Free motion quilting for beginners - from a line to an extended swirl - with commentary

with commentary!
Many of us struggled with more complex patterns because we have seen only their complexity but did not see how they are constructed. Or, we have seen how they are quilted but not how to get there. Therefore today, I want to show you how to get from simple wavy line to an extended swirls through a series of shapes of increasing complexity. We will start with a simple wavy line. Then we will exaggerate the shape till we get a loop, then a circle and a small swirl. If you know how a swirl works you can combine it with a shallow wavy line and create an extended swirl. Of course it will need practice, but once you will understand the construction and use of the simple shapes, you can quilt anything!
#freemotionquilting #domesticmachine #quilting #quiltingblocks #howtoquilt #howtoquiltit #quiltingwithrulers #contrastquilting #quiltingondomesticmachine #janome #quiltingforbeginners #quiltingpatterns

[@cyn4rest]

Incredible! Love how you broke the design into “doable” pieces. Thanks so much. You are a natural teacher. Soothing voice, too. Doodle on paper, practice on scraps….I think I can do this now! ❤

[@quiltingnerd]

Thank you! I am trying to find ways to explain things from most basic building block level. And if you look at it from this point of view, there are only so many shapes in quilting. On a regular basis I use only several fillers. And they do consist of simple shapes. I hope it will help to get this hesitation so many quilters have and I will help them to try things out!❤❤❤

[@cyn4rest]

@@quiltingnerd Yes. Your message is coming across. Very helpful. It does puzzle me that I can quilt fancy plump feathers and lovely pebbles, but I can’t meander or do swirls - not yet anyway! Thanks again.

[@quiltingnerd]

I cannot quilt with straight lines.... I love them and their look but quilting them for longer than 10 minutes... I am going crazy @@cyn4rest

[@shereeblack5706]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻❤️
Love you explaining as you stitch!

[@quiltingnerd]

Thank you! I do not like talking so much during quilting but in this case it was more efficient. As long as it helps to get more quilter to quilt!❤❤❤

[@carlaatkins2619]

Very helpful. I appreciate the fact that you did the video in real time, gentle pacing and voice. I am goi g to set 30 minutes a day to practice. Your friend from New Mexico, Carla 🎶💐💖

[@quiltingnerd]

Hi Carla,
It does not have to be 30 min. As long as it is fun and you meet your goal. But yes, regular practice is the only way to get to the level you want. I am not a big fan of talking. I am so concentrated on quilting I keep forgetting that I need to talk. This the reason for the breaks in the middle of the sentence 😅. In this case, however, it was essential. Have fun and keep me updated❤❤❤

[@TheJAG1357]

Excellent video. Loved your explaining and hearing the sound of your machine. This will be a great practice for my swirls and circles. Thank you. I’ll definitely be practice along with you on this video. Have a beautiful day. I appreciate you sharing your time and expertise. ❤️😍💐🌞🌻🌟🌹

[@quiltingnerd]

Thank you for your feedback! I thought that it may be helpful when I point out that so many of my quilting friends have already the basic skill. There are so many similarities between the patterns... sometimes you just have to push a bit more! Have agreat day too❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@ОльгаРазумова-п8н]

Огромное спасибо!!!

[@quiltingnerd]

Thank you!❤❤❤

[@MireillePF]

I really like your videos. They are very helpful. Thank you very much for your explanations.
Quick question: which machine do you use and which foot? It's rare to see a square foot. I'm very curious.

[@quiltingnerd]

Thank you for your comment! I am happy to hear that. My machine is Janome M7 - a large sewing machine. But a smaller Janome or comparable machine can do the job. And I am using either gliding fmq feet from Janome, or their ruler foot. They came with the machine. I like the open toe foot, it leaves an open view. ❤❤❤❤

[@olgasurneva4042]

Надо де как поэтапно от простой волны до сложных завитков. Буду тренироваться. У меня всё криво и косо получается 😂

[@quiltingnerd]

Thank you! Practicing simple shapes will get you to the more complex ones. Happy quilting!❤❤❤