How to Set Up Your Sewing Machine for Free Motion Quilting
Free motion quilting is a creative venture, requiring the right setup to get the best results. Most modern fabric shops and boutiques have a wide selection of fabrics, threads and quilting machines, providing a great foundation for one to start quilting. While setting up a machine for quilting is quite simple, many people make mistakes in the process, resulting in uneven stitches, broken needles and worse. To prevent such mistakes, it is necessary to understand the basics of how to successfully set up your sewing machine for free motion quilting.
A quilting machine usually utilizes low-loops of thread, so there is no need for an industrial-grade machine. As part of the setup, a quilter will need to purchase a quilting machine with a small set of quilting tools, such as a ruler, scissors, a quilting hoop, a quilting mark, and even some light weight fabrics. These items should all be purchased from a quilting supplier or fabric shop.
Once everything is set up, the quilter should check the thread tension. The tension can be adjusted using the dial on the side of the machine. To get optimum tension, the quilter should adjust the tension using the scale provided on the machine. It is important to remember that it can take some experimentation to find the best tension, so quilters should be patient while they adjust the tension.
The next step is to set up the sewing machine plate. This plate is the part of the machine that allows the fabric to move freely under the needle. Most machines come with an adjustable plate, but quilters can also purchase a custom plate, which also allows them to adjust the speed of the needle. For free motion quilting, it is important to use a slow needle speed, as this helps to avoid needle breakage and uneven stitches.
After setting up the plate, a quilter should begin to set up the stitches. Although tricky, it is important to use the correct stitch lengths and allowing the fabric to move easily beneath the needle. Quilters should start with a simple straight stitch, gradually moving on to more intricate quilting stitches. As the fabric moves easily and the stitches are even, the quilt will start to come together nicely.
Once the sewing machine is set up and the stitches have been adjusted, quilters can start to mark the fabric with their quilting hoop and quilting mark. Marking the fabric will help keep the quilter consistent while they are quilting, as they will be able to see the exact lines they need to follow. Marking the fabric will also protect the fabric from being stretched out while quilting.
Once everything is marked, the quilter can slowly start to stitch the fabric. Quilting can be a bit tricky, so it is important for quilters to remain at a consistent speed, as this helps to create even stitches and prevents the fabric from shifting and bunching.
Finally, the quilter can begin to practice some of the more advanced quilting techniques. Although quilting can take some time to master, having the correct setup can help make things a bit easier for a quilter. By following these steps, one will be able to complete a quilt in no time.
Understanding the Feed Dogs
The Feed Dogs are the metal parts that protrude from the needle plate on modern sewing machines. They help move the fabric forward gently while stitching, while the quilter uses their hands to guide the fabric. When setting up a machine for free motion quilting, it is important to ensure the feed dogs are in their lowest position so that they are mostly hidden beneath the fabric. If the feed dogs are set too high, this could cause the fabric to shift and bunch while quilting, which can lead to uneven stitches and poor results.
It is also important to know how to properly use the feed dogs while quilting. Quilters should begin by placing the fabric underneath the feed dogs and gently pushing it forward until the needle has pierced the fabric. Then the quilter should use their hands to guide the fabric forward or backward and use the feed dogs to keep the fabric taut and even. Quilters should only keep their hands on the fabric while quilting and not leave the machine unattended as this could cause the needle to break and damage the fabric.
Choosing the Right Thread and Needles
Choosing the right thread and needles are essential for free motion quilting success. Quilters should opt for threads made from 100% cotton, rayon, or polyester and needles made from stainless steel. Steel needles are more durable then plastic and can prevent needle breakage. Quilters should also make sure to use needles and threads that are compatible with the type of fabric being quilted; for example, coarse fabrics such as canvas require larger needles than the quilter would use on flimsy fabrics such as silk.
The type of thread and needle used can also influence the results of the quilt. It is best to opt for colorfast thread and needles as they will not bleed or fade in the wash. It is also important to use thread that is thick enough to withstand the tension created while quilting. Quilters should also use needles that are sharp enough to efficiently stitch through the fabric. Dull needles can cause snags and uneven stitches and should be replaced as soon as they begin to wear down.
Choosing the Right Quilting Supplies
Choosing the right quilting supplies can have a major impact on the look, feel and longevity of the finished quilt, so it is important to choose wisely. Quilters should opt for high-quality quilt templates, fabrics, and batting, as these will affect the quilts overall structure and texture. Cotton batting is usually preferred over synthetic batting, as it produces a softer and more durable quilt. Quilters should also purchase high-quality thread, needles, and stabilizers, all of which can influence the quilts appearance and durability.
In addition to the supplies mentioned above, quilters should also purchase a few other tools that are necessary for free motion quilting. Quilters should invest in a good hoop, ruler, and quilting marks, as these items will help keep the fabric taught and steady while quilting. Quilters should also purchase a quilting foot and guide, as these will help them keep a more consistent stitch when quilting.
Understanding Quilting Techniques
There are several different quilting techniques that a quilter can utilize when creating a quilt. Each technique has its own unique look and feel, so some trial and error may be required to determine which technique best suits the quilter’s needs. Some common quilting techniques include stippling, echo quilting, and pebble quilting. Stippling involves short, closely spaced stitches and is perfect for quilts that need a bit of texture and personality. Echo quilting involves making multiple passes of the same stitch to create a continuous loop. And finally, pebble quilting uses a combination of small and large stitches to create a pebble like design.
It is important to realize that needs and preferences can determine the quilting method used. Once the quilter has selected a quilting technique they should practice on scrap fabric before attempting it on the quilt. This will help the quilter become more familiar with the technique, and it is also an easy way to test out different needle settings, threads, and fabrics.
Taking Care of the Quilt
Once the quilt is finished, quilters should be aware that both the fabric and thread used may have special care requirements. Fabrics and threads made using natural fibers should have special washing instructions, and quilters should follow these instructions closely to ensure the threads and fabrics remain in excellent condition. High-quality threads and fabrics may also require special care, but these products typically come with guidelines for proper use and care.
In addition to proper washing and care, quilters should also use quality-made quilting needles and treads. High-quality quilting needles should be replaced after each quilt, as these needles are designed to help prevent needle breakage. Quilters should also choose high-quality threads, as these threads are designed to resist wear, tear, and fading.
Storing the Quilt
Once the quilt is complete, it is important to store it properly. Quilts should be stored in a clean, dry, dust-free environment, such as a pillowcase or bag. Storing the quilt in a pillowcase or bag also helps to reduce exposure to natural elements, such as air and sunlight, which can cause fading and other damage to the quilt.
Storing the quilt in these conditions also helps to reduce exposure to pests and insects, which can cause discoloration and other damage to the quilt. A proper storage method also helps to protect the quilt and ensure it will last for years to come. Quilters should also consider purchasing quality quilting supplies, such as quilt batting, to protect the finished quilt.
Final Thoughts
Quilting is a special craft, and with the right setup, even beginner quilters can produce amazing quilts in no time. By following the steps discussed in this article, novice quilters will have all the knowledge they need to set up their sewing machine for free motion quilting. Once the quilter has gathered the necessary items and familiarized themselves with their machine and quilting supplies, all that is left is for them to sit down and begin creating the quilt of their dreams!
