Sailorwoman

I have been doing some quilting using FMQ but now I need to do some using a template. Do most of you drop your feed dogs and use the FMQ foot when using a template or do you use a regular walking foot? The templates are for gentle curves but since the quilt is large and heavy, it is hard to maneuver.

Tartan

Gentle curves can be stitched with your walking foot. Using a template....do you mean the 1/4 inch rulers used for long arming? I have a couple of extra thick straight edge rulers that I use with my regular machine when FMQing. I use them with my Machingers gloves on so I can get a good grip. I have part of my hand on the ruler and part on the quilt to guide it when stitching.
Unless I am stitching straight lines along my sashing with my walking foot, I tend to use my FMQ foot for most of my machine quilting. If you use the FMQ foot you can stitch in any direction which makes handling a quilt though the machine harp easier.

Sailorwoman

Thank you - I was leaning in that direction so your answer really helped. By template, I mean a stitching guide which I usually create using freezer paper. I still quilt on a domestic sewing machine.

Tartan

Great idea to use freezer paper as a template. If you accidentally stitch the edge it won't matter. Do you pin it on or iron it on?

Weezy Rider

I've used that gold paper made for it. It rips right out. I was doing a raggy and wanted traditional quilt patterns. Since I wanted larger squares, I couldn't use the embroidery machine, so did FMQ instead. I pinned it on. I traced the patterns from a book. Some were in Electric Quilt.

MartiMorga

I am new to FMQ or I should say, I am still practicing. To read about your method of using freezer paper - I think that would be more "for me". Something I can do that would make things look more uniform. Thank you! Look forward to seeing your finished work.