I’m trying to master a new skill – free motion quilting. Here are my first two attempts.
This is a Hundred Hugs Quilt from the Wedding Dress Blue Blog. I think it’s the 5th time I’ve made this pattern. It’s one of my favourites. I was careful to match the thread colour with the area being quilted so as not to highlight the quilting more than necessary.
This is a table runner made from a Tonga Treats charm square pack.
Consistant stitch length and flowing lines are the two big things I need to work on. And I’m considering purchasing some quilting gloves to help maneouver the quilt as I hear they give one a better grip. I’ll have to research to find the best ones to buy.
Here are some close ups of my first attempts which show that there is much opportunity to improve.
A few lessons learned
- A fast stitch on the machine is better than a too slow speed. My stitches were huge when I turned down the speed of the sewing machine.
- Go with the flow; don’t over think.
- Matching thread is a must when learning as it blends and doesn’t stand out.
- The hardest part was getting the courage up to start.
- Practise, practise, practise – and likely best not to leave it to long until I do this again.
Any and all tips on how to improve will be very appreciated!
Both quilts turned out beautifully! Practice, practice practice. Matching your hand and foot speed is the key. Regarding quilting gloves… two words… Garden Center!! Light weight gardening gloves with the rubber dots work every bit as well as quilting gloves (at a fraction of the price.)
Practice is the best policy!! What I tell people is to disengage your mind if you are stippling. Move your arms in a sweeping motion and do not try to plot a path, but also, don’t box yourself into a corner! LOL Cute projects!
You are so brave! I keep saying I’m going to learn to free motion, but I always chicken out. The quilts are lovely.
Your quilts look great. I am so glad you enjoy Hundred Hugs. The only tip I have for anything in life is “Anything worth doing well is worth doing badly. At first.” Really, it all comes down to practice and you are off to a better than average start.
I think it looks great! I hear you don’t need to worry so much about stitch length much as it will come with practice. I keep fiddling with the speed control because I need to go faster when I make wide sweeps and slower for the smaller areas. Not sure if that is the best way because I keep forgetting to adjust. Anyway, keep up the good work!
I think your first attempts are very well done! “Just keep swimming”, as Dory says! I’m a terrible stippler! I don’t do it often . Good job!!
I think your own comments about speed are absolutely correct, as is the use of gloves. The other thing I find helpful is to doodle in a scrap book first too, especially when attempting a new pattern. It evidently helps build muscle memory. Congratulations on a great start.