If you haven’t yet signed up for my Fabulous Free Motion Quilting online class beginning 19th June 2009, now’s the time to do it!

But just in case you can’t join in, then please enjoy some of my favorite free motion quilting tips. I’ve been free motioning for over 30 years, and it’s my very favorite technique so I’ve picked up a lot of tips along the way – enjoy!

• Free motion takes practice – and lots of it! Keep a pile of small quilt sandwiches stacked beside your sewing machine and every time you sit down to sew, pick up a sandwich and practice for 5-10 minutes. It’s amazing how quickly this will become a habit and you will soon be doing some beautiful free motion stitching.
• Most important – it’s not necessary to sew at full speed when sewing free motion. The most important thing is to find a balance between the speed of the machine and the speed of your hand movements that results in a consistent stitch length and smooth stitching lines.
  A fast machine speed with slow hand movement will produce a short stitch length.
  A slow machine speed with fast hand movement will produce a long stitch length.
  Practice until you find a balance between the two that produces an even stitch quality with a well formed stitch length.
• Your hands should move in a smooth movement; forward/backward/sideways in a straight or circular motion.
• Ideally you want no visible holes in your fabric so where possible, make sure that your thread fills the eye of your needle. If you use a needle with too large an eye, the thread will not fully fill the hole that the needle makes.
• Generally it’s recommended that you work with the feed dogs down when doing free motion quilting, as this allows the fabric to be moved with ease beneath the needle. Some quilters though, find that working with the feed dogs up assists with them with controlling the direction of the stitch. Try both methods to determine which works best for you. I’ve found that feed dogs up works well with simple or large designs, and feed dogs down works better with more intricate designs that require more control over the direction of travel.
• Needle breakage during free motion is generally caused by “drag”, that is, you are moving your fabric too fast and in a jerky rather than a smooth motion, leaving the needle embedded in the cloth when you move the cloth and resulting in breakage. Also make sure that your thread path is clear and the top thread is not getting caught up on anything.
• Good visibility is important. If you are having difficulty seeing your quilt as you sew, try using a couple of plastic door stoppers wedged under your machine at the back to tilt your machine forward slightly.
• Your point of vision should never be the needle, it should always be one or two inches in front of the needle.
• Always work with “needle down” position if you have this feature on your machine. This helps to prevent your quilt from slipping when you stop sewing.
• Always pin or baste large quilts before free motion quilting to hold everything in place.
• Always use good quality thread. This will prevent lint throw-off, and provide a much nicer appearance to your stitch.
• Clean the bobbin area frequently. Lint build-up in the bobbin case is a frequent cause of poor quality stitching and tension problems.
• Take frequent breaks, at least 10 minutes for every hour of sewing/quilting.
• Shoulder and neck tension should be monitored frequently. To reduce tension build-up, take a ten minute break for every hour of sewing.
• Extra lighting directed into the bedspace area of your sewing machine will help with eyestrain. If your machine does not have sufficient lighting in that area, a gooseneck lamp is a good solution.
• Ideally, your sewing machine should be set so that the machine bed is level with your elbows when you bend them. This helps to avoid shoulder and neck tension.
• A sewing chair that is comfortable, adjustable and provides support for your back.
• Breathe! Always be conscious of your breathing as this will help you to relax.
• You’ll achieve more responsive control over your foot pedal if you take your shoes off.

I hope you find these tips useful. Print them out and keep them for reference.
Note: There is a print link embedded within this post, please visit this post to print it.

Art quilters particularly benefit from the wide variety of fabrics available, and cotton fabric, whilst being the quilter’s favorite, is no longer the only fabric of choice. Beautiful silks, velvets, sheers and decorative fabrics all vie for attention in the eyes of an art quilter.

Quality Counts

When choosing quilting fabrics, particularly cottons, quality is something that is not always considered, so it is worth mentioning that not all fabrics are created equal.

Quality quilting fabrics go through a finishing process that requires many steps in order to achieve a vivid color, soft hand and ensure colorfastness. The quality of the base fabric and the number of steps it takes to complete the process all contribute to the more expensive price.

Discount quilting fabrics, on the other hand, start with a lesser quality base fabric and leave out a couple of these processing steps. This results in fabric that has a lower thread count, a stiff hand, and is prone to color run and fading.

Whilst the savings to your pocket may be significant, using less expensive fabric on a family heirloom project is not recommended.

Thread Count

Thread count also contributes to the level of quality of quilting fabric.

Discount quilting fabric generally has a lesser thread count (approx 60 x 60) than quilting shop fabrics (approx 78 x78). A fabric with a smaller thread count will have a higher shrinkage rate and this is important to remember if you are mixing fabrics purchased from different sources and intend to wash the finished project. These fabrics should then be pre-washed.

Fabrics with a high thread count (100 x 100 plus), such as batiks and some PFD (prepared for dyeing) fabrics, have a fine, smooth finish, but are not recommended for hand quilting or sewing because of the tight weave. Tightly woven fabrics can also contribute to problems when machine quilting, and a machine needle with a sharp point, such as a quilting needle, is recommended.

To Pre-Wash or Not to Pre-Wash

The debate over the pre-washing of quilting fabric goes on.

As a general rule of thumb, if it is unlikely that the quilt will never be washed, such as an art quilt, pre-washing your fabric is not necessary.

However if your finished project is utilitarian and will require washing, pre-washing quilting fabric is always a good idea in order to prevent colors running and also to prevent problems with different shrinkage rates.

Difficult Fabrics

Just as there are difficult quilting threads, certain types of fabrics can also be difficult to work with. Fabrics such as sheers, velvets and silks all present challenges, as they can easily slip and slide out of position.

Luckily, modern sewing and quilting machines come equipped with specialty feet to deal with these finicky fabrics and an inbuilt even feed foot, if you have this feature on your machine, is one of the best feet to use when working with specialty fabrics.

As art quilters, we are fortunate to not be restricted in our use of these wonderful fabrics. It’s part of what makes art quilting so much fun.

Art quilters have never had it so good with the variety of machine quilting thread that is available to them these days.

Basic Cotton

Cotton thread, originally the quilters’ choice of thread, is now available in a wide variety of colors and weights, with Egyptian cotton particularly, making a huge statement.

And for machine quilters, whilst cotton thread is still a favorite, it now gets to compete alongside other beautiful and tantalizing quilting threads made of polyester, rayon and metallic.

Price and Quality

Machine quilting thread can be expensive, but cheaper threads will add little to the end result of your project, can sometimes contribute to poor sewing machine performance, and if your project is to be functional such as a lap or bed quilt, it will certainly shorten its lifespan.

Poor quality threads will also produce poor results:

• Short staple cotton threads tend to throw off a lot of lint which not only clogs your bobbin area, but can get caught up in the thread itself and result in "bumps" in the stitching line.
• Polyester, rayon and metallic threads can also suffer from poor quality and result in weak thread that breaks and shreds easily. Sometimes it is not the fault of your machine or needle, sometimes it is just simply "bad" thread.

Remember also, thread deteriorates over time and becomes brittle and loses strength. So your mother’s collection of old thread, whilst maybe having some sentimental value, is not going to guarantee you a beautiful finish or trouble-free sewing.

Personality Clashes

Learning to work with your threads is important, and when you work with threads long enough particularly when machine quilting, you begin to notice that each brand and type of thread has its own little personality.

Some threads like a vertical spool and some threads prefer a horizontal spool. Monofilament thread sometimes prefers rolling around in a cup and metallic thread can often act kinky and needs taming with a net.

Understanding that your sewing machine is often not to blame when thread issues occur will go a long way toward a better relationship between you and your machine, and taking time to do a stitch and tension test before you begin on your project will alleviate a lot of anxiety.

Don’t throw it out

Old, finicky or poor quality thread can still be put to use, so never throw it out.

• It may be quite suitable for the back of a project
• Consider using it in your bobbin for bobbin work
• Snip it up, sandwich it between two layers of sheer fabric and use it to make "thread fabric"

Hand quilting thread – a word of warning

Some hand quilting threads have a wax coating which allows the hand quilter to easily work with the thread. These types of threads however, are not good for your sewing machine as it is possible for the wax coating to create slippage through the tension discs causing tension problems with your stitching. Normally the thread label will state if the thread is coated, so make sure you read the label if using hand quilting thread in your machine.

where to start

J: Ok Linda, what’s the best way to go about finding the best sewing machine for a quilter ?

L: Joan, researching online is the easiest way to start looking for a new machine. If you are a member of an online quilting group, ask around and find out what machines other members recommend, or you could also ask your quilting friends. This gives you a starting point and you can then begin researching further.

Just to help you along, I’ve compiled a list of sewing machine manufacturers. Visit their websites and search for quilting machines.

Pick two or three different types or brands that you think you might like and then do a search for a dealer nearest you. Visit the dealers and take the machines for a test drive. You’re bound to fall in love with the one that’s perfect for you.

second hand rose

Also discuss with the dealer if they have any used or traded in models that might suit you. You might get lucky and find one with extra features but within your budget. And always remember to check out the warranty on used machines.

sewing machine manufacturers

Babylock
Bernina
Brother
Husqvarna/Viking
Janome
Juki
Pfaff

and finally

L: Joan, that’s about as much information I can give you short of going out myself and buying you a machine.

J: Linda, I think I have more than enough information to make a good decision. Hopefully the next time I see you, I’ll be toting a brand new quilters’ machine behind me.

L: That will be good to see. If you have any questions in the meantime, drop me a line and I’ll try to answer them for you.

Beginner Quilting
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5

J: So Linda, what other things should I consider when looking for a quilting machine ?

L: A couple other things to think about Joan.

decisions! decisions!

Joan, the first thing to decide is what type of quilting machine you need. There are two basic types of quilters’ machines available:

• straight stitch only machine
• all-purpose machine

staying on the straight and narrow

The straight stitch only machine is a mechanical machine that only does a straight stitch.

The main benefits of a straight stitch machine are

• excellent stitch quality
• high speed – around 1500-1600 stitches per minute
• wide bedspace – approx 9"

It’s worth noting that a machine that is designed to do one stitch will do it better than a machine that is designed to do many stitches.

So if you are looking for the highest quality stitch for your surface quilting, then a straight stitch machine is the best option.

staying on the straight and narrow

If you want your machine to offer more than a just a straight stitch, there are quilters’ machines, usually electronic machines, that will still offer very good quality straight stitching, plus the added benefits of other quilting and decorative stitches as well as all the other features we mentioned previously.

show me the money

As with any major purchase, always spend as much as you can afford to get the most important features for your dollar.

Those features will depend on exactly what type of quilting and/or sewing you intend to do.

deciding what’s important

Your next steps are to 

• make a list of the features that are important to you
• decide on a budget
• research (online is easiest) the different machines that are available within your budget
• decide which of these machines fall within these guidelines
• visit your local dealers and take them for a test drive

lean on me

Most people don’t stop to think about dealer support when buying a new sewing machine.

Price should not necessarily always be your first consideration, particularly if you are preparing to spend a good deal of money.

With deals being offered all over the internet, it’s easy to think you’re getting a bargain until you have a problem with your machine or it comes time for your machine to be serviced.

When buying over the internet, sometimes you’ll find that the fine print requires you to return the machine to point of purchase for servicing or repair. So buyer beware – this could end up being more expensive than purchasing from your local dealer.

And your local dealer normally offers classes and instruction with a new purchase, so at the end of the day you really are getting a bargain.

J: Linda, that’s a lot of good information, but where do I start looking for a machine?

L: Look this way Joan …

Beginner Quilting
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5

J: So, Linda, you were going to tell me about the special features of a quilters’ sewing machine.

L: Ok Joan, when selecting a quilters’ machine, there are certain features that quilters find very useful and these features help them do a better job of quilting.

size does matter

J: My husband say’s it doesn’t.

L: We’re not talking about men Joan, focus.

Size does matter when it comes to an extended bedspace and this is one of the best features of a quilting machine. An extended bedspace – usually about 9" long – is quite a bit longer than the bedspace on a standard sewing machine.

This allows the quilter extra room to move big, bulky quilts with ease, as well as allowing your hands extra room when doing free motion quilting. It also gives you better visibility in order to see where you’re going and where you’ve been.

J: Free motion ?

L: A story for another time Joan.

zoom zoom

High speed is also another desired feature on a quilters’ sewing machine. A speed of 1000-1600 stitches per minute offers the quilter the ability to quickly piece and quilt their projects. But just note, this speed is for straight stitch only. When you use other stitches like zig-zag or decorative, the speed reduces significantly.

J: So how fast does a normal sewing machine go ?

L: A normal sewing machine goes about 800 stitches per minute or less depending on the brand.

don’t needle me

A needle that has the ability to stop in the down position is also another very useful feature. When working with heavy quilts or fabric, the needle down position stops the quilt or fabric from shifting when you restart sewing. This ensures that your stitching line is not interrupted.

tension headaches

J: All this information … I think I’m having one now.

L: (Sigh, me too)
Joan, Some of the later model electronic quilting machines now offer a manual tension adjustment, as well as manual stitch length/width adjustment, just like on the older type sewing machines.

This gives you the best of both worlds by offering you the benefits of an electronic machine with the ability to fine tune your tension and stitches on the fly.

feed me

An inbuilt "even feed" or "walking foot" feature is very useful for quilters also. This feature works the same as a walking foot, but because it is inbuilt it offers more precision and ease.

It is useful when working with bulky or difficult fabrics and thick quilts, and assists the fabric to feed through smoothly without bunching up.

to recap

So, Joan, to recap, some features that quilters find useful on their sewing machine:

• extended bedspace
• high speed
• needle up/down position
• manual tension
• inbuilt "even feed" feature

but wait … there’s more

Some other features that you might find useful:

• extension table
• thread cutter
• needle threader
• speed controller

J: Linda, that’s a lot of useful information, is there anything else I should look for ?

L: Look this way Joan

Beginner Quilting
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5

Joan is a little confused about quilting machines Quilters Machine

J: First of all, what exactly is a quilters’ machine? Isn’t it the same thing as a sewing machine?

L: No, not really. Joan, in recent years quilting has turned into a multi-billion dollar industry. Some would say (usually husbands) that quilters are obsessed and single minded in their attempt to cloak not just their household with all things quilted, but the planet also. I say there are worse addictions.

And along the way we have diversified, so we now have all sorts of quilters:
traditional, hand, art, contemporary, long arm, short arm and wanna bes, just to name a few.

a love affair

Quilters Machine Quilters, it seems, simply love to quilt above all else, have a lot of time to do it and spend a lot of money in the pursuit of it.

And sewing machine manufacturers, quick as they are to pick up on a trend, decided to accommodate them by offering them their very own type of sewing machine called a quilting machine or quilters’ machine.

a special love affair

This machine is defined by some very special features, and it’s these features that set this type of machine apart from a normal sewing machines.

Of course you can still quilt with a normal sewing machine, but the special features on a quilting machine will allow you to do it with much less effort and subsequently produce better results.

J: So what are the features that make these machines so special?

L: Glad you asked Joan, let me explain …

Beginner Quilting
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5

… and an art quilter wanna be

Hi, my name’s Joan and I’m a beginner at quilting. I’ve only been quilting for a very short time and I really don’t know all that much about it yet, probably even less than a beginner would know.

I’ve recently done a few small quilts for my family and they turned out ok, but what I really want to try is art quilting – that just sounds like so much fun!

Well, now that I’ve been quilting for a short while, I’ve got lots of questions. It can get very confusing trying to sort out all the stuff you need to know about quilting, and I’m not even going to start with art quilting just quite yet.

These are just some of things I’m having trouble understanding:

• I overheard someone say that not all fabrics were the same quality – I didn’t know that, I thought they were all the same.
• and I seem to have trouble with some of my threads breaking – I don’t understand what I’m doing wrong.
• and sometimes my machine quilting is not so good – what can I do to make that better?

I am a true beginner. A virgin quilter even. Speaking of virgins, I must tell you the one about …

Ooops, I can hear Linda rummaging around in her sewing room.

Stick with me as I pick her brain and you might learn something as well. This could take quite some time so we might have to do this in installments. I don’t know about you, but my head can only hold so much information at a time.

never say never

Linda is a very nice person, but I find it really strange that she seems to spend so much time and money buying fabric and thread and quilty things. Talk about stuff !! Beads and paints and things I can’t even imagine using. It’s almost like an obsession with her ! I’m quite sure that’ll never happen to me, although I did see some nice fabric at that quilt shop the other day, and she had some beads there that were winking at me … hmmmm.

And you know, lately I’ve been thinking … my sewing machine is a little old and cranky and maybe I’d like to get a new one, but where to start with that, I’m a little confused about it all.

let’s get started

J: Hey Linda! Pull your head out of that fabric stash. I need some advice.

L: Hey there Joan, what can I help you with today ?
(Thinking: She sure does need help .. I should live to see the day she can sew a straight seam.

J: Linda, I think it’s time for a new sewing machine, but I don’t know where to start.

(Thinking: Hmmm, maybe I will live to see the day…)
L: A new machine? I think I can help you with that.

Beginner Quilting
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5