Machine quilting

I am getting too many quilt tops and need to learn how to finish them. One I plan to stitch in the ditch but I sure would like to learn to machine quilt. Is it really hard? Do I need a fancy machine for this or will my reliable basic Kenmore be enough. I do have a vintage Featherweight. Should I use that instead?
Also a while back someone's hubby built a quilting table to go on their machine. Does anyone have a plan for same. Would love to build one. Lots of questions. Hope you can help.:icon_beuj:

Hi Shauna:

Great questions. I would like to know the same things.....lol. Is there a special foot or can you use a regular one. I'm thinking of buying a new machine, but if my basic one will work that would be great :)

Sally,i just drop my feed dogs down.Do you have a quilting foot? Connie C

Attachment 3628Attachment 3626I too am just learning to meander :) I did need to purchase a special (darning) foot for my Kenmore. I have decided to start with small lap quilts like the memory quilts i did for my friend Kristan last summer and then move up to the bigger quilts...... :)
it was my husband that made the extension table for my machine.... I LOVE IT!!! makes the work / sewing space so much larger and can chain piece like crazy!! He used a extra coat of "slippery stuff" on it so the fabrics just slide right thru the needle! Here is a picture. Can be painted too - he will be happy to make you one tooooooo - would just cost the materials and shipping. message me. :)

I've only done one lap quilt and a table runner in a meandering stitch. The more you practice the easier it gets. Also, don't fret when you make a mistake, I've found that once the whole quilt is quilted, it's almost impossible to find the mistake. I haven't free motioned any of my "gift" quilts. I don't fee like mine are nice enough for that yet.

What do you mean by meandering stitch?

We made a table(sort of) from foam building insulation. I just measured the height of the needle plate of my machine(3") and stacked it up. Hubby cut out the shape of my machine with a hot knife and we spray glued the sheets together to bring it up to the depth I need. Just put a sheet of vinyl over it to make it slippery. It lives under the bed in the sewing room and is very light weight and easy to position. We got everything but the vinyl at Home Depot. Easy peasy and it really takes the weight of the quilt off the machine. Makes even SITD easier.

Just an idea.Cheryl

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Originally Posted by sally

I am getting too many quilt tops and need to learn how to finish them. One I plan to stitch in the ditch but I sure would like to learn to machine quilt. Is it really hard? Do I need a fancy machine for this or will my reliable basic Kenmore be enough. I do have a vintage Featherweight. Should I use that instead?
Also a while back someone's hubby built a quilting table to go on their machine. Does anyone have a plan for same. Would love to build one. Lots of questions. Hope you can help.:icon_beuj:

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From what I've read, as long as your machine has feed dogs you can drop or cover, and you have (or buy) a darning or free motion foot, any machine can free motion quilt.

It's tricky at first but it's so much fun! Practice quickly pays off. Make sure you "warm up" with a practice quilt sandwich every time you turn the machine on - check the back for tension and get into the swing before you put your masterpiece under the needle. Best advice I got was machine quilting gloves (clean gardening gloves will do) and keep your pedal fast and your hands slow - you're supposed to avoid making loops, and crossing over your own stitching but it happens, and some of the most attractive quilts I've seen were done entirely in loops. It's entirely up to you! Take lots of little breaks and have fun with it.

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Originally Posted by sally

I am getting too many quilt tops and need to learn how to finish them. One I plan to stitch in the ditch but I sure would like to learn to machine quilt. Is it really hard? Do I need a fancy machine for this or will my reliable basic Kenmore be enough. I do have a vintage Featherweight. Should I use that instead?
Also a while back someone's hubby built a quilting table to go on their machine. Does anyone have a plan for same. Would love to build one. Lots of questions. Hope you can help.:icon_beuj:

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I have a Kenmore too. If a walking foot did not come with your machine you can just go to a Sears store (or you can order online) and pick it up. It was a in a box as a set that came with a darning foot too!
I don't have an extension table, I just set everything up on the dining room table when I quilt.

Have fun!

Meandering is a stitch when you twist and turn not going over the stitching you have done.I can show you in a picture?Connie C

Connie, A picture would be great. As I gear up for my first quilting project I'm not sure what I'm scared of the most; cutting, stitching a straight seam or quilting.:icon_beuj: One step at a time I guess.

Attachment 3645

This is what we are talking about.You just start anywhere you want.It doesn't have to be this close.Some times i find a design in a book or anywhere,i trace it on to tissue paper and sew on the lines of the tissue paper.Connie C

Wow, great! Is that a template? I like the tissue paper idea. Thanks!

Yes it is a Template.I have a great marking pin,it's Clover,White Marking Pen,drys white but it comes off with a warm iron.Connie C

http://freemotionquilting.blogspot.c...dow-waves.html

I have been checking out videos on this blog and looks interesting. I guess we have to just go for it to see what we can do!

Dianne

I always use one of those pens that really easily wash off in water that you can find at a craft store. All you need is a wet paper towel and it comes off. Anyways, I draw what I want to stitch right onto my fabric, I can use cookie cutters to trace around or make my own design. It nothing fancy, but I spent lot of practice time of fabric, batting, fabric sandwiches-actually made potholders with them) and I seem to get better and more confident every time. I'm still not a pro, but I'm not going out for blue ribbons:) as far as stitch in the ditch, walking foot all the way. I use it so often when I am working with any heavy material, it just holds everything together so nicely! Good luck, and when you do attempt it, we can't wait to see the finished results!