What is free motion sewing?
Free motion sewing is a type of sewing done on a machine that gives is the capacity to move the fabric freely within the machine. This gives the user more control over the stitching and allows for more intricate designs to be made on the garment. The technique involves the needle moving up and down in a zig zag pattern and the foot moves the fabric around the needle, almost as if it is drawing lines. It is a great way to express creativity and has become increasingly popular in the past couple of years.
What types of machines can be used?
The vast majority of sewing machines can do free motion sewing and it does not need to be done on a special machine. For the majority of domestic sewing machines, free motion sewing is easily achieved. In the basic form, which is what is mostly used for quilting, a darning or free motion foot is needed and most sewing machines come with one of these feet. Additionally, some machines come with specific features and functions which make executing the stitch even easier.
How to do free motion sewing?
Free motion sewing can be achieved using several techniques, but the most common is using a darning foot with the needle set to a zigzag pattern. To utilize this technique the presser foot is lowered and the fabric moved under the needle while it is stitching. The fabric is pushed along by the hand, causing the fabric to move in any desired direction, making the shapes unique and creative.
When starting off with free motion sewing, it is important to practice keeping the tension consistent, as this is integral to making sure the stitches look good and do not break. To make sure the threads moves correctly in the bobbin, give the bobbin a few turns to start off the fabric. Using this technique and practice will help any new users become good at free motion in no time.
Designing the piece
The design of the free motion sewing is down to the user, allowing for great freedom in creativity. The design can be simple or intricate and this however the user desires. In many cases the piece is made through sketches and drawings beforehand as this can help make planing easier when on the machine.
When deciding to use free motion sewing to create a design, it is important to think about the steadiness of the stitching when it is executed. Making sure that the line keeps a consistent shape and size is the goal, so making sure the piece is carefully planned can help the finished design be well executed.
What can be done with free motion?
Free motion can be used to design various pieces of clothing and fabric.
The most popular application of free motion sewing is quilting, a process of sewing fabric together to make heavier pieces of fabric used for clothing or quilts. This can be done in a traditional way with a block style pattern or over a chosen fabric with a design. The limits here are the creativity and artistic ability of the user!
Free motion sewing can also be utilized for any custom pieces of clothing. By using it for sewing the garment together, when complete gives a special style to the garment, almost a tailor made look. Additionally, free motion can be used to add embroidery or designs to any piece of clothing.
Conclusion
Overall, free motion sewing is a great way to inject creativity into any garment or fabric.The best thing about it is that it is not limited to a certain type of machine, as all machines are capable of this. Indeed, any kind of fabric can be used to create wonderful designs and patterns. As a result, free motion sewing is a great way to express creativity and make unique items.
