FMQ Free Motion Quilting...and 'stippling"
By coffeebreak
@coffeebreak (17797)
United States
January 20, 2012 7:25pm CST
IN the past, all I have done on quilts is "stitch in the ditch" but just recently learned about FMQ - free motion quilting, and "stippling" a kind of FMQ. I tried it and it worked great on a small patch, am still holding final judgement for after I do it on a full sized quilt, but it is all the small sewing (on machine) inside the quilt that actually is what makes it a quilt..that and the piece work. It is like drawing with the needle. You drop the feed dogs, and you move the fabric. Really cool and fun.
Have you ever done quilting stitch like this? Have you finished your quilts with this kind of quilting stitch? I'd like to hear about it...care to share?
1 response
@cotruelove (1016)
• Denver, Colorado
21 Jan 12
I have done one quilt with it, but for me it is a problem. My disability affects my hands, and maintaining a constant motion with jerks, is impossible. I doubt I will do it again. But I do love the effect. Continual smooth motion is the trick, and that just isn't possible for me. My grandson didn't care and the wall hanging fishing quilt was just great for him and he didn't know the difference I could see. But the lack of perfection is annoying to me. And free motion quilting just doesn't work well for me.
1 person likes this
@coffeebreak (17797)
• United States
21 Jan 12
This is the first I have heard about it! I always just did stitch in the ditch for the quilts and wall hangings I have done in the past. Main reason tho was I just didn't like it that much. SID was just fine for what I did. I am now just wanting to learn more options since I got the new machine. The T-shirt quilt I made was just SID and the one I am finishing will be that mostly too. I don't think I will start on a 60x60 quilt! Plus, it is a bit thicker than your average quilt. I used flannels and fleece (for the back) so FMQ I think is going to be far to much for this one. I am making a "practice" one and still... will only FMQ on certain parts of it.
I'd like to see pic of the wall hanging. I have a grand son (step) and don't know him very well at all, but want to make him something he will like (age 10) but I don't get to commmunicate with him often. He does like fishing tho...
Just cause you can't do FMQ..you can still have lovely and great quilts without it. I tend to kind of like a little puffiness with the SID, where as the FMQ flattens it all out.
@cotruelove (1016)
• Denver, Colorado
21 Jan 12
The one I made for my grandson is under Single Quilts, and called Catch and Release. I chose my own fabrics for it so her colors and mine were not the same. I just spent time going through all of her designs and I just sit in awe.
@coffeebreak (17797)
• United States
22 Jan 12
DIdn't think about that. I just mention the one as there are no quilters here on Mylot but I guess you and me and I learn so much from forums and chatting with other quilters!
I went to that site...those are amazing!!!! I want to start now!!! You said you bought the pattern....can you explain what was included? Was it mostly applique? how'd you pick you fabrics? Love to hear all about it!
