I want to learn to quilt using my domestic machine, so I desperately need lots of practice as you can see. I chose to start out with some straigth-ish lines as the smaller machine I wanted to try it on wouldn't let me drop the feed dogs to do a free motion motif. Well, the quilting lines are not so straight. There are even some peaked/jagged lines.....
I am thinking I should start taking some extra time to lay these out and mark them as I will need to wash when completed anyway. And a second tip to my self is that I need a larger, flat work space instead of the small table I was working at. Does anyone have any further suggestions to make these look a lot less like an 8 year old stitched it?
Looking for some tips! Thanks in advanced!
Linking up with Jennifer at Inquiring Quilter's Wednesday Wait Loss
and Susan of Quilt Fabrication and her Midweek Makers
and Lorna at Sew Fresh Quilts for Lets Be Social
and Fresh Inspiration at Silly Mama Quilts
Sweet quilt! Marking will definitely keep you on the straight and narrow, whether it's with a wash out marker or hera marker. Did you use a walking foot? Wear "quilting gloves". Then practice, practice, practice. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteo wow! just seeing all these sweet suggestions. Somehow I wasn't getting notifications. Quilting gloves help so much and I've found that using markers makes this so much easier than taping.
DeleteActually, the stitching looks pretty good, and that's half the battle when quilting. Let's see. Definitely mark if you want straight lines across the quilt. As Nancy said, I'd recommend a marker that will definitely come out (test before you use) or use a hera marker which leaves a temporary crease. A walking foot helps to keep the top and bottom of your quilt in synch as you sew, which prevents puckering. Go slow and take a deep breath. I put on music to make me relax, which helps a lot. Ummmm, also make sure you have a table to the left of your machine, and behind it, to hold the weight of the quilt so it doesn't drag as you're quilting it. This is especially important when trying to quilt anything bigger than a small wall hanging. If you have tension problems, I recommend rethreading, changing the needle, and making sure you use a good thread in the top and in the bobbin. I use Aurifil and recommend it highly. Thanks for sharing your adventure on Wednesday Wait Loss!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your patience in sending all these suggestions. so sweet, i missed getting lots of notifications because they were sent to spam. I 'm now going back and reading anything relevant because I've not used blogger in so long and wish to get back to it. It gives me encouragement and purpose. Thank you again.
DeleteMy tip is that straight is overrated, and wavey lines are where it's at. I prefer to quilt with a walking foot, and I used this tutorial for the quilt I just finished. I found it very easy and the look was casual, and any "mistakes" look like they were meant to be. https://ameetsz.wordpress.com/2011/08/29/the-long-awaited-waves-quilting-post/
ReplyDeleteHowever, if your quilt top calls out for straight lines, using painter's tape (or even washi tape) to mark your lines on the fabric is a great help.
Thanks for sharing, looking forward to seeing your post ;)
Deletei cant drop my feed dogs either, I have a 1929 singer 99K and i do free motion with a darning foot. i am also stubborn and determined. would quilters tape to mark out your lines work? i havent used it but it should theoretically work - so long as you dont iron over it........ask me how i know :)
ReplyDeleteThey look fine! Another suggestion for straight lines is to use painters tape. It comes in several widths, and you can stick it down to your previous line, then follow the other edge.
ReplyDeleteI don't think it looks bad, and it will be fine after you wash it. I actually use wavy lines more than straight ones, for that very reason. Also, you can use a stripe on the back and then follow the strips for straight lines. I spray baste my tops, and don't use pins that need to come out. Or there are fusible battings, but the one I saw is only fusible on one side, so I don't think that's really helpful.
ReplyDeleteYou could have the lines purposely not go straight across - take a zigzag when you meet a seam, maybe.