tying is definitely another way to get the job done. That is very inexpensive. It would be sad to finish your beautiful quilt tops and just let them sit. Try tying one and see if you like it. Some of my favorite quilts are tied. If you don't like the look of embroidery thread, you can use a small decorative stitch from your sewing machine. I did that on a rag quilt and it turned out really nicely. It was a kind of round buttonhole stitch--tiny, but it got the job done.

newbee

I do have a machine that I can use to free-style quilt, and yet I still quilt with just my regular sewing foot and stitch. I just finished a table runner with two large appliqued salmon on it and did 1/2-inch echo quilting around the salmon with my regular sewing foot and stitch by carefully stopping around the curves, turning the quilt top a little and then restitching. I have quilted hearts that way, and waves as well. Just give it a try with your regular machine--I think you will be amazed what you can do with a little practice and patience!

Arleners

I hate using a walking foot and haven't used one i years, yet I do quilt using my machine. My advise is to use 505 basting spray to really secure your quilt sandwhich together. This way the pieces won't shift. Use a simple quilt pattern, just lines running through your blocks, or stitch in the ditch. Start with pot holders or table runners. Pretty soon, you will get more confience and move up to your quilts.

sewjean

My machine is a Singer about 15 yrs old. My son & wife bought it for me when I was making goose clothes! lol Now I am quilting on it just simple SID and accross & down also am learning FM. so yeah it can be done. I don't send anything out to be quilted. My Mom hand quilted everything but not me, I don't hand quilt. My stash is very small too,But I am having a lot of fun & learn a LOT on here!!
So I say just go for it!