with Rob Appell
A quilt top, no matter how intricate, doesn’t have a ton of texture. It’s just…flat. That’s where FMQ comes into play. Because with a little planning, your stitch patterns can force the batting to puff – or crush – exactly where you want it.
Last week I pieced together a Mariner’s Compass, and this week I’m finishing it off with an action-packed session of free motion quilting. Click HERE to learn how to give your compass quilt tons of 3-dimensional character with a few basic FMQ motifs.
If you love exact measurements, rules, and instructions, it can be hard to let loose with Free Motion Quilting. How do you know if you’re doing it “right?” Where should you stitch next? How many swirls is the right number of swirls?
Luckily, the Circle Grid Motif is the perfect mix of creativity and structure. You’re working on a grid, so all you have to do is swoop from point A to point B. And swoop by swoop, your FMQ confidence will grow – and your quilt will look awesome. Click HERE to watch the tutorial!
Rev up those sewing machines and get ready to stitch, cuz I’ve got two new FMQ motifs that are going to rock your holiday socks off!
Pumpkins and vines are perfect for all kinds of festive quilt projects. So crank up your favorite Halloween/ Thanksgiving/Christmas mix tape, and have a blast whipping up these cool little designs! Click HERE to watch the tutorial!
I’m a free motion kind of guy. My quilts are like blank canvases just waiting to be filled with pure creativity. But this week, I’m actually “coloring” inside the lines.
Free motion quilting on a panel is like target practice. As you stitch along the printed designs of your panel, you get a feel for the pace and movement of machine quilting. Bonus: because you’re practicing on a panel rather than scraps, you’ll end up with a totally useful quilted project. Click HERE to watch the vid!
Quilt top complete.
Sandwich basted.
Machine geared up for a free motion quilting extravaganza.
It’s go time, baby!
But…where do you start? How do you take those first few stitches with confidence?
Conquer that blank canvas like a pro with a simple method I call “Building from the Base.” I begin with one basic shape that serves as the starting point for all the detail to come. Click HERE to watch the vid!
For months we’ve been cranking out the free motion quilting tutorials. Many of you have jumped in and given it your best, and we’ve loved the pics you’ve shared of your efforts! But for those of you still sitting on the sidelines, it’s time to bite the bullet and start stitching!
Jenny Doan may be the Queen of Quick & Easy Quilting, but when it comes to Free Motion Quilting, she’s a beginner like many of you! So don’t be shy; we’re all learning together!
Click on the button below to watch a true beginner tackle the first hurdles of free motion quilting: sync & rhythm! Then it’s your turn!
