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Stupid question of the day: I just have to quilt my 1st table runner. I'm very proud of how the piecing came out, I don't want to ruin it. So I thought I'd just follow a pattern/design when doing the FMQ. But how do you get the design onto the fabric without free-hand drawings it (because I stink at that)? HELP!:icon_rolleyes:
I havent attempted FMQ yet...but when I do get up enough courage to try it, I think I'm going to try the chalk and stencil method so I can brush it away as I go along.
If anyone has tried this method and doesnt like it, I'd be interested in knowing why...I like to get all the info I can before buying or trying a new product!
I tried a stencil recently with a chalk pencil and had trouble with it showing up. However, when I was in Joanns last time I noticed they have a 'spray' chalk and think that might work better with the stencils . . . didn't buy it. Has anyone tried this?
I'm anxious to see responses, too.
I just took an all day class on FMQ and it was worth every penny (even though I am not good at it yet LOL!). We did several different approaches: 1) use a stencil and the dissapearing marker. They come in both blue for light fabric and white for dark. 2) we used a stencil and chalk, but the chalk was a kit. It is called pouncing. The chalk is powder and you use the pouncer, which looks like an eraser to pounce the chalk lightly over the stencil. It stays until you was the quilt. I have to say the pouncer was my favorite method and I was disappointed that MSQ does not have it. However, Joann's does and I have a coupon! Hope this helps
THanks for all the great suggestions. I also wondered if you could have your design on apaper and pin it to the quilt and sew right through it all and just pull the paper away after??? Would that work? might slip around I think.
I bought the pouncer at the quilt show last month but I haven't tried it yet. I did buy some stencils at the booth also but when I asked the lady she did say (admit) that you could use the stencils that I have already for stenciling walls. I'm doing free hand FMQ right now with my new Flynn loom and I'm not quite sure how I like that. Though, I am getting better at it as I go thru the lap quilt that I have on the loom.
If you use tissue paper or paper designed for paper piecing like Carol Doak's brand it is really easy to FMQ that way. It works best for me if I am FMQ a single block. I have not tried this method in a boarder. I just doodle a design I like on paper until my hand is comfortable doing it and then I just fo for it.
I have used the disappearing ink pens, chalk markers and the chalk pounce. I have found different situations require different tools. You have to just play around and find what works for you. I have not used the paper stencils, but it sounds interesting. I spray baste my small projects with good success....why not try a light spray basting on the paper to keep it in place. Good Luck. Keep practicing, your work will get better with every project.
Happy Sewing,
Rae
I just traced a stencil onto a quilt I am currently working on. I used a "pencil" made by Sewline. I works great. They have around 5 colors. The pencil is just like a mechanical pencil. You have to be careful with how much pressure you use on it though. The lead breaks easy.
Thanks for all fo the great suggestions. I too have wanted to try out FMQ but am afraid of messing up something that I have worked so hard on. Maybe I'll be braver now.
I have used freezer paper. I just cut out the shape out of freezer paper pressed it to my quilt and sewed around it, move it each time and press. It worked great.
You could always quilt it with water soluble thread first and if you don't like it, wash it out and start over.Quote:
Originally Posted by Lana Monteith
That sounds like a great idea. Thanks for sharing it.Quote:
Originally Posted by craftyladysam
I just used a stencil for the first time and marked it with a wash-out blue marker. It worked so well. Easy to see on the quilt with the blue colour. Then I just used a spray bottle with water and the blue lines disappeared like magic! The important thing is to use a wash out marking pen!!! I found chalk difficult to remove.
Patti
Where can I get a wash out pen? I always thought that meant you had to throw it in the washer but if a spray bottle is enough it sounds like a great way to go.Quote:
Originally Posted by psha
I love, love LOVE wash out pens, - they are so handy for all kinds of sewing and just spray it with water or dab with a moist cloth: gone! :D
Hugs from me :)
There is a tissue product made just for FMQ - it is called Golden Threads. We used it at the FMQ class and I liked it alot. Very easy to use. I haven't seen it at Joann's or Hancocks, but you might try your LQS.
I want to get better at FMQ and had watched a couple of tutorials that inspired me. Also took the class a couple of years ago and had marked some practice sandwiches with water soluble marker. After watching one of the tutorials where they had used the water soluble marker and saw her spray it with water and it disappeared, I went in and pulled out my practice piece, sprayed it lightly and rubbed my finger over it and it disappeared. Wow, now I'm not afraid to use it. Was scared before thinking it would ruin my quilt.
I am also disappointed that Missouri Star doesn't have the pounce products.
Loonwatcher,drawing it on tissue paper works for me makes it soo much easier.I also use disappering pen.Connie C
I use Glad Press n' Seal. It sticks to anything and is re-positionable. If the area is unusual in shape I position a piece over the area, trace the shape, take the sheet off and trace the design or draw it. Then I put it back down over the block or quilt area and stitch over the design. I even place the wrap on the quilt and draw directly on top of it. I have always used a permanent marker to draw my designs and have never had any problem with it not coming out but have read some reports from some that they have had problems. In this case you may want to use a wash out marker instead. It tears off beautifully and the great part is you can see through it. Also, you don't have to pin it down because it is just tacky enough to stay put. I do work in small areas at a time as I don't know if it would hold up to being handled through the whole quilting process if you marked the design over the whole quilt first. Ann in TN