Beginner Free Motion Quilting (Machine Quilting)

[50tmack]

How do you 'combat' dragon teeth?? I have a new Brother LA NX2000... Great machine, but I'm not sure there are two (top and bottom) tension adjustments that can be made. I tried slightly moving the tension it readily lists on my LCD screen, but saw no marked difference. I just did my fist FM quilt; a full size for around my house- great practice! I used the random loops, as after a fair amount of stippling practice I found the loops easier. I was thinking the 'dragon teeth' in the back wer

[scarlets101]

Love you guys x

[chloe0812]

what model is that janome sewing machine....btw....love all your tutorials!!!!

[TheRailyard]

Mother and daughter team are fantastic. I dont know how you do it standing up. Well done you are great.Anna

[SarahMSQC]

@TheRailyard Thank you! It took a bit to sew standing, but it's easier for videos. So glad you liked it. Have a great weekend!

[tawny1186]

What s the type of basting spray is she using? Do you sell it in the store.

[SarahMSQC]

@tawny1186 We will be soon! She used a basting spray by June Tailor.

[tawny1186]

I am a super beginner! What type of foot do you usually use to free motion quilting and just regular quilting in general? I feel dumb for asking but I'm trying to get all of my supplies together.

[SarahMSQC]

@tawny1186 No worries, don't ever feel dumb asking questions! That is why we're here! The kind of foot you will need is called a darning foot, or free motion foot. Hope this helps! Good luck!!

[eileenb2]

Great tutorial more please.

[katebottrell]

Thanks so much for such a clear, helpful tut!

I have just started my very first quilt and have chosen one I didnt have to free motion as I was a little overwhelmed at where to start ... I will spend a good while playing and try it for my next project! Thanks again, Kate Qld Au :)

[EstrellitaAnglin]

I love all your tutorials and i think that they are really amazing, they help a lot!! i was wondering if you have any tutorials on how to make puff baby quilts?

[Cherilnn]

Mother, please.

Let the girl talk.

[rn2639]

I love Hilary's hair...did she just pull a ponytail around to the side. Im sorry to get off the subject! LOL

[rn2639]

OMGoodness I have waited for months and months for someone to SHOW me how to free motion without having to go to a class........thank YOU ALL SEW MUCH! Can you tell me again why you need to turn the top tension dial up to 8 or 9.....I have a brother innovis 80 and a duetta.....what kind of sewing machine is she sewing on????? I heard janome is good. Do you all sell machines???????? Love your#1 fan in GEORGIA!!!!!!

[slytherinsrocksocks]

Thank you sooo much!! I just started quilting and the ladies teaching my class have no idea how to do free motion other than stitch in the ditch!! Your tutorials are always so easy to follow!!

[callie365]

I will now be looking for a new machine as the bottom feet dont lover on mine, I'm normaly a hand quilter.... but OMG you made it look so simple. Thanks for all your tips MSQC xxxx lol but as for spending ££ well thanks for that too x

[SarahMSQC]

@undesigningcrafter You are very welcome!! She was a bit nervous! It was her first time on camera!! :)

[goldintheair]

Great videos, just discovered these! You guys are really clear and helpful - but mom you gotta let daughtah finish a sentence! ;)

[me2morebears]

Hillary, I apologize regarding my comment about your bangs yesterday. I love all the tutorials here at MSQC, I watch them over and over. So, again I'm sorry for being offensive to you, your family, MSQC and the others who read the comments.

[SarahMSQC]

@me2morebears No worries!! Thanks for your sweet apology!!

[Donnaquilt56]

Great video!! What kind of batting is good for a lap quilt and free motion quilting?

[SarahMSQC]

@Donnaquilt56 We use Hobbs Heirloom batting 80-20 Hope this helps!

[nannymac47]

What a beautiful daughter you have. And the best part of all, you can share a love of quilting.

[SarahMSQC]

@nannymac47 Thank you!! Such a blessing!

[jackrodri00]

Loved your video. I've been quilting for about a year and I have managed to make several nice little quilts but when I tried free motion quilting I had no idea what I was doing so I put away the little plastic foot.  You ladies have giving me the courage to try again. I can't wait to create my first free motion quilt!! Thank you! I also want to say that I really appreciate MissouriQuiltCo's other quilting videos as well. Thank you so much.

[SarahMSQC]

@jackrodri00 Yay!! Just be brave and try! Start with some small practice projects and in no time you will be a pro!! Good luck!

[maw1955]

Love this video, I was lost as how to start putting my quilt together, now I understand how to do this. Thanks so very much

[tfrankum01]

Loved this video. I do FMQ with a stitch regulator, but would like to get more adept of doing it without one. The two of you work really well together. Hope we get to see Hillary again in the future.

[allthederpina]

A quick question, not sure it was asked before or mentioned but I was wondering what would be the stitch length and/or width that would be best to start out with? thanks in advance!

[SarahMSQC]

@allthederpina I try to get a standard length, on my machine it's a 2-3, but a 4 would be fine too. However starting out I go slow enough that my stitches end up very short. It still works but what I'm really trying for is consistency. Long or short just keep trying to make them consistent. ~Hillary

[missymath1]

Thanks for the inspiration--I have been quilting for 1 1/2 years and really had a panic attack every time I even thought of FMQ. You ladies have really given me the courage to just ''Do It"--and it worked. I love that only the quilter knows where the imperfections are.

[mrslair]

I've discovered that if you baste with pins, it's easiest to lay them out in straight lines to create rows that you can use as a guide for free motion quilting. That way, you don't risk sewing over any pins and you don't have to continually stop to remove them.

[BSallyB103]

I so wish I was in the USA ...! I may need to take a trip to Missouri!! :D Thanks for all the inspiration you share with us ~ I don't know where I'd be without them. x

[esteele0415]

Great video! You guys are so cute together! What a wonderful thing to share this passion together! I also,love to machine quilt! I would love to see your daughter share some of her favorite free motion patterns! I have been stippling for quite a while, and I am ready to move on! Blessings!

[nycer13]

For stippling, I found it helpful to practice drawing the designs using paper and pen. If I couldn't draw it, I couldn't use the machine to make the design. Shortly after practicing on paper (I used puzzle pieces as my visual- I was terrible when I first tried drawing) I practiced a few times on practice squares of sandwiched fabric. Then I went for it on one of my projects (approximately 60 x 70). I've also free motioned on a smaller project (42 x 50). I love it.

[officeasst]

oh my! Hillary makes this look oh so easy!!! Have wanted to do this for a while now. Thanks so much for this tutorial.

[65cmsmith]

Ok...what kind of a machine do you need for free motion quilting. I am using my sister's sewing machine and it's a basic machine...no fancy stitches like stippling...do I need one of the machines that says quilting on it. cmsmith46580@gmail.com

[bushgirl62]

Great video tutorial. Gives confidence to us "would be's" who keep talking about trying it but chicken out as we are afraid of making mistakes.

[SarahMSQC]

@cjmard Girls will be girls!!  Mom is always trying to cut her bangs. It's a bit of a joke around here. Don't you just hate trying to grow bangs out? You never know if you should pin them back or let them hang. Hopefully by the next video they'll be longer, or shorter! :) Sorry to bug you. It was not our intent.

[allthederpina]

I loved this intro into the world of free motion, without getting into too many specifics. It's a good approach, the information was easy to understand, instilled confidence to try it and eagerness to learn more! Thank you for your generosity in sharing this with us.

[SarahMSQC]

@allthederpina Thank you! So glad you liked it!!

[KrystynasWorld]

Great tutorial. I'd love to see a tutorial on using an embroidery machine for quilting - and how to put the pieces together. Thanks for all your fabulous work!

[retrogal8888]

For my bigger quilts I always send it to this wonderful company - Missouri Star Quilt co...they do a fabulous job and are wonderful - helpful and gorgeous people too and the most beautiful quilting work - makes all my projects look absolutely wonderful - don't trust your precious quilts to anyone else!

[SarahMSQC]

@retrogal8888 You are too sweet!! Thank you!! You send such gorgeous quilts to us!! We love being your quilter!

[retrogal8888]

Before I do a bigger quilt, I firstly sew in the ditch across the width and length if possible to anchor the quilt so it doesn't move when I am quilting it. I also sew in the ditch around the edge about an eighth of an inch to hold it all together. Saves blood pressure!

[SarahMSQC]

@retrogal8888 Thanks for the tip!!

[retrogal8888]

I always spray half and half first, I don't take the full top or batting off - its easier to pull it half way back - spray - then fold back - then repeat for the other side - as my quilts are much bigger than this and you don't need to have any problems at this part of the quilt construction.

[SarahMSQC]

@retrogal8888 Thanks!!

[blacktulip966]

Thanks for the great tutorial. I FMQ on a Janome too and I always have to change the tension to 9. I was worried that this would damage the machine but I am glad to know that this is normal.

[CountessMommy]

This is what I have wanted to know about quilting. This is officially my favorite youtube video. Thanx ladies thanx a whole bunch.

[Janebo62]

This was a lovely helpful video. Gives me so much more confidence to apply to my quilts etc. Just love your demo yideos as I learn so much. Yes I am also a big fan of Missouri Star Quilt Co. and as I live miles from anywhere....to me they are the best. Thank you for this lesson.

Love from Janebo, in Western Australia.

[SarahMSQC]

@Janebo62 Thanks for the sweet comment!! We are so thrilled that you enjoy our channel so much!!

[8machines62]

Thank you for this video. I sew straight lines because of fear of making mistakes, such as crossing lines or irregular stitches. Now I'll practice that stippling foot. Thanks again.

[SarahMSQC]

@8machines62 You got this!! I bet if you can do straight lines, you sure can do the stipple!! Be brave!! You'll do great!

[agdetrick]

great video!

[makingspace2666]

Love your demo videos; I learn so much. One favor and request would be doing your demonstrations in a high contrasting thread. I realize you wouldn't want to on a final project but for teaching and demonstrating it just shows up so much better for the viewers.

Thanks and keep up the great work!

[SarahMSQC]

@makingspace2666 Sorry about that. We thought using the cheddar fabric it would show more. We will definitely try harder for better contrast next time!

[newbeequilter]

@makingspace2666 I agree on having a more contrasting thread color. Black or another very dark fabric with white thread would certainly do the trick.

[jadaowen]

I loved this video and the lesson it is ideal for small quilts

I am a big fan of Missouri Star Quilt Co. Quilting Tutorials

but why are you hiding your beautyful eyes and face behind your hair?

thank you for your lesson

[tellybabe]

Hi Jenny, You must be so proud of your lovely daughter Hilary.She has done a great job,and I will be trying this out for my little grand son's quilt,that I'm just starting today. Love from Cathy,in Surrey,UK.

[sandy34287]

Thank you so much!!! Seeing your daughter take the machine quilting was SOOO informative. I have been wanting to do home quilting, but didn't know about increasing the pressure and seeing it done made it seem "simple enough" (well relatively) for even me....

Sandy in Sunny Florida

[09kyoko]

I enjoyed immensely this video. I learned something new.

One thing that i missed was seeing the eyes on that pretty face. I love to look at a person's eyes. It makes the conversation more personal. Thanks a lot.

[stellasnana]

Loved the video. As a FMQ beginner, Hilary taught me a lot! Loved watching this mom and daughter. Their love for each other shows!! Thanks you guys!

[catsprotectbananas66]

Awesome video! Thank you for sharing how easy and fun it can be to free-motion.

[1angelofthelight2]

Thank you both for this video. I wait eagerly for each one but particularly enjoyed this one on many levels. So reassuring that Hilary said the quilting doesnt have to be perfect lol.

[AOTEOROA4066]

LOVE THE JENNY AND MISSOURI STAR !!!!

[pmh724]

Hillary's hair is very distracting and annoying.

[SarahMSQC]

@pmh724 Hahaha!! Every-time Mom gets close to her with scissors, she gets away! LOL, isn't it such a pain to grow out those bangs!?

[minnie87108]

You can see the power struggle here from Jenny. Give the kid a break and let her run the show OR plan the delivery a little better.

[SarahMSQC]

@minnie87108 Once a mother always a mother!!  :) WE just have a great time together! No hard feelings, here.

[newbeequilter]

@minnie87108 Yep; I felt the power struggle too when watching it; it was almost as if Jenny the adult didn't trust Hillary the little girl to do things right, wasn't it? It would've been sweeter to watch if Jenny had quit trying to be center stage and let Hillary have the limelight. Hillary seemed to take it in stride, though, didn't she?. This is one of their few videos I didn't enjoy. I'd really like to see Hillary and Natalie do more tutorials or Helpful Hints on their own.

[taxibella]

Thank you! Great video and very helpful! Hope to see more of Hillary in your videos; you must be so proud of your kids, Jenny!

[SarahMSQC]

@taxibella Thank you!! She is one proud Mama, for sure!

[susieqmcf]

Oh and p.s. I check back frequently cause I can hardly wait for your next video!!!!

[SarahMSQC]

@susieqmcf Haah!! Thank you!! If you don't already, subscribe to our channel and you will get an email every time we release a new video!! :) Hope you have a great weekend.

[susieqmcf]

Excellent!  Love to see the next generation of quilters!!!!

[Vivianwayland1]

Love, love, love MSQC tutorials! You girls are awesome teachers. Thank you very much.

[1972cowgirl]

Thank you so much for doing this tutorial. I have been waiting and hopeing you would do this video. The other videos are boring and to technical. Your's is fun and straight to the point and in less than a half an hour!! Good job you two!!

[SarahMSQC]

@1972cowgirl Thank you so much! So glad you like our videos!!

[22ndjudicial]

Thanks so much for this tutorial. You've given me inspiration to try this. 

[itsmesuzq]

Hillary you are a natural teacher just like your mom.  Thanks so much!

[deelovescrafting]

Great tutorial. Tfs.

[ygarrone]

Thanks for the Free Motion Quilting Tutorial - it was great.

Looking forward to seeing more of these.

[Pochuchy]

I'm a beginner quilter and really want to learn and practice free motion quilting!! Thank you for this video!!!!! I am looking forward to more how to videos on free motion quilting!!!!

[SarahMSQC]

Thank you all for such a great response!! We appreciate your input!! We are so thrilled you liked the video!!

[rsr4me]

I did enjoy this video. I am just learning to machine quilt. I find all of your videos very informative and extremely helpful. Thank you so much.

[TheJanluna]

Thank you Jenny and Hillary! I will try this, but rest assured if it is a big quilt, it will be coming to you to do. I want the best and you are the best! You are the best! Hugs, Jan Luna

[Tabascopeppers]

Hey Jenny & Gang, it's about time yall did a video about this. Your daughters are so beautiful! Great family Genes! My FMQ turns out better with my Feed Dogs up but I set my stitch width and length to "0". I'm doing 3 FMQ challenges this year to get better. Needle Down is so important. I'm familiar with the Eyelashes. Great video gals!

[MsBetterbegood]

Thank you so much for doing this tut! Can Hillary come back and show us some more stitches? She was great! Thank you so much for taking the time to post these! They have been endlessly helpful and I don't think I would have started quilting without them!

[mlj4546]

Great tutorial.Thank you

[PhotoKevin]

Great tut...as usual. I want to give a testimonial for the machine quilting by mail at Missouri Star Quilt Co. I had two quilts quilted by them for Christmas, and I was BEYOND delighted. They worked with me very closely, checking to make sure everything was done as I wished and the turn around time was SUPER fast. I HIGHLY recommend their machine quilting by mail, especially if you're in a pinch to get a gift done quickly. Kudos to Missouri Star Quilt Co!

[dihjet]

Wow. Amazing how all of you gals have no problems speaking in "public" and teaching! Something to be proud of. Thanks so much for this helpful video and instructions - done in true Doan Family style. I ALWAYS learn something from you folks. Thanks again.

[belah33]

Thanks for providing so much information and being so encouraging. I think I can do this now!

[arnelakawhitewash]

so sweet. thanks for sharing.

[mlt150]

You gals are so talented and I appreciate all the info you share. I have started FMQ, but not happy with my stippling yet. Hillary, you give me confidence to keep going!! Thanks a bunch!! Love you guys!!!! Dianne

[SuzetteG316]

One thing to mention is that you do not need to lower your feed dogs - you can simply lower your stitch length to Zero (0) and your feed dogs will not move. Many of us who have been doing FMQ don't lower feed dogs. It's simply not necessary as long as you put your stitch length on zero.

[sweetpea8032]

Thanks for the wonderful tutorial!!

[jebfowler1]

I really appreciate this tutorial! I have a Janome machine as am just getting started learning to quilt, so this made me feel a lot more confident. I would like a little more info on machine settings. I know it is different for each machine, but I think it would help beginners to see what we need to look at to adjust for free motion quilting. Thanks!

[lsayegh1]

Awesome video Hillary! thank you.

You always make it look simple and easy..

I'm going to practice the free motion quilting today..

[101oogie]

Hillary is adorable.. this is going to encourage many people.. my one hint is to remind people that when beginning stitching.... they HOLD the thread or pull the bobbin thread UP.. to prevent a jam or break... i notice she does this, but people don't realize it... ask me how i know.. beware people.. once you get going, you'll be shopping for a frame and new high speed machine !!!!

[MaggieMuffet]

Hilary, what stitch length did you use? I have tried to machine quilt, but my quilting foot jumps all over the place like a bunny, would you know what I am doing wrong?

Maggie

[eup584]

@MaggieMuffet Search for the video called "Fitting Free Motion Foot to Your Machine". She shows you why it bounces like that and how to fix it.

[MaggieMuffet]

@eup584

Thank you so much, I am going to try that right now, I was so fed up with the bouncing I just gave up on free motion quilting.

Maggie

[martadetexas]

Thank you!! you guys are like family. Hillary made it look way too easy.

[blais313]

Jenny, Hillary makes this look WAY too easy. Im sure it's not as easy as it looks but youve inspired me to give it a whirl! Thanks so much!!

[TheJskids]

I love your tutorials!!! Thanks for this one, I just pieced a top and I wanted to try quilting it with my machine. The tutorial gave me just the right boost of confidence. Thank you!!!

[TheBluelittleswede]

@maryandrod My FMQing tread is the same that I piece with except that for quilting I make sure it blends and/or matches. For piecing I use whatever color I want to get rid of :)

[northernshow]

Thank you for adding this video

[piebaldbully]

Nice job... simple to understand and I see you're pretty darn good at it too :)

[normajo1030]

I enjoyed the tutorial; it was very clear. Now I just need to get my "Wacky Web" quilt top finished. I need to call you again to get my extra papers.

[pixielove2000]

Thank You!  Thank You! Thank You!

[50fabrics]

Very clear instructions from start to finish. Thanks so much!

How much fun the two of you must have had making a video together. I'm thinking of making one soon with one of my granddaughters (12 yrs old).

[susangoodman100]

Finally, a tutorial on using your home machine that I can understand! Thank you, Jenny & Hilary :)

[hisprincesskara]

Hillary do some more do tutorials for us please! You do a wonderful job, very good instructor.

[lilianmattes]

Girls, you‘re amazing!! Thanks for all your tutorials, I‘ve learned a lot with them!

[Amal2365]

Wonderful, Thanks for the show

[Lorise69]

I recently (yesteday) purchased a FM foot and was on the verge of diving into teaching myself the art of free motion quilting, and now after watching this video I have all the confidence I can do this..ya, thanks !

[GoTracieWin]

I don't even know what to say...that was just awesome!! I love the interaction between Jenny & Hillary!! I love getting to SEE the process of FMQ....I really think I might be able to do this myself!!! Thanks for taking the time to do these tutorials. Sooo helpful to us newbies!!!

[maryandrod]

Your videos are always very instructive. I also would like to know what kind thread you use when FMQing. Is it any different than the thread you use to piece the top? Thank you!

[mrsrickieb]

thank you . It was good to see the hands at work on the machine.  I am a visual learner.

[a1angiem]

aww, you two are so cute together! what a nice mommy. and daughter, your tutorial was very good! i love to fmq, love the msqc forum and shop, and all your videos. you guys are the greatest!

[mc010552]

Thank you - Jenny Doan has inspired me to return to quilting! I must say her tutorials are fantastic ... now Hillary has added to that by giving a very clear tutorial on free motion quilting. Love that when I get ready to have the "big" project completed, I will be able to rely on the Missour Star Quilt Co. :)

[KOEKOEWITHASMILE]

thank you so much for this video. WHAT KIND OF THREAD WOULD I USE TO MOTION QUILT ON MY HOME MACHINE?? thank you

[midwaypitt]

I enjoy watching your tutorial's, you make it so easy to understand. I will attempt to make my first quilt. With your help it should be a piece of cake!!!

[tnmelissa1]

very good, i need to do this. i dont have a darning foot though..

[UtahGmaw99]

Great video! I'm going to try the changing pad. My daughter is expecting in april. Thank you

so much for all your wonderful videos!

[leeanna209]

Ty Ty so much I love your tutorial's. This was so easy to understand. So much Info with out putting me to sleep lol. I have been looking for good a free motion quilting video. this was awsome. Thank you I look forword to your videos never disapointed.