Machine Quilting: Easier Options
©2006 Ellen Lindner

Have you taken a machine quilting class, but still find it humbling? If so, join the crowd. EVERYONE finds it difficult, at first! With practice, you’ll notice great improvements. In the meantime, you can use these quilting patterns and techniques to make things easier.

Hide imperfections with these tricks:
– Match your top thread to the fabric on which you’re stitching.
– Choose a bobbin thread that is similar to the top thread, at least in value (light/dark.)
– Consider using a bobbin thread that is designed for this purpose. These threads are thinner, and less likely to create big knots.
– Choose a backing fabric that’s a print. It will hide a lot!

Make straight lines easier with these tips:
– Use a walking foot. (You don’t have to do everything free motion, right?)
– If stitching straight lines free motion, turn the quilt so you’re moving it forward and back, rather than side to side. This motion is much easier to control.
– For better visibility, stitch forward only. Yes, you’ll need to start a new line each time, but at least you’ll be able to see where you’re headed.
– AVOID any attempt at very precise parallel lines! Instead make them loose and wavy. This is much easier, but it still gives the impression of lines traveling in the same direction.

Hardest

Easier

Easiest

The problem with stippling – and what to do about it:

Stippling is great for covering background areas, and is, therefore, often one of the first patterns taught to beginning machine quilters. However, I just don’t think it’s that easy. The difficulty comes from two things: reversing course, and avoiding crossing lines. So, why not choose an easier variation?

Easier options:
– Make stippling “worms” but go ahead and cross lines, and make occasional loops.
– Easier still: stitch nothing but loops, going in both directions.
– Very easy: use loops going all in the same direction.
– Another very easy option: stitch mountain peaks, moving the fabric forward and back. (Yours will be done with matching thread, and will look MUCH better than my high contrast computer drawing!)

Hardest: Stippling

Easier: “Worms”
with loops

Easiest: Loops
in one direction

Also Easy: 
Mountain peaks

Pattern size & complexity: 

No matter what pattern you choose, start out stitching it fairly large. It’s easier to stitch 3” loops than half inch ones. If you think you need more coverage, go back with an overlapping round of 3” loops. Remember, too, to avoid very precise patterns, such as designs that require matching a previously stitched line.

“Practice” on the real thing:

Don’t feel like you have to limit your machine quilting to samples. Go ahead and use it on an actual quilt. You’ve got enough skill to try simple patterns, like those above. As you stitch them, you’ll be improving your coordination and dexterity. This will be evident, even as you undertake entirely new, more difficult, designs.

Speed

In order to avoid super large stitches, you’ll find that you generally need to run your machine much faster than usual. However, you may also find yourself in some tight spots, where accuracy is important. In those situations, go ahead and slow down to the “plunk-plunk-plunk” speed. For starters, run both the machine and your hands at a speed that’s comfortable for you. IN MY OPINION, as long as your stitching is structurally sound, you don’t need to worry too much about stitch length. (Many quilters will disagree with that last statement, so decide for yourself. It’s YOUR quilt. Do what YOU want.)

If you run into some really tight spots, don’t be afraid to mix things up. Consider hand quilting isolated motifs, or raising the feed dogs, and steering through that area.

If you found this information useful, you may be interested in my other free articles, online classes, and e-books. Full directory