quilting pattern question
02-27-2014, 09:33 AM
#11
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: western Pa
Posts: 4,569
I have the HQ Sweet 16 and no matter how many tutorials I watched I just couldn't get the hang of FMQ. Another QB member recommended the book "Quilting Dot to Dot". I got it on Amazon and wow! I had the proverbial "AHA moment" and my FMQ has improved tremendously! (Well, I went from kindergarten to third grade level--still have lots to learn). I also use the Patsy Thompson site for pattern ideas.
Good luck--you'll love your machine but it does take getting used to.
Good luck--you'll love your machine but it does take getting used to.
02-27-2014, 10:42 AM
#12
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Texas
Posts: 1,198
Leah Day's Craftsy classes are very good, and be sure to sign up on her website for her newsletter. She's doing a thing right now with her husband as he learns to free motion quilt.
My best advice is to start small. Make practice sandwiches no larger than fat quarter size. You can also use layer cakes (a great hot pad size). Table runners and placemats are also great sizes to practice on. Once you get comfortable moving the smaller size fabric around, go to crib sized quilts, then toddler/lap size quilts. It takes time.
My best advice is to start small. Make practice sandwiches no larger than fat quarter size. You can also use layer cakes (a great hot pad size). Table runners and placemats are also great sizes to practice on. Once you get comfortable moving the smaller size fabric around, go to crib sized quilts, then toddler/lap size quilts. It takes time.
02-27-2014, 11:16 AM
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 375
I recently purchased a Babylock Tiara quilting machine. It is NOT a long arm. It does not have computerized patterns. It is a sit down free motion quilting machine. What is your recommendation for resources to learn free motion quilting? A good book, an exceptional utube video, a tutorial you have found etc.?
I like Leah day on YouTube.
02-27-2014, 11:24 AM
#14
Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: N E Pennsylvania
Posts: 208
I also have a Babylock Tiara and recently purchased the videos by Handi-quilter for their Sweet Sixteen with Debby Brown, and the first one volume 1 : "Getting Started" is a tremendous wealth of information for just that. It focuses solely on the sit down Sweet Sixteen, which is exactly the same as the Tiara. I wish I had gotten the videos a year ago when I got my machine.
Just re-read your initial post and see that you are seeking advice for quilting patterns and not using the machine.
I will keep an eye on this, for the same advice.
Just re-read your initial post and see that you are seeking advice for quilting patterns and not using the machine.
I will keep an eye on this, for the same advice.
Last edited by Jerudy; 02-27-2014 at 11:36 AM.
03-02-2014, 05:29 AM
#16
Power Poster
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Citrus County, Florida
Posts: 10,849
yes, it has the stitch regulator. I know once I get the hang of it, I will have a blast. I debated between the Tiara and the Sweet Sixteen ( I think that is the one) And chose the Tiara due to a subsantial price difference for the same features and, in my opinion, quality!
03-02-2014, 05:32 AM
#17
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Citrus County, Florida
Posts: 10,849
I just watched a tv show what highlighted a machine for FMQ that wasn't a LA. LAs take up too much room but the machine shown has the regulated stitches so you can move the fabric slow or fast but the stitches are the same length. Is that the machine you bought??? I'm so excited for you. I'm thinking I need to go see one of those.
Anyway, back to your question. I think FMQ is just a matter of practice, practice, practice. You will get better once you get the 'feel' of the fabric and machine. I'm sure there are some tips out there (I watched a FMQ video on utube that helped me) but there's not a better teacher than experience. Just go for it.... on a practice sandwich first.... and good luck. We want to experience the ride with you..... at least I want to... I really like the idea of this machine.
Anyway, back to your question. I think FMQ is just a matter of practice, practice, practice. You will get better once you get the 'feel' of the fabric and machine. I'm sure there are some tips out there (I watched a FMQ video on utube that helped me) but there's not a better teacher than experience. Just go for it.... on a practice sandwich first.... and good luck. We want to experience the ride with you..... at least I want to... I really like the idea of this machine.
yes, it has the stitch regulator. I know once I get the hang of it, I will have a blast. I debated between the Tiara and the Sweet Sixteen ( I think that is the one) And chose the Tiara due to a subtsantial price difference for the same features and, in my opinion, quality!
02-29-2016, 03:27 PM
#18
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 1,225
Solstice3, how exciting! I have purchased Leah Day's program. I recently ran across a blog by Wendy Sheppard which referred to the site "Ivory Spring" which has FMQ tutorial. While I haven't "studied" it a lot, I did like her designs
I have been researching the Tiara sit down and the HQ 16 sit down for awhile. I tried the Tiara and she was "sweet". The nearest HQ dealer to me is 2.5 hrs. away and I haven't found the time yet to make the trip. Did you try out both machines? If so, was the stitch quality comparable on both? Were they both the same as in ease of use? Could you elaborate on why you feel the Tiara was the better buy?
Thank you!
Sharon
I have been researching the Tiara sit down and the HQ 16 sit down for awhile. I tried the Tiara and she was "sweet". The nearest HQ dealer to me is 2.5 hrs. away and I haven't found the time yet to make the trip. Did you try out both machines? If so, was the stitch quality comparable on both? Were they both the same as in ease of use? Could you elaborate on why you feel the Tiara was the better buy?
Thank you!
Sharon
02-29-2016, 04:29 PM
#19
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 1,225
Finally found the 2 links I was referring to in my previous message:
https://ivoryspring.wordpress.com/20...ng-machine-21/
https://ivoryspring.wordpress/2013/0...sewing-machine-45/
https://ivoryspring.wordpress.com/20...ng-machine-21/
https://ivoryspring.wordpress/2013/0...sewing-machine-45/
Last edited by Sharonquilts; 02-29-2016 at 04:37 PM.
02-29-2016, 08:06 PM
#20
Super Member
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 1,658
One of my favourite sites is http://www.theinboxjaunt.com/ her Tuesday Tutorials have step by step pictures of quilting motifs. I have used several on toppers and quilts.
I also suggest a white board. Practice your quilting with a dry erase marker-making sure not to put your elbow down. You want to teach your arms the motions, not your wrists. Let us see your progress!! And welcome to the wonderful world of machine quilting!
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