Here are ten beginner tips that will make your free-motion quilting journey easier:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is better to photograph your quilt tops or use quilt design software (such as Electric Quilt) to sketch them out on the computer. Before you begin quilting, draw your quilting motifs on the printed paper. It lets you “audition” designs to see how they’ll work with the pieced top. It also assists you in determining where you should travel across the quilt during stitching.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A drop-in table where your machine sits with the table bed is perfect for free motion quilting. The weight of your quilt will be pulled down by gravity, causing it to drag and create friction, which will prevent strong stitches from deforming. Dragging can be avoided by lifting the quilt off the floor and placing it on a table. If you don’t have a drop-in table, use the largest tabletop surface you have and surround yourself with movable tables to control as much mass as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When threading your sewing machine, pay attention to the thread you use. If your tension isn’t correct, you may see bobbin thread bumps on the top of the quilt or needle thread poking through on the backside. Use a matched thread color in both the top and bobbin of your machine to avoid this. They don’t have to be the same weight or material, but matching colors will keep all those little dots hidden!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To effectively produce magnificent quilts, you’ll need a few basic tools. Machine feet, quilting gloves, an extension table, and a slider are all necessary items.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thread tension control is an essential element of your quilting machine. Different thread weights, stitches, and other factors can all require you to adjust your tension. Tension can provide not only a strong but also a beautiful stitch. If the string is too tight, the needle will snap, and the fabric will bunch. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Make sure the tensions on your bobbin and top threads are proper. Keep track of the thread on your bobbins so you can set the tension properly every time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You should think about your table heights as well as the chair you use. When we’re quilting, we tend to forget that we spend a lot of time standing, leaning, and reaching. You’ll experience soreness in your wrists, elbows, shoulders, and neck after a few years of quilting. Sitting at a sewing machine can cause a slew of issues, so make sure your machine sits flush against your table. For this issue, drop-in alternatives are the best option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The fabric is always in motion under the needle with free-motion quilting or stitching. The needle bends slightly while pushing\/pulling the fabric, just enough to prevent the machine from making a perfect stitch. Pushing or pulling too hard might result in skipped stitches, as well as strained or broken thread. Slow down and try for an equal, steady pace when passing the fabric beneath the needle to generate more even stitches and limit the possibility of skipping or broken threads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It may be tempting to start off with big quilting projects as soon as you can, but first, you should practice cutting and piecing. Or else, you may ruin your first quilt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The simplest way of learning free motion quilting for beginners is to practice on scraps lying around your closet. Make a few practice samples to get you started with two 10\u2032\u2032 or larger fabric scraps with batting in between. Play with different thread combinations, check tension, try out various batting types, and stitch out a few designs of your own to see how they end up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Make a little craft, such as a potholder, table runner, or a baby quilt with different free motion quilting motifs, then give it away once you’re satisfied with your efforts. The receiver will be delighted, and your flaws will be overlooked!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When you choose multicolored “busy” fabric prints, the texture of your quilting will stand out more than any imperfections in your stitching. For machine quilting, use a thin cotton or polyester thread in a color that matches your quilt top. This keeps your quilt from looking “thready” and hides all kinds of faults!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You must practice regularly to ensure that you are constantly improving. Many new quilters become disheartened when they don’t make significant progress in a short period. However, if you keep training, you’ll notice a difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When you’re ready to begin a large job, the more time you spend behind your machine, the more at ease you’ll feel. When you’re ready, double-check that you have all of the supplies you’ll need, including the best thread for free motion quilting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n