StephanieR

I'm working on a wall hanging in which I'm making a heart balloon from a bunch of smaller hearts. So far I've ironed on the hearts and I'm planning on quilting it by outlining each of these small hearts. So my question is, is it easier to use the walking foot for outlining or should I do free motion?

Thanks, I'm still very much a newbie and nervous about everything.

francie yuhas

For small pieces,I’d use the free motion foot.

Tartan

If you want an exact outline, I would stitch with walking foot, with needle down so you can adjust as you quilt around the hearts.

quiltedsunshine

I vote for Walking Foot. You'd be surprised at how much control you have, even around smaller objects.

StephanieR

Thanks all! I'll try to update later when it's finished. Crossing my fingers that it turns out like the picture in my head.

jokir44

You will have some stopping and repositioning with the walking foot, frequently with small hearts but you can perhaps get precision better that way. It depends how good you are with your fmq. Personally I would prefer to use the fmq and go slowly.

sewbizgirl

It's so much easier to FMQ around curved edges!

mjpEncinitas

If you e never FMQ walking foot is the better bet if you want to finish it soon.

If you have the time to practice FMQ is faster but there is a learning curve. You’re going to need to spend time changing feet, figuring out tension, practicing FMQ skills. Once you’ve used FMQ it opens a lot of quilting option and is faster than walking foot quilting.

gmcsewer

Be sure to get the machinger gloves for your fmq as they give you a much better grip of the fabric. Get the smallest that will fit your hand so they don't slip on your hand.

sJens

I would use FMQ if the pieces are small.