Welcome to Part 1 of my free motion quilting for beginners series! There is so much information I wanted to share, so this will be a short 3-4 video series. In this video, we are just covering supplies and setup. It is meant for someone who is very new or has never tried free motion quilting and is unsure exactly how to get started. In the next video, we will actually start stitching with my favorite skill builder designs! If you want to jump in and start looking at some of my favorites, my allover quilting designs playlist is here: ua-cam.com/play/PLEivWFjX-fGr55Ac-1Qgf2kJPj2EKXXox.html
That's me you described! I'm eager to try soon, after I tackle my first all-in-the-ditch quilt (1221 squares to see together first). You have so many great tips for us, thank you!
Your discussion about threads has highlighted why my overlocker maker recommends polyester thread, that machine goes so fast! It would probably break pure cotton threads -- thank you for this explanation!
Ty so much for explaining everything very thoroughly as I’m new to quilting but starting w mini quilts… I really appreciate all the tips and tricks for a successful project!!
I did it ALL wrong. After your wonderful instructions, I can now start again and do it correctly. Just as well my piece I did was small, I puckered the back material had huge holes in the fabric, and had very tired hands. Need a smooth surface, will get that material you suggested. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Thank You so much for this wonderful tutorial. I am very new to quilting and this video has helped me as well as YOU are such a wonderful teacher. Easy to understand, easy to follow and so much information. So glad this came up on my feed, will look for more from you. Thank you!
Megan thank you so very much for your free motion quilting video ,very helpful. I love the use of wooden slats for basting . I'm going to try it on my next quilt.
I have watched a LOT of quilting videos, but, yours is, without a doubt, the very BEST! You explain things so well, your voice is so pleasant and you are as cute as can be!!! Great job!!! ☺
Really learned a lot of quilting steps as a beginner quilter. I do not have a long arm. But I have just about everything else. When making a quilt for baby, would you recommend using safety pins rather than the spray? How many inches do you put the safety pins in? Really appreciate you and your informative video!
Wonderful info, but I am trying to find the cotton thread you mentioned-orofill??? I am trying to teach myself how to quilt, and I know nothing! Your videos are so helpful!
Thank you. This was very informative. I haven't made a quilt yet. Still nervous about beginning one. But you have made it less intimidating now... Thanks again for these gems 💐
Hi Megan, on my domestic sewing machine, I couldn’t lower the feed dogs but it came with a darning plate that popped over the metal plate and covered the feed dogs and then I used the slippery mat as well. Thanks for your tips on how to baste the layers. Very helpful!
I must remind the quilting/sewing community to check your sewing machine manual for its limitations on thread weight. It’s very important to the functioning and lifetime use of our precious machines! Happy sewing!
This was an amazing video, so full of great information. Just wondering if the wooden slats can be used to sandwich a queen sized quilt that is bigger than my dining room table. How would I go about this?
Doesn't polyester thread saw through the cotton fabric. It used to. That is why us older quilters always use cotton. Is polyester thread now coated with something to prevent this.
Careful basting is key. And working on a small area at a time. Also, work in an orderly pattern-either center out or typewriter style. That will help prevent gaps that may hold bubbles of extra fabric. The benefit of a home machine is that you can take the work out from under the needle and look at the back as often as you like.
Um... "clean out your machine"? I'm new to sewing. I'm enrolled in my very first class. I did not know that machines needed to be cleaned. I might need to go find the manual.
Loved the info about needles! Thank you! Instead of gloves, which I end up taking off, I use two small palm size pieces of the weird material that goes underneath area rugs that sit on hardwood floors to stop them from slipping. I think shelf liner would work too. It's super grippy and I don't have to worry about finding a pair of gloves that actually fits properly.
So happy I found your channel. I am turning 80 next month and just decided to start quilting my patchwork tabletoppers using my brother project runway machine. I have a free motion foot, just needed instructions. I have subscribed and looking forward to looking thru all your previous videos.
You are an amazingly detailed but understandable (!) teacher. Thank you. Absolutely fascinating to listen to with your details about cotton vs polyester, needles and feed dogs. I have learnt so much. Thank you.
I am so glad you are doing this series! I am new to making quilts and I am teaching myself how to free motion quilt on my Juki machine. Your explanations of things are so clear. I can’t wait until the next video! Happy Holidays! Kristen
I come from garment sewing, just getting into quilts, and while watching this video I kept thinking of just basting the sandwich. Handsewing some big running stitches to keep everything attatched. We do that instead of pins because it's completely level. Pins are close, but still make a bit of a wrinkle. Also it prevents accidential poking. I wonder if you can do that with quilts too and if it's more or less work than spray basting or safety pins.
When using spray baste, ventilation is key, but you can also wear a mask (plenty around these days!) and if you are at all sensitive to adhesives, you may want to wear non-latex disposable gloves.
You are so detailed and clear which is so helpful. All of your tips in part 1 and 2 are excellent. Your tip on doodling stipple design first 14:40 was a particularly good tip for me. I doodled every night just a few minutes for a week before taking to a test quilt sandwich. Made all the difference from my first attempts!
I literally drink all that you say ! So clear, so precise, we can take advantage of your experience. Thank you so much, it makes me want to start quilting right away 😊
You are the best online quilt instructor I've found! Thank you for all of your information and tips. I've FMQ once before with the help of a very experienced quilter on his long arm. But now because of covid I have to do my 50" x 90" on my domestic. I have the Super Slider and gloves, the right needles and thread, etc. I just wish the rest of the video series was ready. Until then, I will watch your other FMQ videos. Felice e Sano Anno Nuovo from Lucca Italy.
Oh, I'm looking forward to seeing more of this series. I've tried FMQ a couple of times on test pieces and always hated it. The quilt sandwich never moved smoothly, which lead to very abrupt turns instead of smooth curves. I'll get a supreme slider and will follow your teachings, and if that doesn't work give up completely. But you do explain things so well, I have high hopes that maybe this time I finally leyrn how to do it properly.
It’s definitely a learning curve! I should get out my first free motion quilting projects and show them-they are far from perfect! It took me a while to feel like I can just jump in but even now I practice drawing before starting.
I have learned so much about getting ready to do free motion quilting and I have two machines from Singer and will be using both for my quilting projects. The areas you covered showed me that I need to get more accessories from Singer and off Amazon before attempting free arm quilting as I don't have all the tools you showed. I thank you so much for taking the time to show all of us new operators how to do this and do it properly.
Wow, you have such a gift of teaching! Your personality and depth of information, is fabulous... I've never considered myself a professional quilter, but more of an artist that happens to quilt (though I've sewn for 30 years)...so a lot of what I do for my memory quilt orders, is self taught. Thank you so much for sharing, and I look forward to more videos and lessons. 💜💜💜
This video and the others in this group are amazing! You are so clear and organized in what you present. So very helpful! I love the process you showed for basting. Any possibility of showing how you actually do that process for a bigger quilt with the bigger pieces of lumber?
Very good video! I'm looking forward to Part 2. It's very timely as I'm currently working on FMQ on my Juki and there's always room to learn new skills.
This video is amazing ! You are so easy to watch and listen to. I have gone down the rabbit hole with learning about free motion and your video is by far what I'm looking for. Thank you so much !! I can't wait to learn more from you.
Thank you for this really comprehensive video, I’m just wanting to get started and you have been so helpful. I am not sure if ill be able to get the right kind of presser foot for my machine as it is a very old Husqvarna that I inherited from my mum, but I am hoping that a quilt festival near me might be the place. This is probably a really stupid question, but are quilting needles specific to the machine, or will any brand work in any machine? Thanks again!
Thank you Megan for this wonderful tutorial..especially the info about how to spray baste. For senior quilters this made it very easy. I've tried many other methods this is the best.
I really appreciate these videos. I am working on my first quilt (a baby quilt) with my Featherweight 221 that I got from my Mother who got it from her Mother in Law. You make it feel not quite so intimidating.
Hi today is my first time watching your show,love it ,you said you have janome I just bought 6650 this is my first computerized machine,do you mind sharing how to quilt on this new machine
I haven't started quilting yet and was kind of wondering why I have been putting it off. Now I know why, YOU are the person I needed to find first. Thank you for explaining in detail about thread, needles etc. and I am now moving on to your next video in this series. Blessings.
SO happy I found you today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Starting my first quilt soon (I'm a Seamstress by trade, no clue about quilting), and since finding you, I'm actually excited to start. THANK YOU SO MUCH
Like many other commenters I really liked the use of the wood pieces. This would make the job of putting together the quilt sandwich so much easier! Will definitely try this next time. I love your easy to understand videos! Even though I think I know what I'm doing, I always learn something new from you. Many thanks!
Thank you so much! I'm so glad you liked the wood pieces idea. I thought they were much easier than the noodles or similar tools. And thank you so much for the kind words about the videos :)
Welcome to Part 1 of my free motion quilting for beginners series! There is so much information I wanted to share, so this will be a short 3-4 video series. In this video, we are just covering supplies and setup. It is meant for someone who is very new or has never tried free motion quilting and is unsure exactly how to get started. In the next video, we will actually start stitching with my favorite skill builder designs! If you want to jump in and start looking at some of my favorites, my allover quilting designs playlist is here: ua-cam.com/play/PLEivWFjX-fGr55Ac-1Qgf2kJPj2EKXXox.html
That's me you described! I'm eager to try soon, after I tackle my first all-in-the-ditch quilt (1221 squares to see together first). You have so many great tips for us, thank you!
Your discussion about threads has highlighted why my overlocker maker recommends polyester thread, that machine goes so fast! It would probably break pure cotton threads -- thank you for this explanation!
@@ecoquilting7077 thanks
Which video should I watch next?
Thank you very much for the super-helpful video. I am sorry but I could not find the part 2. Would you possibly help me? Thank you very much
I'm a 30 year, self taught quilter and I learned so much from this video. Thank you for your excellent instructions.
Thank you so much for the kind words! I'm so glad everyone found it so helpful :)
Ty so much for explaining everything very thoroughly as I’m new to quilting but starting w mini quilts… I really appreciate all the tips and tricks for a successful project!!
The slider and gloves changed my FMQ life!!! You are the best!!!!
This has answered all of the questions I had. I usually hand sew after piecing. Thanks so much
A very well done and informative straight forward video. Thank you… no extra chatty words or ramblings. Love it!
Excellent! Very clear, thorough and complete. Well presented. Thanks!
I love your idea of wrapping the fabric layers around the wood strips to baste!
I did it ALL wrong. After your wonderful instructions, I can now start again and do it correctly. Just as well my piece I did was small, I puckered the back material had huge
holes in the fabric, and had very tired hands. Need a smooth surface, will get that material you suggested. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Thank You so much for this wonderful tutorial. I am very new to quilting and this video has helped me as well as YOU are such a wonderful teacher. Easy to understand, easy to follow and so much information. So glad this came up on my feed, will look for more from you. Thank you!
Thankyou for the informative and well spoken session on FMQ for beginners - very good and very helpful to me!
Thank you. You are an excellent teacher. So clear and concise. Plus, you make it make sense!
Thank you so much for your complete and encouraging tutorial!
Gardening gloves work well, too.
Excellent video.
Boy I wish I had seen this earlier. Thank you for the instruction!!!
As always, awesome tutorial with so many helpful tips!
Wow, really enjoyed your instructions. Love the wood slat technique. Am looking forward to part two.
Such a fab tutorial for the beginner freemotion quilter, now feel ready to give it a go. Thank you.
Hi Kathy, how's your day going with you?
Thanks for doing this series! I’m looking forward to the rest!
Hi Becky, how's your day going with you?
Megan thank you so very much for your free motion quilting video ,very helpful. I love the use of wooden slats for basting . I'm going to try it on my next quilt.
Hi Barbara, how's your day going with you?
I have watched a LOT of quilting videos, but, yours is, without a doubt, the very BEST! You explain things so well, your voice is so pleasant and you are as cute as can be!!! Great job!!! ☺
thanks for explaining the cotton lint. Interesting :)
Thank you so much. You have really helped me so so much you are awesome.. Thank you .
Really learned a lot of quilting steps as a beginner quilter. I do not have a long arm. But I have just about everything else. When making a quilt for baby, would you recommend using safety pins rather than the spray? How many inches do you put the safety pins in?
Really appreciate you and your informative video!
Very excellent and thorough. Thank you so much.
Wonderful info, but I am trying to find the cotton thread you mentioned-orofill???
I am trying to teach myself how to quilt, and I know nothing! Your videos are so helpful!
Thank you. This was very informative. I haven't made a quilt yet. Still nervous about beginning one. But you have made it less intimidating now... Thanks again for these gems 💐
you have a good vocabulary.
Hi Megan, on my domestic sewing machine, I couldn’t lower the feed dogs but it came with a darning plate that popped over the metal plate and covered the feed dogs and then I used the slippery mat as well. Thanks for your tips on how to baste the layers. Very helpful!
Interesting!! I’ve never seen a plate like that! That’s such a handy accessory :)
It’s a basic Singer machine but at least it had that option.
Hi Leanne, how are you doing?
This is a wonderful video. Thank you for all the valuable information. I’m looking forward to the rest of the videos in the series.
Hi Jane, how's your day going with you?
Thank you for the basting instructions I am a beginner and was not sure about using the spray. Merry Christmas
Hi Terri, how are you doing?
I learn so much from you Thank you for sharing your expertise!
Great tips. Great smile
Good tips.and easy to understand.thank you 👍❤️
I must remind the quilting/sewing community to check your sewing machine manual for its limitations on thread weight. It’s very important to the functioning and lifetime use of our precious machines! Happy sewing!
Very useful instructions. Thanks
This was a fabulous video. Thank you.
This was an amazing video, so full of great information. Just wondering if the wooden slats can be used to sandwich a queen sized quilt that is bigger than my dining room table. How would I go about this?
Awesome video!
Where did you buy the polyester thread what brand and size was the yello one you showed
Doesn't polyester thread saw through the cotton fabric. It used to. That is why us older quilters always use cotton. Is polyester thread now coated with something to prevent this.
Miss seeing your videos. Are you coming back?
Gracias!!!
My old machine recommended using a darning plate for FMQ to keep the feed dogs out of the way
So smart! Yes-that’s the same idea as putting the slider over them. Whatever works and you have already will be perfect!
Can any machine be set up for this?
Lol. I actually started out with garden gloves
My question is how do you keep the puckers out when you quilt on home machines
Careful basting is key. And working on a small area at a time. Also, work in an orderly pattern-either center out or typewriter style. That will help prevent gaps that may hold bubbles of extra fabric.
The benefit of a home machine is that you can take the work out from under the needle and look at the back as often as you like.
Um... "clean out your machine"? I'm new to sewing. I'm enrolled in my very first class. I did not know that machines needed to be cleaned. I might need to go find the manual.
Do you low the pressure on your foot?
Hi Anne, how are you doing?
Looking for part 2 to this can you tag me in it please
Loved the info about needles! Thank you! Instead of gloves, which I end up taking off, I use two small palm size pieces of the weird material that goes underneath area rugs that sit on hardwood floors to stop them from slipping. I think shelf liner would work too. It's super grippy and I don't have to worry about finding a pair of gloves that actually fits properly.
Great tip! Thanks
Good idea. Might try your method, thanks 😊
😢
So happy I found your channel. I am turning 80 next month and just decided to start quilting my patchwork tabletoppers using my brother project runway machine. I have a free motion foot, just needed instructions. I have subscribed and looking forward to looking thru all your previous videos.
Love the use of the boards! Thanks for the tip. You are a very good instructor. I always learn something new from you. Merry Christmas!🎄🎁
Thank you so much! The boards were a real lifesaver when I started using them!! I hope you have a happy holiday season! 🎄
I used your wood slat process for my quilt sandwich...what a difference this made for me. My backing is much flatter now. Thank you!
Excellent video. No yak yak, but lots of information professionally delivered. Thank you.
You are an amazingly detailed but understandable (!) teacher. Thank you. Absolutely fascinating to listen to with your details about cotton vs polyester, needles and feed dogs. I have learnt so much. Thank you.
Let me guess, you are left handed. I have the same problem, well it is not a problem for me but it confuses everyone else. :)
I am so glad you are doing this series! I am new to making quilts and I am teaching myself how to free motion quilt on my Juki machine. Your explanations of things are so clear. I can’t wait until the next video! Happy Holidays! Kristen
You can definitely do it!! I'm so glad I can help :)
Do you like your Juki and why?
I come from garment sewing, just getting into quilts, and while watching this video I kept thinking of just basting the sandwich. Handsewing some big running stitches to keep everything attatched. We do that instead of pins because it's completely level. Pins are close, but still make a bit of a wrinkle. Also it prevents accidential poking. I wonder if you can do that with quilts too and if it's more or less work than spray basting or safety pins.
When using spray baste, ventilation is key, but you can also wear a mask (plenty around these days!) and if you are at all sensitive to adhesives, you may want to wear non-latex disposable gloves.
You are so detailed and clear which is so helpful. All of your tips in part 1 and 2 are excellent. Your tip on doodling stipple design first 14:40 was a particularly good tip for me. I doodled every night just a few minutes for a week before taking to a test quilt sandwich. Made all the difference from my first attempts!
I literally drink all that you say ! So clear, so precise, we can take advantage of your experience. Thank you so much, it makes me want to start quilting right away 😊
You are the best online quilt instructor I've found! Thank you for all of your information and tips. I've FMQ once before with the help of a very experienced quilter on his long arm. But now because of covid I have to do my 50" x 90" on my domestic. I have the Super Slider and gloves, the right needles and thread, etc. I just wish the rest of the video series was ready. Until then, I will watch your other FMQ videos.
Felice e Sano Anno Nuovo from Lucca Italy.
I see that this video is 3 years old but I love it and find your video presences encouraging and informative. Thanks for this information.
Oh, I'm looking forward to seeing more of this series. I've tried FMQ a couple of times on test pieces and always hated it. The quilt sandwich never moved smoothly, which lead to very abrupt turns instead of smooth curves. I'll get a supreme slider and will follow your teachings, and if that doesn't work give up completely. But you do explain things so well, I have high hopes that maybe this time I finally leyrn how to do it properly.
It’s definitely a learning curve! I should get out my first free motion quilting projects and show them-they are far from perfect! It took me a while to feel like I can just jump in but even now I practice drawing before starting.
Thank you! I found this really informative, I’ve learned a lot. 😊
Hi Debbie, how's your day going with you?
I have learned so much about getting ready to do free motion quilting and I have two machines from Singer and will be using both for my quilting projects. The areas you covered showed me that I need to get more accessories from Singer and off Amazon before attempting free arm quilting as I don't have all the tools you showed. I thank you so much for taking the time to show all of us new operators how to do this and do it properly.
An absolutely fabulous podcast! Covers so much & everything that you should know before starting to quilting. Well done!! Cheers & thank you 😊❤️🥰💕😘😍
Wow, you have such a gift of teaching! Your personality and depth of information, is fabulous... I've never considered myself a professional quilter, but more of an artist that happens to quilt (though I've sewn for 30 years)...so a lot of what I do for my memory quilt orders, is self taught. Thank you so much for sharing, and I look forward to more videos and lessons. 💜💜💜
This video and the others in this group are amazing! You are so clear and organized in what you present. So very helpful!
I love the process you showed for basting. Any possibility of showing how you actually do that process for a bigger quilt with the bigger pieces of lumber?
Very good video! I'm looking forward to Part 2. It's very timely as I'm currently working on FMQ on my Juki and there's always room to learn new skills.
This video is amazing ! You are so easy to watch and listen to. I have gone down the rabbit hole with learning about free motion and your video is by far what I'm looking for. Thank you so much !! I can't wait to learn more from you.
Thank you for this really comprehensive video, I’m just wanting to get started and you have been so helpful. I am not sure if ill be able to get the right kind of presser foot for my machine as it is a very old Husqvarna that I inherited from my mum, but I am hoping that a quilt festival near me might be the place. This is probably a really stupid question, but are quilting needles specific to the machine, or will any brand work in any machine? Thanks again!
Thank you Megan for this wonderful tutorial..especially the info about how to spray baste. For senior quilters this made it very easy. I've tried many other methods this is the best.
I really appreciate these videos. I am working on my first quilt (a baby quilt) with my Featherweight 221 that I got from my Mother who got it from her Mother in Law. You make it feel not quite so intimidating.
My machine tends to skip stitches when I use my ruler foot but not with my hopping foot. Would you have any recommendation to fix that?
Hi today is my first time watching your show,love it ,you said you have janome I just bought 6650 this is my first computerized machine,do you mind sharing how to quilt on this new machine
I was getting skipped stitches with the Schmetz quilting needles. I switched to topstitching needles, problem solved. All needles were new.
I love the idea of laths, but despair of being able to find actually straight, flat laths at some of the bigbox hardware stores. 😢
Best explanations that I’ve heard about basics. I learned a tremendous amount of useful information. Thank you.
What needle would you use to do free motion quilting on felted wool? Do I need a sewing machine or quilting machine? Can you recommend one
What machine would you recommend for free motion quilting on my felted wool paintings thanks
Put a little spray wax on a cloth and wipe your machine, things will slide nicely and get the gloves.
Can schmetz needles be used on ANY home sewing machines?
(I have Singer newer)
Loved the first part of FMQ, but I can't find the second one. HELP!
I haven't started quilting yet and was kind of wondering why I have been putting it off. Now I know why, YOU are the person I needed to find first. Thank you for explaining in detail about thread, needles etc. and I am now moving on to your next video in this series. Blessings.
Can you use this type of needle for free motion embroidery? For example,lettering?
I’m replacing “recombobulate” with “remagic”!
SO happy I found you today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Starting my first quilt soon (I'm a Seamstress by trade, no clue about quilting), and since finding you, I'm actually excited to start. THANK YOU SO MUCH
Congrats! What type of quilt will you be starting? I think for my first I am going to do a jelly roll race quilt with interspersed daimond shapes.
I would like to see the free motion quilting designs Playlist that you mentioned thanks
What was the name of thslick paper you use on your machine bed?
Lewis Betty Walker Christopher Miller Sandra
Thank you for this useful info. I didn’t even know what I didn’t know!
Me, too!
You are a very good instructor who covers information that many others don’t even think of including. Great job and thank you very much.
Setup my machine and tried free motion and my stitches look loose
Anderson Jeffrey Thomas Carol Wilson Susan
Like many other commenters I really liked the use of the wood pieces. This would make the job of putting together the quilt sandwich so much easier! Will definitely try this next time. I love your easy to understand videos! Even though I think I know what I'm doing, I always learn something new from you. Many thanks!
Thank you so much! I'm so glad you liked the wood pieces idea. I thought they were much easier than the noodles or similar tools. And thank you so much for the kind words about the videos :)
Hi Mary, how's your day going with you?
Great video. I used to quilt 20 years ago and am just getting back into it. This was a great introduction and refresh!
I am new to quilting and I really appreciate your videos: clear, lots of information and easy explanations, thank you very much. You are the best.
Can I buy wood slats at Lowes? I love this sandwich idea!