FMQ....HELP!

Oh yes, everything goes much smoother with the gloves on. It really does make a difference to be able to grip the fabric.

I agree - gloves are a must for FMQ. They help you grip the fabric so much better. You can use garden gloves (new, please!) or Fons and Porter even makes quilting gloves. Just so they have the little plastic dots. Another thing that I have found that helps me - I FMQ from the bottom right, work across to the left, back to the right and keep moving up. If I work from the top down, I find myself stitching over what I've already done. I don't know if this is proper quilting, but it's worked for me for several years now and I'm pretty pleased with the results. Good luck!

Thanks everyone. All great advice. I do have gloves but I wasn't using them for the little test patch.

Nancy, something else that can cause skipped stitches is a dull needle, or a needle not heavy enough to go through all the layers. Try a new needle and see if that helps.

I'm very new to FMQ, but when I stop and then start up again, I get those kinds of jags. Almost like the machine startled me!

I love Leah Day. She has some very complicated stuff but she also has instructions for beginning FMQers. She has a really great Facebook page too. I'm just learning and I spend more time reading about FMQ than actually doing it, but everyone says to keep practicing, so I guess I should do that.

Looks great. Keep at it and try to relax. It does look like you might be pulling your fabric. I have to really remember to stop the needle in the down position and when I start again I have to remember to not pull the fabric. FMQ is so much fun after you get going. Have fun with it and keep up the beautiful work.

I've enjoyed reading everyone's suggestions. This thread has been a great review/prep for FMQ - practice, practice, practice, and of course relax and have fun :)

Lin

As everyone else said, practice is the key. Gloves help. In one series of videos I watched, the presenter suggested having a glass of wine first. I fully support drinking and quilting. Her point was to get you to relax. And yes, watch your shoulders. If they're up around your ears you're going to end up with poor FMQ and a neck/back ache. My advise: relax, put on some good music, and practice before you work on your final piece. I liked the warm up suggestion too. That will help you get in the groove.