Machine Quilting Basics
Machine quilting your top is a time honored tradition that goes back to
the days of the treadle. Sewing machines were expensive - if you had
one, you made sure to show it off. You might hand piece the quilt
top, since the stitches didn't show, but machine quilt the top where the
stitches DID show.
Today we are more likely to machine quilt a top to both save time and
allow for creative expression. Machine quilting is not difficult but
it does take some practice. You don't need to buy a fancy machine to
machine quilt. All machines will work, although some are easier to
use than others. The larger the opening between the needle and the
side of the machine, the easier it will be to machine quilt large
quilts. This is a good thing, actually. It gives the machine
motor time to cool while you are adjusting the quilt.
There are two types of machine quilting:
- Machine guided (using the feeddogs) Machine guided quilting is
used for straight and slightly curved lines. Use a walking foot and
stitch approximately 12 stitches to the inch.
- Free motion (feeddogs dropped or covered). Free motion quilting generally doesn't follow straight lines. Hand
guided, it might be used for stippling or patterns such as feathered
wreaths. Use a darner foot and a straight stitch needle plate on the
machine (an index card will work in a pinch) to prevent the quilt from being pulled into the throat plate
slot and puckering. Click
here for a slideshow of free motion quilting (click on the play
button to start it.) Practice by following a line both up and down and
sideways. Remember, you don't rotate the quilt or pivot in any
way. Your hands move the part of the quilt sandwich you are
quilting to the needle.
Watch the video on
machine quilting
Helpful hints:
- Basting your three layers together securely will help you avoid
puckers on the back. Do this using
spray
basting, pins,
tack guns or simply by hand basting using large stitches radiating
from the center. Fusible
thread is a nice thing to have but water
soluble thread might be more practical for basting. After you have
finished quilting, just wash and your basting stitches dissolve
away. Don't skimp on this step.
- Do not STRETCH the backing. Lay it out flat, pull out wrinkles, and
let it relax for several hours. Just lay it flat and smooth - not
tight.
- To mark your quilting design, you can use a
stencil
and a air or water soluble
pen or
chalk
marking pencil or
Miracle
Chalk, which you "pounce" on the stencil. Or you can mark your design on paper or
Press'n
Seal and sew right through it. Click
here for Judy Sues method of marking designs with Press'n
Seal.
- It's important that your quilt be supported as you work on it.
To keep the weight of the quilt from pulling your stitches out of
whack, use a bed extension or a table next to your sewing machine.
Plan your stitching so that the majority of the quilt is always on
that support.
- Keep
in mind that you are controlling the quilting. Keep your hands
firmly on both sides of the quilt as you guide it through the
needle. If you are free motion quilting, remember you can quilt
sideways and backwards if you need to. Watch the fabric as you are stitching, not the needle.
Use your hands in a triangular position to spread open the area you are
stitching. This will help to pull out any fullness on the back.
- Keep your speed slow and
even. It helps to keep your bed slippery with wax or the Free Motion slider.
This is a teflon sheet which you tape to the bed of your sewing
machine to make drag disappear.
Click
here to order this Teflon product for
$27.95.
- Start each project with a new needle and be prepared to replace it. We carry four types of Sewing Machine needles:
Embroidery; Metallic; Quilting and Universal.
Click
here for more information on those needles. Keep in mind the
size of the needle often depends on the size of the bat. 90/14
might be good for heavier bats, where 75/11 is good for lighter
bats. This is a matter of personal preference. Experiment
a little to see what works best for you. If you are using
specialty threads, use needles designed for those threads and be
prepared to adjust your tension. Click
here for more information.
- We recommend that you a
high
quality 100% long-staple cotton thread in both the top and a 60 wt
bobbin
thread for quilt that will see daily use. Save the specialty
threads for wallhangings and never use invisible thread
(monofilament nylon) on quilts meant for use by babies as it can
present a choking hazard. If you are having problems, experiment
with the top tension. It may need to be loosened a bit,
especially if you are using invisible thread.
- This page has a History of Machine Quilting
- This page has
5
Tips for beginning free motion quilting, including videos.
- Here is a great blog for ideas and tutorials:
365 Days of Free
Motion Quilting
Books
 Machine
Quilting Made Easy This is an excellent beginner book.
It explains all the terms and includes charts for selecting needles,
thread and batting. An excellent resource book. Through 16
homework assignments you will learn to machine quilt using different
methods. Click on the title to order. |
 Easy
Machine Quilting This book is a series of 12 lessons, each
written by a different author based on her specialty. Clear
illustrations, plenty of inspirational quilts. Lots of quick
tips. Click on the title to order.
|
 Block
by Block New Techniques for Machine Quilting and Assembly
This book explores the "quilt as you go" option explaining
how to machine quilt each block separately and combine them later
on. Step by step instructions and several samples to work on are
included. Choose from 25 blocks, five corner designs, and three
sashing designs. Also includes more than two dozen reference
charts for batting, borders, sashing, blocks, and yardage. Click
on the title to order. |
 Divide
and Conquer: Quilt it your way Break it down, make it smaller,
stitch it up, quilt it your way! Assembling and quilting your
project in two or more pieces gives you lighter sections which
fits better through the opening of your sewing machine and are easily
maneuverable for decorative quilting. Click on the title to
order. |
Learn
to Machine Quilt with Pat Sloan
Pat Sloan introduces her favorite tools and supplies for machine
quilting, explains how to prepare a top for quilting, and instructs you
in her signature style of free-motion machine quilting. The approach is easy, fast-paced, and will have you
quilting free-motion swirls, curves, and other shapes in no time! After
working on practice pieces and a project or two, you will soon find
yourself free-motion machine quilting with confidence! Book features
basic machine quilting instructions plus 6 projects: Sew Simple table
runner (using fabric swatches), The Joy of Sewing wall hanging,
Sunflowers Forever wall hanging, Chantilly Beach Roses throw, and
Butterfly Garden quilt and pillow shams. Be sure to watch the
video below. Click on the title to order
Watch Pat's video on
machine quilting
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