sewmagic

Just wondering if it does make a difference to keep the feed dog up, but why then covering them? I would like to improve my FMQ but always was told to put them down only if your machine won't let you to cover them.????

cdarts2

Me,too, I have a jerky problem in my movements. :lol:

jillnjo

I also FMQ the way Leah Day explains. I have the Janome Horizon and I don't put the feed dogs down. I turn the stitch length to 0 and the results are fantastic!

lalaland

Looks great and I am having the same experience! I have an old mechanical machine at my summer place and decided to try free motion on it this summer. I free motion on my newer machine but I can drop the feed dogs, on the mechanical you have to cover the feed dogs because you can't drop them (on mine the cover is called a darning plate). I bought a darning foot and I'm having awesome success with it. Gotta love those older machines!

quiltsillysandi

You can drop the feed dogs or not, either works good....If you don't drop the feed dogs, you need to cover them up, leaving a hole for the needle....Just personal preference....In a answer to a few questions......

My machine is a regular machine with a larger bed....

Thanks for all your kind words....Not a pro here, just someone needing to learn to use her machine to quilt her tops...:) I have to give the credit to my machine, it makes it very easy and does a great job.......

I know there are many sites out there, but this one I posted the other day.....www.thefreemotionproject.com - Leah Day.....She tells you all about her technique (not dropping the feed dogs, lowering stitch to 0), plus she has videos, explaining, each of her free motion patterns...It's awesome....

quiltsillysandi

Let me add this, I used to try and FM without any special surface other than my machine bed/acrylic base.....I purchased the Supreme Slider and it was the difference between day and night...Unfortunately, it's a bit pricey, but I'm sure there are others that have less expensive options..Some say the silicone spray for sewing works, but I've never tried it......

Thanks again for all of your very nice comments....

barnbum

It looks great!!! I never knew that about the feed dogs... I'm about ready to drop them on my Baby Lock Quest to do some quilting.

lalaland

I have the Supreme Slider as well and love it but on my bigger setup I use the clear plastic vinyl, the thicker the better, you can cut it to fit and it's works great!

Harmony

I have a Baby Lock Espire, and I've had very limited success with FMQ. I will definitely try this method!

np3

Looks wonderful!