There is no doubt that the quilts look much more beautiful and unique when given a machined texture. However, not everyone knows how to get a good result.
But do not worry. If you follow the next tips, you will get a beautifully free motion quilt.
Work at a table with a large surface area
Having a table with a large surface will allow that when quilting, all the fabric is on the same table.
Otherwise, if you work on a table with a small surface, the rest of the fabric will fall towards the floor, creating a drag downwards for the same weight making free motion quilting much more complicated.
The ideal table would be a drop-in one since the sewing machine sits much better on it. The work surface is more comfortable to carry out the necessary movements.
Still, if you do not have a table of these, you can put several tables together, which also will fulfill its function of preventing part of the quilt from falling to the floor.
Both on the bobbin and the top, threads of the same color should be used
When the thread tension is not correct, it is often the case that parts of the thread coming from the bobbin are visible on the top of the fabric or the same happens for the back of the fabric with the thread coming from the top.
That is why the best thing you can do is use threads of the same color on both sides, even if they are not threads of the same material or thickness.
Using patterned fabrics and crossover threads can help cover up some mistakes
If you need to correct an error or do not like how a certain part of your quilt turned out, it is always possible to fix it by using a patterned fabric that matches the fabric of the quilt itself.
You can also use threads of a fine thickness that match the quilt’s color or act as a contrast to give that desired texture.
Practice makes a master
If you’re a beginner in the quilt sewing world and can’t wait to start with free motion, it’s best to practice first.
One of the best ways to evaluate your skills is to practice on pieces of fabrics that you do not need, this will prevent you from running into some problems in the future, or you will also know how to avoid certain problems.
Start practicing with large fabrics (about 10”) with the filling that you like the most. Use the threads you want and start with different designs to see which one can be simpler.
Save these samples for the future, and feel free to write down the necessary data to find the ideal stitches and tension.
When you have the result you like, start from scratch with a new fabric using those patterns and then work on the quilt.
Bring your quilts to life yourself
To continue improving your practice, it is best to make your quilts by yourself from the beginning to the end. In this way, over time, you will master the quilting techniques completely.
Before starting your quilting manufacturing projects, you must consider some tips, so that project you have in mind is the best of your life, especially if you are a beginner.
Create your own free-motion quilting by following these tips.
Simple designs are best for beginners
We know beautiful free-motion quilt designs that you will want to make, but many of them can be very elaborate.
Therefore, it is best to make simple designs such as straight lines or swirls if you are just starting.
Also, you can choose decorative stitches directly from the ones your machine offers to get a simple but beautiful textured quilt. Remember that it doesn’t necessarily have to be perfect.
Before quilting, the best thing to do is have a plan
You can obtain quilting designs from different sources, and there are even some programs or software available that allow you to obtain different designs.
However, there is nothing better than creating your own designs either by hand or with the help of the computer before you start quilting.
Having this plan in advance will allow you to have an overview of the result you can get to decide whether you like it or not.
At the same time, this is like a ‘study’ medium to learn the movements you will have to do.
Improve every day by educating yourself
There are many quilting courses available on the internet that you can participate in.
There are even many books and magazines you can read about quilting to understand the art of free-motion quilting better and then practice at home.
Many people find it very helpful to study directly from videos since the work carried out can be better appreciated; many of these videos are free and easily accessible.
You can learn many thanks to these online courses since generally, they teach with a domestic machine so that all users have the same possibilities of learning.
Highlight your quilt with a textured background
One of the advantages of working with a free-motion quilt is the ability to create very elaborate designs, obtaining striking textures.
Do not be afraid to try it, and you can always practice on a fabric that you do not use; you will see that they look very elaborate, but they are not difficult to do.
For an eye-catching background, texture keeps in mind that asymmetrical shapes are best. For extra help, you can always use templates or other accessories.
Your attitude is the most important
Remember that no one is born knowing how to do something. Some people may indeed be easier to design than others, but everything is possible with practice.
If you really like to work designing quilts, then take the time to improve those skills or learn new ones.
You will see that over time, and you will get great projects that you can even transform into your business.
Be patient if, in the beginning, you do not get what you are looking for; the important thing is that you do not feel frustrated, take the necessary time to learn, and for this, you must practice.
