ohiobuckeye

I hold the top thread, push the needle up/down button twice and gently pull up the bottom thread, and just go for it. When I first started, my stitches were really small too. I watched a few videos on youtube and the best tip I got was fast machine, slow hands. I set the adjustable speed at about halfway and it allows me to go a little slower until I get in the rhythm.

Debd

I've heard about the wine tip, and highly recommend it! It is like premedicating before strenuous exercise, and you feel better later with better results!

Pbecker

For a small project like a potholder, I leave my feed dogs up. It works like a stitch regulator. For bigger projects, I put my work on a hoop with the hoop facing up. It works like a frame, keeping my layers taut and giving me something to hold on to.

stitchengramie

What does FMQ stand for?

Debbie C

I like the part about the glass of wine!! LOL!

janeknapp

FMQ is Free Motion Quilting.

Start stitching by pulling the bobbin thread to the top and then make 4-5 very small stitches before going to regular sized stitches. Don't stitch in place or backstitch as threads build up. When stopping, make 4-5 small stitches and then pull the bobbin thread to the top and cut.

jitkaau

If I start on the edge, I start stitching on the wadding part and don't do anything else to it as it will be cut off and buried in the binding. If I start elsewhere, I bring up the bobbin thread and leave long ends to knot and bury in a similar way to hand quilting.
Some people stitch very small stitches in the same spot for about 4 or 5 stitches and then clip the long threads off. I don't like this look. I don't want my stops and starts to be detected.

Midwestmary

I always practice my design first on a scrap sandwich made from the same material and batt as the quilt. that helps me get in the groove!

mshollysd

I never back stitch, I test my tension on a dummy sandwich by FMQ and checking the back often to get the right look. When I start the quilt I start in the middle. I pull up my thread and make 2-3 stitches in place and then I take off. As far as the slider, it is nice but not entirely necessary. I always wear machiner gloves, that will be better than any slider. I started wearing those rubber dipped gloves that the post office people wear. You can buy them at Walmart for $4. Take a deep breath and have fun. Put your needle in down position if you can, that way when you stop it stays where you are at.

mimiknoxtaylor

Same here. :lol: Since I make my quilts to be loved, dragged, etc I usually do take a couple of back stitches after pulling up my bobbin thread.