I realize the age of your videos, but I’ve just found you. Attempting FMQ and am thankful for UA-cam. Thank you for posting your experiences and knowledge. I do appreciate you 🤓☺️.
hi Rob. I am 71 years of age and have never tried free motion quilting. because of your fmq tutorials I just finished a queen size quilt for my husband. He picked out the material and the pattern in 2013 and I got the top done, but couldn't decide what quilting pattern to use. I drew out my main pattern and quilted that then did fmq in the areas around the motifs. my guild asked if I was going to show it and I am.
You are so funny! Really enjoy this tutorial. And I love the real life teaching. I am just recently feeling ready to start free motion quilting. Making some pot holders to practice on. You make this look so easy. But I still feel intimidated. I am going to buy Christina's book. Super excited.
Really appreciate the reminder to do a warm up. Sometimes I get so focused on what I want to do (and how little time I have to do it in) that I try to skip the warm up. Nope. Doesn't work well. FBQ is an athletic event. Warm up first!
I am fairly new to fmq. I have only recently done fmq on a few of my quilts. I have always done sitd on my quilts. I have really enjoyed watching your tutorials, and look forward to doing more fmq. I am in the process of finishing two quilts right now; a wolf themed quilt for my son-in-law, and a Donald Duck themed quilt for my daughter-in-law.
Man sewing is so awesome! I'm so glad I found you. I'd like to learn more organic-type quilting motifs like leaves, flowers, vines, water, etc. with lots of variations and possible showboats. All the power to you and keep up the great work!
I really like the idea of trying different motifs in different sections of the quilt. I have left over fabrics that I could put together into a lap quilt and use it to practice the various designs to see which ones I like the best and which ones I can do the best. Thanks!
Thank-you Rob for the fun jam packed with great ideas tutorials and drills!!!! I have been making memory quilts for quite some time both pictures, t-shirt and mixed - but always with straight in the ditch or straight line quilting. Your tutorials have challenged me to try adding some fun free motion, gulp, to these quilts. So any tips on free motion on the t-shirt quilts? Thanks!!!
Hi Bernadette! Due to the nature of t-shirts and photos, stitch in the ditch is a good plan. Especially to start, this will stop some for the stretching of the quilt top if you go back and do FMQ. So, oldschool is good here, then add more if you wish by tracing the designs in the T-shirts. I usually avoid the photos with the FMQ. Have fun sewing!
Will my tremor affect my free motion quilting? I've yet to give it a try because of it. My right hand is pretty steady though. Your terrific varied patterns and relaxed,easy going demonstrations are motivating me to give it a try.
Would like to see the back of this quilt when you are finished. I tend to have a few gathers here and there, even though I pinned and basted...thanks for these videos, you take a little more fear away each time I watch ;)
I so love watching your freemotion, I'm at a point now that I'm ready to take the step and tackle my first freemotion project. But before I do what would you suggest for picking thread colours. My quilt is predominately dark blue, light blue and with cream and dark blue sashing and it's backed in a lightly patterned cream. WOuld you use the same thread colour all over the top with the bobbin thread being cream or what? I just can't decide and I don't want to start and then have to unpick because I don't like it. Thanks
That's an excellent question, Lesley! If it were my quilt, I'd opt for cream thread all around. It would blend in with your background well and pop against the blue.
I've watched all your FMQ skills & drills videos and love them all - thanks for making them. What is stippling? Is that another type of FMQ or just a term for FMQ? If it's different, can you please do a video on that? Just an idea. Thanks!
Yes, you definitely make it look so easy and your stitches are so uniform. You may have mentioned it in an earlier tutorial, but I was wondering what stitch length you are using. Are you using a stitch regulator or does your machine have that feature built in? Super tutorial - thanks.
I suggest dropping your feed dogs completely, or setting your stitch length to zero. Here's a link to a tutorial that might help you out. :) ua-cam.com/video/QFbw1LAPZjg/v-deo.html
Thank you, Rob. I have tried it, and thus my question. I do get confused when I try to free motion by where to start, and which way to go. I have tried right to left, and top to bottom, but don't think I have tried the left to right. I would be curious to hear from any "lefties" out there. I love your videos and have learned so much from your tutorials. FMQ is something I would love to master. I would be interested to hear from some lefties on this.
Hey Joen H Zamojcin! Me and Jenny Doan talk about this in my recent tutorial. You can check it out by clicking on this link below! :) ua-cam.com/video/Q2bffXf4PQU/v-deo.html
Thanks for calling this video to my attention. Loved watching Jenny (an accomplished quilter) trying to learn this technique. I love to watch her tutorials as well and can relate to her left-handedness and angle challenges also. You guys are always fun and informative to watch.
Excellent tutorial! I piece my quilt with 50 wt thread....what weight do you use for FMQ? Also, what needle size? FMQ is killing me. My stitches are all jagged. Have messed with tension, no change. I have a small Brother. (Not fancy machine, just basics.). I have a "slider". I keep trying, but, am getting very depressed. Really enjoyed your video! Tks!
Another enjoyable--educational tutorial. One thing I have noticed in buying a book with motifs is there aren't any arrows or indications of where to start and where to go. Being new to FMQ that is important to me as I will look at one and try to figure it out and end up having no idea.
Hi Lori! It's the Sew Slip Multi Purpose Sheet, and you can buy it here: www.missouriquiltco.com/shop/detail/40242/gossamer-designs/-/sew-slip-multi-purpose-sheet
I watched a lady here do FMQ and she had a wedge behind the sewing machine so it was on an angle facing you. The reason for the wedge was so it was easier to see your sewing lines. Have you tried this and is it a good idea?
I'm a sort of fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants type of person, so I've never used something like that. But it sounds like an awesome idea, especially if you're starting out!
Hi there, I'm fairly new to sewing and I really want to try to make a quilt. I have been watching lots of videos and was wondering if I could use the fmq on a block or small set of blocks and then put them together. Is there any reason why I shouldn't? Thank you for the really clear tutorials that make things seem achievable even to a complete newb like me! They are greatly appreciated x
+Man Sewing Thank you for your response, (slight fan-girl moment!) watching your videos has shown me how to start with free motion quilting, especially the recent one with Jenny which answered a lot of questions for me. I have to ask though, which quilt block you would recommend for an absolute beginner? My aim is to make some, I expect the first few to fail, and use them to practice the quilting. I don't, however, want to demoralise myself by having complete nightmares with the first step of my journey. Btw, your daughter is a real cutie x
Lol, did my first FMQ on a quilt last weekend. I found it difficult to fit the quilt in the throat of my machine and keep control of it (I know I need more practice and those gloves and the slippery surface thingy) - but how big is your machine? That quilt seemed to fit a lot better and it was probably three times bigger than mine.
Neko, it is difficult pushing threw a quilt of regular size/queen with a regular home machine........many of the quilts you see done on Utube they are doing smaller versions or art type quilt for demo.....Keep practicing and you will use to the pushing but may never be able to to certain designs on a queen quilt unless you get a machine with a larger throat.....I use a janome but hope to get a juki soon with a nice large throat.......just an idea....bottom line.....it takes practice and will always be tough on large quilts/
Could you do a tutorial on the car seat super sing? I want one for my grandchild but they are so expensive. I think I could make one if I had the directions.
Stippling. I know it's extremely basic but would like to see your technique. I practice on notebook paper and I don't think I do a very good job. Need help?
I noticed that you eye-balled your design instead of drawing and transferring directly onto your cloth. Can you talk a little bit about some pros and cons of eye-balling vs. transferring the design directly onto your materia and how to remove those marks if marking is used. Thanks for the great video content.
Part of what I love about FMQ is how versatile it is! You can definitely draw your design onto your fabric, but it can be incredibly freeing to just go. You end up having smoother stitch definition this way, if you're confident in how you're doing it. If you'd rather draw it on, I'd recommend using a heat-erasable pen meant for fabric, like the one you can purchase here: www.missouriquiltco.com/shop/detail/4045/pilot/-/black-frixion-pen
I realize the age of your videos, but I’ve just found you. Attempting FMQ and am thankful for UA-cam. Thank you for posting your experiences and knowledge. I do appreciate you 🤓☺️.
I love to watch you doing free motion. You make it seem so effortless.
hi Rob. I am 71 years of age and have never tried free motion quilting. because of your fmq tutorials I just finished a queen size quilt for my husband. He picked out the material and the pattern in 2013 and I got the top done, but couldn't decide what quilting pattern to use. I drew out my main pattern and quilted that then did fmq in the areas around the motifs. my guild asked if I was going to show it and I am.
Awesome job Lois! that is a huge accomplishment!
You are so funny! Really enjoy this tutorial. And I love the real life teaching. I am just recently feeling ready to start free motion quilting. Making some pot holders to practice on. You make this look so easy. But I still feel intimidated. I am going to buy Christina's book. Super excited.
Your doing great work Christy! Keep it up!
Really appreciate the reminder to do a warm up. Sometimes I get so focused on what I want to do (and how little time I have to do it in) that I try to skip the warm up. Nope. Doesn't work well. FBQ is an athletic event. Warm up first!
I am fairly new to fmq. I have only recently done fmq on a few of my quilts. I have always done sitd on my quilts. I have really enjoyed watching your tutorials, and look forward to doing more fmq. I am in the process of finishing two quilts right now; a wolf themed quilt for my son-in-law, and a Donald Duck themed quilt for my daughter-in-law.
That's awesome Kathi Glomb! We'd love to see pictures of these quilts sometime!
I love the tee shirts you wear. All those fun sewing motifs.
Thank you Rob. Just learning how to do this and you are a GREAT teacher.
Man sewing is so awesome! I'm so glad I found you. I'd like to learn more organic-type quilting motifs like leaves, flowers, vines, water, etc. with lots of variations and possible showboats. All the power to you and keep up the great work!
Really enjoying your man sewing videos... Learning a lot about free motion quilting.. thank you so much
Thank you Rob for being so generous with your ideas and demonstrations.
Exactly what I needed-! Thanks for providing a full quilt FMQ point of view!
Thank you for your tutorials and today I practiced for the first time I loved it , great teacher and fun to watch
You make it look so easy Rob great tutorial thank you
I have enjoyed this one. Will practice later this week. Thank you
I really like the idea of trying different motifs in different sections of the quilt. I have left over fabrics that I could put together into a lap quilt and use it to practice the various designs to see which ones I like the best and which ones I can do the best. Thanks!
Great tutorial! I'm so afraid of fmq...You're helping me work up the courage to give it a try.
Susan, fantastic to hear! Keep it up!
It looks so easy when you do it! I need some serious practice
Practice, practice, practice! It didn't always come to me that easily! :)
Thank you again. You are an inspiration.
Thank-you Rob for the fun jam packed with great ideas tutorials and drills!!!! I have been making memory quilts for quite some time both pictures, t-shirt and mixed - but always with straight in the ditch or straight line quilting. Your tutorials have challenged me to try adding some fun free motion, gulp, to these quilts. So any tips on free motion on the t-shirt quilts? Thanks!!!
Hi Bernadette! Due to the nature of t-shirts and photos, stitch in the ditch is a good plan. Especially to start, this will stop some for the stretching of the quilt top if you go back and do FMQ. So, oldschool is good here, then add more if you wish by tracing the designs in the T-shirts. I usually avoid the photos with the FMQ. Have fun sewing!
Will my tremor affect my free motion quilting? I've yet to give it a try because of it. My right hand is pretty steady though. Your terrific varied patterns and relaxed,easy going demonstrations are motivating me to give it a try.
Love your enthusiasm!
Would like to see the back of this quilt when you are finished. I tend to have a few gathers here and there, even though I pinned and basted...thanks for these videos, you take a little more fear away each time I watch ;)
That's good to hear, Joan! I'll definitely keep it in mind to show you all the back once I'm done. :)
I so love watching your freemotion, I'm at a point now that I'm ready to take the step and tackle my first freemotion project. But before I do what would you suggest for picking thread colours. My quilt is predominately dark blue, light blue and with cream and dark blue sashing and it's backed in a lightly patterned cream. WOuld you use the same thread colour all over the top with the bobbin thread being cream or what? I just can't decide and I don't want to start and then have to unpick because I don't like it. Thanks
That's an excellent question, Lesley! If it were my quilt, I'd opt for cream thread all around. It would blend in with your background well and pop against the blue.
+Man Sewing Thanks Rob I was actually thinking cream would be best 😀
Great tutorial...with a little practice, I think I can do this. :)
I know you can Gene_J! Keep up the great work!
Ps: love your show. Very inspiring!
Thanks ffanny2retire! I appreciate the support! :)
I've watched all your FMQ skills & drills videos and love them all - thanks for making them. What is stippling? Is that another type of FMQ or just a term for FMQ? If it's different, can you please do a video on that? Just an idea. Thanks!
What type of thread do you use to practice FMQ? I don't want to waist good thread.
Yes, you definitely make it look so easy and your stitches are so uniform. You may have mentioned it in an earlier tutorial, but I was wondering what stitch length you are using. Are you using a stitch regulator or does your machine have that feature built in? Super tutorial - thanks.
I suggest dropping your feed dogs completely, or setting your stitch length to zero. Here's a link to a tutorial that might help you out. :) ua-cam.com/video/QFbw1LAPZjg/v-deo.html
I am curious to know if there would be any different approach in free motion quilting for a left-handed person. Thank you
Thank you, Rob. I have tried it, and thus my question. I do get confused when I try to free motion by where to start, and which way to go. I have tried right to left, and top to bottom, but don't think I have tried the left to right. I would be curious to hear from any "lefties" out there. I love your videos and have learned so much from your tutorials. FMQ is something I would love to master. I would be interested to hear from some lefties on this.
Hey Joen H Zamojcin! Me and Jenny Doan talk about this in my recent tutorial. You can check it out by clicking on this link below! :)
ua-cam.com/video/Q2bffXf4PQU/v-deo.html
Thanks for calling this video to my attention. Loved watching Jenny (an accomplished quilter) trying to learn this technique. I love to watch her tutorials as well and can relate to her left-handedness and angle challenges also. You guys are always fun and informative to watch.
One question, what's the black box with a flashing light on you machine?
LOVE your videos! Just found your channel and am thrilled! Subbed :)
Welcome to Man sewing fam Miamisweets! Glad you found us!
Excellent tutorial! I piece my quilt with 50 wt thread....what weight do you use for FMQ? Also, what needle size? FMQ is killing me. My stitches are all jagged. Have messed with tension, no change. I have a small Brother. (Not fancy machine, just basics.). I have a "slider". I keep trying, but, am getting very depressed. Really enjoyed your video! Tks!
Another enjoyable--educational tutorial. One thing I have noticed in buying a book with motifs is there aren't any arrows or indications of where to start and where to go. Being new to FMQ that is important to me as I will look at one and try to figure it out and end up having no idea.
Hopefully my FMQ series and the free printables have been helpful with that, Marlene. Those arrows are always very helpful. :)
Do you have a stitch regulator on your machine?
It's a Baby Lock Jane, so it does come with computerized stitches. :) It helps a ton!
what is the black box on your machine is it a stitch regulator ?
This black box is actually a camera, so I have better quality videos Irene. Stitch regulators are awesome to have as well though!
Hi Rob what is the name of the mat use over the sewing machine? where can I get it?
Hi Lori! It's the Sew Slip Multi Purpose Sheet, and you can buy it here: www.missouriquiltco.com/shop/detail/40242/gossamer-designs/-/sew-slip-multi-purpose-sheet
I watched a lady here do FMQ and she had a wedge behind the sewing machine so it was on an angle facing you. The reason for the wedge was so it was easier to see your sewing lines. Have you tried this and is it a good idea?
I'm a sort of fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants type of person, so I've never used something like that. But it sounds like an awesome idea, especially if you're starting out!
Hi there, I'm fairly new to sewing and I really want to try to make a quilt. I have been watching lots of videos and was wondering if I could use the fmq on a block or small set of blocks and then put them together. Is there any reason why I shouldn't? Thank you for the really clear tutorials that make things seem achievable even to a complete newb like me! They are greatly appreciated x
You sure can. Its referred to as"quilt as you go". Its handy if you are making a large quilt on a small machine. Can work on about any size project.
You can do that honeybadgerzs! It's a great way to go!
+Man Sewing Thank you for your response, (slight fan-girl moment!) watching your videos has shown me how to start with free motion quilting, especially the recent one with Jenny which answered a lot of questions for me. I have to ask though, which quilt block you would recommend for an absolute beginner? My aim is to make some, I expect the first few to fail, and use them to practice the quilting. I don't, however, want to demoralise myself by having complete nightmares with the first step of my journey. Btw, your daughter is a real cutie x
can you quilt using a singer simple?
You should be able to Justin Phillips!
Thanks I'm going to try this!
We'd love to hear how it goes Gail!
Lol, did my first FMQ on a quilt last weekend. I found it difficult to fit the quilt in the throat of my machine and keep control of it (I know I need more practice and those gloves and the slippery surface thingy) - but how big is your machine? That quilt seemed to fit a lot better and it was probably three times bigger than mine.
Hi Neko! My machine is a Baby Lock Jane, and it has a rather standard throat size. You may be working with a smaller, travel sized machine.
Neko, it is difficult pushing threw a quilt of regular size/queen with a regular home machine........many of the quilts you see done on Utube they are doing smaller versions or art type quilt for demo.....Keep practicing and you will use to the pushing but may never be able to to certain designs on a queen quilt unless you get a machine with a larger throat.....I use a janome but hope to get a juki soon with a nice large throat.......just an idea....bottom line.....it takes practice and will always be tough on large quilts/
Could you do a tutorial on the car seat super sing? I want one for my grandchild but they are so expensive. I think I could make one if I had the directions.
That's a great suggestion Miss Lucy! I'll see what I can do for future tutorials!
so, this is just talent? does this machine makes it easier? it looks so easy xD but i bet is not. a question, can i do this on a regular machine?
Stippling. I know it's extremely basic but would like to see your technique. I practice on notebook paper and I don't think I do a very good job. Need help?
Tips (Technique) and tricks for hand-sewing, please
I'll keep that in mind for future tutorial ideas. Thanks for the great suggestions! :)
Very nice but I can't do it
With a lot of practice we all can Maria! Let me know what questions and concerns you have about this. I'd love to help out!
vc sell these shirts? (I'm on google translator)
Absolutely! You can get a Man Sewing t-shirt here: www.missouriquiltco.com/shop/browse?q=man%20sewing
I noticed that you eye-balled your design instead of drawing and transferring directly onto your cloth. Can you talk a little bit about some pros and cons of eye-balling vs. transferring the design directly onto your materia and how to remove those marks if marking is used. Thanks for the great video content.
Part of what I love about FMQ is how versatile it is! You can definitely draw your design onto your fabric, but it can be incredibly freeing to just go. You end up having smoother stitch definition this way, if you're confident in how you're doing it. If you'd rather draw it on, I'd recommend using a heat-erasable pen meant for fabric, like the one you can purchase here: www.missouriquiltco.com/shop/detail/4045/pilot/-/black-frixion-pen
I just bought free motion foot
Here's a project for you - GET MORE MEN INTO SEWING!
Love the video and instructions, but please choose some better music!
I appreciate your suggestion Vivienne! Thank you!
what kind of thread do you use to fmq?
I use 40 wt thread for quilting, Lisa! You can find a good assortment of this kind of thread here: www.missouriquiltco.com/shop/browse?q=40%20wt