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Free Motion Quilting Tips

October 18, 2009 78 Comments

Here is the promised tutorial on free motion quilting!

Free Motion Quilting Tips
In my country quilting is unknown to most people that is why I had to learn all by myself. Can you believe that the hardest thing I had to understand was stitching in the ditch?
I had no one to tell me “Don’t do this, it is wrong” so I do some things in my own manner. They make my quilting easier and I use them all the time.Here are some of them:

1. Position of hands

This is the most important thing to me: I don’t quilt with both hands on top of the quilt sandwich. Fortunately, no one force me to do this – I would rather give up quilting!

Look at the picture below.

position of hands for free motion quiltingFor me this position of hands is much more comfortable. I move the quilt around without difficulty and with no pain in my shoulders. I don’t wear any type of gloves, I don’t need them.

learn free motion quiltingI keep on top only my left hand (keeping the quilt laying flat)…

… and the right hand I keep under the quilt. I use this hand to move the quilt.

I also use my left hand to move it around, but the right hand is mainly doing the job.

2. Basting

I use pins (instead of safety pins) to baste the quilt sandwich. I keep the points of the pins in the middle layer (batting). Sometimes I have scratches on my hands (especially if the quilt is large). But since we have Pepe (our kitten) I have them anyway on my hands.

I love using pins because I put them so quickly and I remove them equally. Don’t use pins on baby quilts ! Or be careful to remove them all.

baste a quilt for free motion quiltingIf the quilt top is large I layer it with batting and backing on the floor. I use masking tape to secure the backing to the floor.

If it is not large I baste it on a table and I use clamps to stretch the backing fabric.

clamps for free motion quilting 3. How I start a stitch

I bring the bottom thread to the top. Holding both threads securely, I start taking 3-4 tiny backstitches. I end the stitch in the same way.


how to start and end free motion stitching I always use the same color of thread on the front and back of the quilt (in the pictures, I used two colors for easier understanding). And I like using the same color for backing, too. In this way if I can’t get perfect stitches, the mistakes will not be very noticeable.To avoid mistakes like this,I turn the quilt sandwich over from time to time to make sure that I have good stitches on the back.

Some people like using a busy fabric on the back but I prefer to see the quilting. If I have a busy pattern on top, the quilting will look nicer on the back than on the top.


4. Maintenance  of the sewing machine

Clean your sewing machine often. Oil it according with the manufacturer’s instructions.


5. About threads

My sewing machine (like all the machines, I assume) works wonderfully with quality threads. And because not all my threads are of the best quality, I save the best for using on top (because I usually have problems with the top thread).

6. About needles

I always use quality needles. Lately I have used Schmetz Topstitch needles (#14/90 or #16/100) for most of my projects. They have a large eye and I noticed that the thread does not break so often. If the thread keeps breaking I change the needle.

And I always test its point: if it is dull and does not prick or it leaves a scratch on my fingernail it is time to change it.

7. Why is it harder to quilt large quilts ?

If the quilt hangs off the edges of the table we work on, this will cause difficulties in moving the quilt around. So this is the golden rule for easy free motion quilting : regardless of the size of the table we use (I use a small one), we must keep the whole sandwich on the table at all times.

I start quilting in the center and I never roll the quilt. I just place half of the quilt under the arm of my machine and I quilt on a small area at a time. If the sewing machine fits into a cabinet and there is a large flat area to work on, this is a tremendous help.

8. How to quilt fancy designs

Here is an option.
I hate to trace a pattern onto fabrics or make stencils.
That is why I let the computer to make the hard work for me.
  • I print the desired design on lightweight paper.
  • I pin the paper onto the quilt sandwich.
  • I stitch the design (with dense stitches) then I carefully remove the paper.

From my experience stitching a pattern through paper is the easiest method of stitching a design because the lines are very visible. You will focus only on stitching. This little quilt was entirely quilted using this method.


9. An example of quick and easy quilting

I outline the patches I want to enhance and I use stippling on the background.

 The right side of a block

The back

For outlining the shapes I use stitches like these (done with free motion)


decorative stitching for free motion quiltingI can’t finish this post without showing you the quilting on the back of my favorite shadow trapunto quilt. I made it using many of the tips shown here.


UPDATE: New Free Motion Quilting Free ebook available!

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Filed Under: free motion quilting, quilting tutorials Tagged With: free motion quilting

Comments

  1. Michele says

    October 18, 2009 at 9:22 pm

    Bravo! I must try your hand positions. I'm still learning and free motion is taking so much time to get decent results. Maybe I can blame it on the hand position? Your other tips were helpful as well. Thank you!

    Reply
  2. zetor says

    October 18, 2009 at 9:47 pm

    Very helpful, thank you!

    Reply
  3. MARIKA says

    October 18, 2009 at 10:04 pm

    You are kind that to send good councils to become all dressmaker's hands
    Thank you.I wait for your next councils
    .Loving embrace for good councils Marika

    Reply
  4. SewCalGal says

    October 18, 2009 at 11:00 pm

    Geta,

    This was an excellent tutorial for a beginner thru advanced quilter. Something for everyone. And beautiful, beautiful, beautiful quilting shown as examples.

    I think you should write a book.

    Thanks for sharing.

    SewCalGal
    http://www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com

    Reply
  5. Petit Debutant says

    October 19, 2009 at 12:27 am

    Thanks so much for sharing. I think i have picked up a tip or two that I will be trying out. Thanks Again!

    Reply
  6. DiahRothman says

    October 19, 2009 at 12:40 am

    Geta, this tutorials is great, it really helps me more on my quiting-make-easy…. Thanks you so much!!!

    Reply
  7. Nancy Brodeur says

    October 19, 2009 at 1:28 am

    Thank you, Geta; I have just started to practice machine quilting. Your tips will be a big help. Your work is very nice.

    Reply
  8. Lavinia says

    October 19, 2009 at 1:47 am

    Thank you for the tips Geta! Will be trying them out in my next quilt!

    Reply
  9. Sherry says

    October 19, 2009 at 2:26 am

    You really gave me some great info I will have to try to hold my hands the way you do thanks for the info and can't wait to see you next one.

    Reply
  10. Aida Costa says

    October 19, 2009 at 3:31 am

    Excellent tutorial!! Thanks so much for sharing 🙂

    Reply
  11. roolen says

    October 19, 2009 at 5:38 am

    Geta,
    Thanks so much for sharing. It's very helpful !

    Reply
  12. Béa says

    October 19, 2009 at 6:53 am

    Excellent tutorial!! Thanks so much for sharing. I like especially the quilting through paper : what paper use you for easy removing, please ? All your work is amazing !!!

    Reply
  13. Chris says

    October 19, 2009 at 10:14 am

    Super tutorial, Geta. I especially enjoyed the part about quilting over your printed paper designs. I love feathers but rarely do them. I'll give this a try next time. Thanks, Geta!

    Reply
  14. Quilt Online says

    October 19, 2009 at 10:32 am

    si eu iti multumesc.

    Reply
  15. Sewmarm says

    October 19, 2009 at 1:19 pm

    This was a lovely and very well-organized tutorial. And we can see that your home decor also benefits from your talents!

    Reply
  16. Jude says

    October 19, 2009 at 2:22 pm

    A wonderful tutorial on machine quilting, Geta! I like your hand positions and will try them.

    Reply
  17. Melissa says

    October 19, 2009 at 3:33 pm

    Wonderful, Geta! So clear and easy to understand. I like your pictures. They are very helpful. Thank you for telling us how YOU do it and not how it SHOULD be done!

    Reply
  18. Csilla says

    October 19, 2009 at 3:52 pm

    Multumesc mult pentru acest tutorial, chiar a fost bine venita 🙂

    Reply
  19. Marcsi says

    October 19, 2009 at 6:17 pm

    Gyönyörű, fantasztikusan szép munkák!

    Reply
  20. Mary L. says

    October 19, 2009 at 9:24 pm

    Another excellent tutorial! Great job!

    Reply
  21. gayle says

    October 19, 2009 at 9:47 pm

    I've had a lot of trouble with thread breaking when I machine quilt. Thanks to you, I'll try different needles and see if it helps.
    Your quilting techniques are obviously good – since you use them to produce such beautiful work!

    Reply
  22. Tami (Pixeltrash) says

    October 20, 2009 at 12:13 am

    Oh my. Your stitching is beautiful. I've only tried my hand at free motion stitching twice and I can't imagine getting it that perfect. You've inspired me to try though. Thanks for the tips!

    Reply
  23. Emma says

    October 20, 2009 at 1:34 am

    My tip is use gloves wheh quilting. There are lots of specialty quilters' gloves, but my favourites so far are Ansell Hyflex from the supermarket. They make an unbelieveable difference, and allowed my to move my right hand from underneath the quilt top, and reduce strain on my hands/arms/shoulders/neck.

    Emma from sampaguitaquilts.blogspot.com

    Reply
  24. CJ says

    October 20, 2009 at 1:35 am

    Very nice tutorial, good information. I am going to try the hand positions and the paper technique. Thanks for sharing. BEAUTIFUL work!

    Reply
  25. redgarnet222 says

    October 20, 2009 at 3:19 am

    Getta,

    I just love your tutorial on the machine quilting. You did a wonderful job of explaining the way you have learned to do it. For all of the having to learn on your own, you have really become an expert machine quilter.

    Thanks you so much. This will help me a lot.

    Reply
  26. Arien says

    October 20, 2009 at 10:48 am

    The last picture with big white blanket is also a machine quilting? It is so fantastyc to see someone can make these beautyfull things.

    Reply
  27. Howard Family says

    October 20, 2009 at 6:22 pm

    Amazing!! Great Job!! Thanks for the tutorial!!

    Reply
  28. Monjet says

    October 21, 2009 at 9:26 am

    Thank you, this is very helpful.

    Reply
  29. Lynn says

    October 21, 2009 at 1:37 pm

    Nice tutorial!

    Reply
  30. KicsiKató says

    October 22, 2009 at 6:20 am

    Hi!

    Thanks for your work, there are some useful – and new!! – tips for me:))

    I'm waiting for the next round – love your quilts!

    Have a nice day, hugs from Hungary,

    Kata

    Reply
  31. Anita says

    October 22, 2009 at 6:37 am

    I like Your works very much! Sunt superbe!

    Reply
  32. Rózsaszín pöttyök says

    October 22, 2009 at 7:18 am

    Thank You! It's a wonderful idea!

    I recognized my sewing-machine can also do this type of work in September (reading its instructions …) I tried once the method but it was disastrous.

    What size quilt do You think a beginner should start with?

    Reply
  33. Anna says

    October 26, 2009 at 12:11 pm

    Thanks for the tutorial. I'll post a link to you on my blog soon as I think many of my readers will enjoy it.
    I use a similar grip when I free motion quilt and I'll try yours to see the difference.
    I really love your work!

    Reply
  34. That Girl says

    October 27, 2009 at 2:30 pm

    Thank you for such a clear tutorial! I have dabbled in machine quilting but it has always been difficult so I pirmarily hand quilt. I have 3 quilts to finish for the holidays so I knew that I was going to have to tackle machine quilting… I think I can do it following your instructions. 🙂

    Reply
  35. Diane says

    October 27, 2009 at 9:45 pm

    Geta, Thanks so much for the tutorial. I didn't think I could do extensive quilting like yours on my domestic machine. It is so very helpful. I may be up late tonight giving it a go. Thanks again!

    Reply
  36. Wolfie says

    October 29, 2009 at 2:38 pm

    I found your blog and tutorial thanks to Annas' blog and wow – you are one talanted gal!! I have a severe problem with the actual quilting, but with your expert advice I might get a hang of it. One thing I can figure out is where in EQ6 you find quilting templates….blocks, threads, embroidery – yes, but templates for quilting – nope. I might be a very bad searcher though LOL.
    Hugs from Sweden!

    Reply
  37. Joy LaVon Designs says

    October 30, 2009 at 10:35 am

    Geta~ I just ripped out some "free motion" I did, I am going to pn a template, and take off my gloves, and try your hand idea 1 on top, 1 under. THANK YOU< and YES write a book, more money for thread. LOVE, Joy

    Reply
  38. Eileen says

    October 30, 2009 at 4:33 pm

    Very informative tutorial, Geta. I will have to try out your suggestions next time I free motion.
    Wolfie, in EQ6 go to Block Library>EQ6 Libraries>7Quilting Stencils. I think that's what you're looking for.

    Reply
  39. deb poole aka kustomgal says

    November 1, 2009 at 11:45 pm

    I am in "awww" of your work. You are so talented. And yes, I will be happy and honored to add your name to my blog. Thank you for sharing your talent.
    My blog is http://www.fancythatbydebpoole.

    Reply
  40. Anonymous says

    November 3, 2009 at 6:32 am

    Thanks Geta for a fantastic tutorial, I think you're work is amazing and you're English is great.
    Tania

    Reply
  41. betty says

    November 3, 2009 at 9:10 pm

    Thank you for this excellent tutorial,I like your hands position ,it is appropriate especialy for the beginners(like me) and the paper design for quilt
    instead the drawing on top.
    Great job
    Congratulation,
    Betty

    Reply
  42. Sarah says

    November 4, 2009 at 12:28 am

    what a brilliant tutorial – thanks for going to all the effort. It is full of tips for new quilters like me!

    Reply
  43. blog says

    January 11, 2010 at 12:46 am

    Achei seu blog por acaso. Muito lindo seu trabalho, sou iniciante no patchwokr.
    Amo essa tecnica, adoro fazer bolsas e cestinhas.
    Sou a Rosa do Brasil. Bjs

    Reply
  44. Melissa says

    January 14, 2010 at 1:36 am

    That Trapunto quilt is amazing! Brava! Thanks also for this tutorial, it makes the quilting look soooo much more accessible. I've got a basket full of fat quarters waiting to make a quilt, but have been putting it off… maybe I'll make some potholders first and practice! Thanks!

    Reply
  45. Debora says

    April 8, 2010 at 11:53 pm

    Gracias por el tuto,la verdad muchas de nosotras empezamos en la nada sin saber como arrancar,justamente estoy teniendo problemas con la maquina ,de atras me cose igual ,,me canse asi que voy a cambiarla,soy de argentina no tengo mucho para elegir,las maquinas que tienen ustedes ,me esta terminando de convencer,aca no la consigo asi que la tendre que pedir de importacion,gracias nuevamente y un beso.

    Reply
  46. Annelein Design says

    April 29, 2010 at 12:11 pm

    Thanx for shearing your experience. I would like to quilt this way. You are encouraging me.

    Nice greetings,
    Willeke
    The Netherlands

    Reply
  47. Katie says

    January 2, 2011 at 5:17 pm

    One of the most important things I would tell people when they want to start FMQing – is to buy a Darning Foot or Free Motion Foot attachment for their DSM if they don't already have one. If you're like me, you tried everything and was very discouraged when nothing worked. AHA.. there's a FOOT YOU HAVE TO BUY? Now I FMQ like a dream.
    Also, girrrrll… you can barely see your Add a Comment link on your page – it's in a very pale shade of green.. it took me forever to find it!! hahaha.. Thanks for your wonderful tips!

    Reply
  48. Personalized Sketches and Sentiments says

    January 12, 2011 at 12:59 am

    Oh my goodness! I am happy that I found your blog :o) I am a novice quilter and love the information you have posted here. I am currently working only on hand pieced and handquilted baby quilts (for when we eventually become grandparents :o)…but have always wanted to learn more about free motion quilting.

    I gave our daughter my old sewing machine, so I am on the look out for a new one that will work well with FMQ.

    Blessings & Aloha!

    Reply
  49. Gmama Jane says

    February 14, 2011 at 3:46 pm

    Hard to see your Post a Comment…it needs to be darker! I love this tutorial. I am a beginner machine quilter and I have such a hard time.
    Love your work
    Blessings
    Gmama Jane

    Reply
  50. cr8rt says

    March 25, 2011 at 1:48 pm

    This is so good. Thank you. Really, thank you. I love your tips. Jen

    Reply
  51. Tina says

    June 17, 2011 at 11:30 am

    You are an artist, way beyond just quilter! And your English is better than my grandchildren's who are American! Thank you for this tutorial.

    Reply
  52. sunrise4501 says

    August 22, 2011 at 12:29 pm

    I love your site! Thank you so much for your tute, now I think I can try your methods. I have many many table toppers to make for gifts. I will try your method on these first.
    I agree, write a book, I'll buy it!

    Reply
  53. PatriciaFaye says

    September 3, 2011 at 8:39 pm

    Your tutorial is one of the best and easiest to follow. Others I've looked at were quite intimidating. Thank you for the wonderful suggestions. I think I am ready to get started.

    Reply
  54. Jeanne says

    September 16, 2011 at 1:13 pm

    I love your blog site. I can't believe how beautifully you machine quilt. I made some small wall hangings and will try your method of machine quilting. I am amazed at your level of quilting (and your blocks also).

    Reply
  55. Eloisa says

    December 8, 2011 at 6:18 pm

    Muchas gracias por el tutorial de acolchado,tu trabajo es impresionante,un beso.

    Reply
  56. Joanna says

    January 25, 2012 at 5:02 pm

    I'm happy SewCalGal shared this link with us. Thank you for showing us your methods. Your quilting is truly beautiful.

    Reply
  57. Linda H says

    February 21, 2012 at 4:50 pm

    What a great tutorial. Thank you so much for sharing your technique. I can't wait to finish my next quilt top and try holding the quilt the way you show.

    Your work is just stunning!!

    Reply
  58. Cheryl says

    April 18, 2012 at 1:59 pm

    Excellent!!! I am very happy to have read this tutorial! Thank you thank you thank you!

    Reply
  59. CilB says

    May 17, 2012 at 4:00 am

    Your quilts are breathtakingly beautiful! I do have a question. On the quilt that you showed us how to use the paper method for quilting,( the brown stars), what did you do in between each of the blocks to define them so much? This is a beautiful quilt and I would really like to try this method but it looks so pretty the way you did it. Thank you in advance for you help and again, thank you for the very helpful tutorials.
    CilB

    Reply
  60. Sam says

    July 11, 2012 at 3:08 am

    Very inspiring! Thanks for the tips. http://www.quiltingcurve.blogspot.ca/

    Reply
  61. Carol says

    August 7, 2012 at 10:08 am

    All great tips! I will be trying out your printing method for free machining. Thanks for sharing Geta!!!
    Carol

    Reply
  62. ayisha says

    August 18, 2012 at 10:45 am

    Your site is very good and helpful thank you.

    Reply
  63. Tina says

    November 3, 2012 at 4:50 am

    Very soon I'll be working on some FMQ, I haven't done anything but a few lines so far. Many of your tips will come in very handy and I learn. Thank you!
    http://www.quiltandcook.blogspot.com

    Reply
  64. Jodi-Marie says

    January 30, 2013 at 3:16 am

    Your work is so beautiful. Your tips are very helpful. I am just learning free motion quilting. Thanks for sharing

    Reply
  65. Lee murray says

    October 30, 2013 at 1:57 pm

    Wow your quilts are magnificent. Congratulations for your Houston win. Very inspiring.

    Reply
  66. KaHolly says

    July 5, 2014 at 4:30 pm

    I am new to FMQ and really appreciate your tips and techniques. Thanks so muchfor so graciously taking the time. ~karen

    Reply
  67. Celia Ambrose says

    October 27, 2014 at 4:59 pm

    I have admired your quilting photos for the past year, and want to thank you for your free motion tips. Your work is beautiful and perfection to a "T". I signed up for your email subscription. Many blessings to you for sharing your expertise. (celiaambrose@hotmail.com)

    Reply
  68. Cindy Harris says

    August 12, 2015 at 4:10 pm

    Thank you!

    Reply
  69. Diya says

    September 8, 2016 at 1:30 pm

    Hi I am curious about the clamps you have mentioned.. Can you please tell me the dimensions.. There are variety of sizes in those clamps that are available in market. I wonder which on can hold the entire thickness of fabric batting and backing.. Please suggestt

    Reply
  70. karin steenkamp says

    December 17, 2016 at 7:23 pm

    I loved this so much. inspiringly teaching one to look out for these points that might pop up.Thanks much help

    Reply
  71. Theresa says

    September 26, 2018 at 3:55 pm

    Thank you again Geta for sharing your wonderful ideas, this new feather is amazing and so helpful. Sorry for the spelling I’m on an American computer that doesn’t speak proper English well…..ha ha.

    Reply
  72. Caroline Beattie says

    March 31, 2019 at 2:47 am

    Thanks for all the tips!! I have a question…in the picture where you have two different colored threads and it turns out all ugly on the back–that’s how my first attempts at free motion quilting are looking with one color thread–like all these little bumps on the back. Do you have a diagnosis/suggestion for me?

    Reply
  73. Anne-Marie Webster says

    July 1, 2019 at 7:23 pm

    Thank you, Geta. I am definitely going to try this method. Also, thank you for the e-books and your words of encouragement. I am much older than you, but new to free-motion quilting, so I can certainly use your helpful tips.

    Reply
  74. Muhammad Hamza Zia says

    November 16, 2019 at 8:01 pm

    wow thats very nice post i really like it thanks for sharing and much appreciate your effort
    Christmas Greetings Wording

    Reply
  75. Eli Mcmullen says

    January 29, 2020 at 3:06 pm

    Thanks for mentioning that you should prevent your quilt from hanging off the sides of your table. Now that my sister has decided to have a baby next year, I would like to get a small blanket for her child to stay warm during the winter, but I don’t have any quilting experience. Maybe it would be best for me to look at a website that has plenty of quilting materials available.

    Reply
  76. Sharon says

    October 9, 2020 at 12:30 am

    Thank you for your post! I have been having trouble with holding my quilt when free motion quilting and will use your technique! As for your patterns, I’ve used Press & Seal and drew my design using a template. Then I sewed over the lines, as you do. I have to say that your quilting designs are breathtaking! Bravo!

    Reply
  77. Vicentetex says

    November 1, 2020 at 10:59 pm

    read the full info here hydra onion

    Reply
  78. Michaelkal says

    November 18, 2020 at 1:00 am

    this contact form Bitniex

    Reply

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