Debbie B

Thank you for the tips. I was trying to look at exactly where I was sewing instead of ahead and I was trying to stay exactly on the line. It resulted in a "jiggly" line at times. Also, I will do the suggestion of going over the panto with the machine off first. After getting the quilt off the frame it didn't look as bad as I thought it would, but this is going to take a lot of practice :).

the casual quilter

The quilters here have given you some great pointers. A few more tips that might help -- speed up your movements a little bit. The slower you go, the more jiggly your movements will be. And don't look at the needle or the hopping foot. Look at the line ahead. It is sort of like driving a car - you look ahead at the road not at the steering wheel. Your hands follow your eyes.
Don't be hard on yourself. You are the only one who sees the line of the panto. Everyone else only sees the quilting.

abbynjack

Great advice I will also 'take on board'.

nycquilter

and remember, only you know where you colored outside the lines, if you will. the recipient has no clue. and no one will see the errors. That's our job (or the quilt police's job). They only see the good, at least that's been my experience.

cmrenno

I make my own pantographs (from ideas I find in my quilting books.) I know that I could copy them with my printer but I prefer to trace them myself. Let me tell you after to trace the pattern many times it gets LOCKED into your brain.
And remember you are your own worst critic. Relax and enjoy the process!