Free Motion Quilting FMQ

[Dragonfly]

For those interested in trying or getting some tips on doing this, Quilting Arts website currently have a free e-book that can be downloaded, Free-motion Machine Quilting: 67 Machine Stitching Tips and Motifs:

http://www.quiltingdaily.com/media/p/11227.aspx

They have lots more on their 'free stuff - free ebooks' page.
I think you need to register with the website but that is just an email address and not onerous. They send regular emails with information on various art quilting things but that is optional.

[SummerK]

Re: Free Motion Quilting FMQ

Awesome, thanks for the link, Lynn!

[mrswindy4]

Re: Free Motion Quilting FMQ

Great....thanks for sharing the link!!!

[wicked]

Re: Free Motion Quilting FMQ

This is something I'm in the process of trying....

Thx for the link. Maybe it will help me get over the fear..lol

[debinmalaga]

Re: Free Motion Quilting FMQ

Lynn, what a terrific site! I printed out one of the ebooks, it was so perfect and just what I've been needing. Thanks!

[Margaretmary]

Re: Free Motion Quilting FMQ

Gee, thanks so much. I am new here but lets face it..if you make it, it will need quilting!

[Chris48]

Re: Free Motion Quilting FMQ

I wish I could find out what I'm doing wrong when I try free motion quilting, I've broken so many needles that I'm concerned that it can't be good for my machine. Chris

[Katherine Vickery Ringo]

Re: Free Motion Quilting FMQ

I wish I could find out what I'm doing wrong when I try free motion quilting, I've broken so many needles that I'm concerned that it can't be good for my machine. Chris

Is your stitch length set to "0"? You will break needles if it isn't!

[Chris48]

Re: Free Motion Quilting FMQ

Thanks, Katie! I don't believe I ever saw mentioned to lower the stitch length that low. I will give that a try and let you know. I've wanted to learn FM for a while now but couldn't get passed the broken needles. Chris

[Katherine Vickery Ringo]

Re: Free Motion Quilting FMQ

Thanks, Katie! I don't believe I ever saw mentioned to lower the stitch length that low. I will give that a try and let you know. I've wanted to learn FM for a while now but couldn't get passed the broken needles. Chris

Yep the needle should ONLY be moving up and down, not any other direction or you will most certainly break it at some point. Also make sure your feed dogs are down. Then it is practice, practice, practice!

[Dragonfly]

Re: Free Motion Quilting FMQ

Just as a note to that broken needle problem, definitely set to 0 but another problem can be how fast you are moving the fabric relative to the machine speed. If you are sewing slowly but trying to move the fabric then you may be pulling the fabric while the needle is in it. I was taught 'fast machine, slow hands', this is easier if you machine has a slow/half speed setting, then you can put your 'pedal to the metal' so the machine is sewing at a consistent speed and then you only need to concentrate on your hands.

[LauraS]

Re: Free Motion Quilting FMQ

Thanks so much for the link. Now to practice, practice, practice.

[Jess1377]

Re: Free Motion Quilting FMQ

Thank you for the link, it is a great find!

[Susan M]

Re: Free Motion Quilting FMQ

Thanks for the tip! Great.

[oldgurl4]

Re: Free Motion Quilting FMQ

Yes! Thank-You Lynn for sharing this site with us...
and Katie for your expert opinion as well
I'm also getting ready to FMQ (Oooo check Me out using Quilting Lingo )

Just having a hard time finding the right weight 40-50-60 TOPSTITCH Thread.
Joann Fabrics doesn't carry METTLER thread. What other brand can I substitute it with?
I purchased SULKY for Bottom Bobbin

What have you ladies used for Topstitch?

Thanx in Advance