Machine quilting

[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.

[wicked]

Re: Machine quilting

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

[Connie Chamberlain]

Re: Machine quilting

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

[pdjewelrylady]

Re: Machine quilting

889.jpg888.jpgI 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.

[lhayes1976]

Re: Machine quilting

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.

[Loonwatcher]

Re: Machine quilting

What do you mean by meandering stitch?

[CherylR]

Re: Machine quilting

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

[debinmalaga]

Re: 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.

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.

[patticakes]

Re: 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.

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!

[Connie Chamberlain]

Re: Machine quilting

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

[Loonwatcher]

Re: Machine quilting

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. One step at a time I guess.

[Connie Chamberlain]

Re: Machine quilting



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

[Loonwatcher]

Re: Machine quilting

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

[Connie Chamberlain]

Re: Machine quilting

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

[mlt150]

Re: Machine quilting

http://freemotionquilting.blogspot.com/2009/08/day-1-shadow-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