I fmq on my dsm all the time...some patterns are marked using a stencil and a washable marker, some patterns are traced onto tissue paper (which is pinned and then sewn) and some are done freehand....it just depends how detailed the pattern is or how exact I need it done...there are lots of options, practice will show you what works best for you....following a marked line isn't exactly easy, but once the premarked line is gone, the stitch lines always look better.....practice practice practice

I didn't mark for fmq when I started, but I did practice doodling on scratch paper first. It helps with muscle memory and helps you 'see' where you have to go. Once you can visualize the design before you draw it, then move to practice sandwiches for a while to get your speed and tension right. When you're comfortable, move to the real thing. Just remember, every quilt is a snapshot of what you're capable of at the time. They will get better. No one is going to sit and critique your quilting skills. Just quilt it and move on. I also almost never pull out quilting stitches. Just move on! Best of luck on your fmq journey.

two very different people to watch are Angela Walters..modern quilting and Lori on TheInBoxJaunt.com. Lori does not like stippling but she draws guidelines with chalk and this helps. Both are terrific instructors on the Internet.

When I was new to FMQ, I used panel type quilts and followed the lines. It makes it a bit easier to get used to. That's what I did with these quilts, after all the outlining was done; then I did some stippling and just doodling. https://www.flickr.com/photos/39168443@N06/12311832856/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/39168443@N06/14685873719/

Sharon