3 Free-Motion Quilting Designs for Beginners | Beginner Quilting Series with Angela Walters

Machine quilting isn't always as easy as it looks - but anyone can do these 3 free-motion quilting designs (promise)! In the third week of Angela's beginner series, learn how wavy lines, starburst designs, and simple cursive words can turn your quilt into a work of art. Episode links below. 👇
Whether you're a beginner or want to take your FMQ to the next level, Bluprint has some great classes for every skill level:
Free-Motion Quilting Essentials: bluprnt.co/2FV...
Start Free-Motion Quilting:
Quilting with Rulers: Free Motion Made Simple: bluprnt.co/2K0...
More FMQ classes here! → bluprnt.co/2FT...
And that's a wrap for the 3-part beginner series! Watch the first two episodes here. 👇
Beginner Quilt Patterns: • Easy Quilt Patterns fo...
Beginner Fabric: • How to Choose Fabric |...
About the Host
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Meet our very own Midnight Quilter, designer Angela Walters - known for serious skills and quilter-ly quirks. Each week on the Midnight Quilt Show, she shares the scoop on how she tackles perfectly-pieced points or fab free-motion. Subscribe to the Midnight Quilt Show here. ↓ / @midnightquiltshow

[@SummaGirl1347]

In my experience, people are so impressed that you made a quilt at all that they can’t care less if it’s perfect. The very first quilt I made was a baby quilt for a co-worker and it was a hot mess. But, the mother cried when she saw it. The other new mothers were so envious! Needless to say, nobody inspected it for mistakes. The important things are using your creativity and adding beauty to your life - NOT being “perfect”.

[@maisg3513]

Aww that's so sweet!!!

[@susanholden6861]

Love what you wrote! So true.

[@jenniferclucas5843]

I really want a passive aggressive message quilt now! 😆

[@brendabornsheuer5172]

Right??!! I could come up with quite a few "messages" 😂😂😂

[@jayamilapersson4030]

Like I imagine this words on a big quilt. Your mom does not live here to make your bed she only gave you this quilt to hide the mess under.

[@jacquelinemca6614]

@@jayamilapersson4030 🥰🥰🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@tammihasenpflug726]

I can't thank you enough for your "ish" comments. My mom is an amazing quilter and I have always been scared of not being good enough. Your comments have helped me make peace with my quilts being lovely the way they are...finished! thank you!!

[@jamiehsmart02]

Hello Tammi how are you doing today

[@lynnwolfgram9280]

Angela, your starburst freed me up to finish up several donation baby quilts--so cute!

[@KimberlyMWylie]

"Passive aggressive messages" LOL You've just changed my quilting game completely! :-)

[@jamiehsmart02]

Hello Kimberly how are you doing today

[@judylaybourne7908]

I’m old enough to be your mom here. I learned how to quilt when my kids went to university and so my weekends were free. I’ve only ever done hand quilting so it took more than a year to make a big quilt. I got to teach a neighbour (your age) to quilt a few years ago. She watched utube videos and learned to machine quilt right away. So here I am learning to machine quilt after all these years. I just finished a baby quilt in record time. Thank you 🙏 for your great instructions and easy listening videos. I’m sold on machine quilting to make more for family and friends. You are a delight!

[@annhinz6326]

Me too! Not the hand piecing but yes I've hand quited at least 4 bed sized quilts and I enjoyed hand work and EPP but I like the piecing and seeing the results faster. It's humbling to learn so much from people my kids' age!

[@janicelakowicz9212]

Thank you SO much! I have been scared to death to try free motion quilting for fear of ruining my quilt tops - but after watching this I know I can do it! Awesome 👍🏻😊

[@jamiehsmart02]

Hello Janicen how are you doing today

[@leahcanales230]

Angela, I love your videos so much! I am not a perfectionist so when I make mistakes I just embrace them. It's really comforting to hear you say it's okay in a world where we all try to be perfect at everything. Thanks for the encouragement!!

[@samanthad4084]

Needed to get a few tops quilted quick for Christmas gifts but didn't want to mess with loading them on the mid-arm. Wavy lines were a perfect fit. Done is better than perfect!! Thank you Angela!!

[@user-jl6zk5vc8u]

Love the different styles you use. Have been worried about starting free motion quilting but am now going to try it Thank you Kath

[@leiaclark8388]

I’m a veteran and I spent 4 years in a Navy Construction Battalion (Seabees). There is a saying: “if you can’t hide it, show it off.” Sometimes there will be things in your project that don’t look “perfect”, but by emphasizing them, it looks like an innovative design. I love Midnight Quilt Show. The way things are explained is very workable, and it’s also entertaining.

[@saradavila7637]

THIS is for beginners like me that have NO idea about free motion quilting. Thank you for making it VERY simple to understand and not feel overwhelmed nor discouraged about trying it.

[@janiceconway5542]

This Starburst design worked perfect for my Christmas table topper. Thank you so much!!

[@jamiehsmart02]

Hello Janice how are you doing my friend

[@TheUstinovich]

that starburst pattern is verry beautiful

[@craftyblogger]

Working on wavy lines on a twin size quilt on my teeny tiny home machine! Terrific tip to throw in extra element when changing hand positions!

[@imagesbynancy]

I could watch and listen to you all day...

[@jamiehsmart02]

Hello Nancy how are you doing today

[@paintedstars2]

Holy buckets! You are my hero! Seriously, I basically have been shunned by my Midwestern family when I did not pick up sewing or cooking. Now, after 18 years of being a nurse and now disabled...I am basically self teaching. If there really is such a thing. I was thinking rather than those stencils, there had to be something you could print off your computer, then transfer to fabric and follow the lines carefully. But I adore your idea SO much netter!! Thank you so very much.

[@larktipton2945]

I like that you tell to not worry about being perfect. I’m practicing on a block quilt for fun. Thanks

[@sherylmichael4754]

Angela, We (my hubby and I) totally agree. No such thing as perfection. We LOVE your "galloping horse" technique. His horse is more of a Secretariat, while mine is crippled and barely breathing. I have always been a perfectionist in my art. Not so much life, just creativity. I love quilting and I love the way you make it look as if I can do it too. Well, I have. I love the end results. I am one of those that makes a quilt and gives it away. Hopefully number 20 will be my quilt. The Joy is in the creating and the quilting. Thank you Angela.

[@SimeonOwen]

Hello dear! How are you doing! Hope it’s been a beautiful day today?

[@stanandheidi]

Angela is pure awesomeness!!!

[@jamiehsmart02]

Hello Heidi how are you doing today

[@barbaramarshall5271]

I love how you say there's no such thing like perfection when it comes to quilting. My confession is I'm not much of a sewer, but I love the designs in quilting and how easy you make it. I'm also a fumblefingers too because I have dyspraxia in my fingers, just another thing to annoy me really. Well my mum is or was a sewer for clothes, but she never ever showed me quilting even when I asked about it as kid. No matter I'm learning now, thanks Angela for all of your help.🙂🌺

[@jamiehsmart02]

Hello Barbara how are you doing today

[@rides2much]

I am brand new to free motion quilting and just started within the last week or 10 days. You make it look so easy. I aspire to be able to quilt the way you do. I’m in the process of quilting my first top. I have so much to learn. I watch your videos over and over. They are so helpful. I’m struggling to go forward. I have a nice little Singer sewing machine that has been very adequate for the kind of sewing I have done. I made draperies for my daughters homes, I’ve sewn every kind of clothing. Quilting however is challenging my little machine. Unfortunately, I am a retired widow on a very limited income, replacement is not an option at this time. I’m determined to hang in there though.

[@user-ht9be8hl1y]

Watching you for years, I finally subscribed. Made about 200 projects/quilts and took the easy root by hand tie or straight line quilting, then wavy line quilting. My new attempt is the puzzle shapes. Thanks for these tutorials, very helpful for me. I appreciate you. Thx MariaB

[@nancyfeliciano2039]

Oh ANGELA I’m so glad I found this video! Wow, you are one of the best instructors I’ve ever seen. I love how you show as you speak, it so engaging. I am a new to quilting and you of your new followers!!!!!! Be blessed for sharing your talents 🤗🥰

[@dianel685]

Oh man! There are so many quilts I want to do and only so little time!!! Love how you make it fun to quilt without having to worry about mistakes!

[@marieknipfer6982]

You are the best! Love the way you switch from a longarm to domestic and encourage us to just do it. Get these quilts done!

[@jamiehsmart02]

Hello Marie how are you doing today

[@janetimberlake3302]

You are so talented Angela Walters! I love the beautiful work that you do!! Especially what you do with Tula Pinks quilts. Beautiful!!

[@salzer49]

I'm so glad I found this video,I am making a christmas table runner and this will be wonderful to do,thanks so much for putting this video out there!!

[@jamiehsmart02]

Hello Linda how are you doing today

[@donnaduguay7532]

Thank you Angela for showing us some easier designs for us newbies at motion quilting 💕

[@Denizzmbm3]

You're quilting passive aggressive messages in perfect writing; I can't even write neatly with a pen :O

[@aprildegele1510]

So awesome. I'm a novice quilter and will free-form my design. Letting go is the best thing. I love that you integrate "imperfections" (that I will call opportunitieties) by making them look intentional. Love. I've been an artist all my life and I've learned that letting the piece tell you what it wants to be, even if it's "imperfect", it will be great no matter what you do. I'm so glad you're teaching that.

[@darlenewong7069]

Thanks for making your tutorial easy to follow and encouraging for the novice. I will continue to watch more of your tutorials :) to get the hang of free motion quilting on my machine.

[@jamiehsmart02]

Hello Darlene how are you doing today

[@barbararuzzene51]

Hello Angela Your videos are FABULOUS........love the geometry with quilting. Im learning to do all of this, and the free motion with the ruler is my favorite. I want to learn more, and need to practice. I am a retired Flight Attendant and a Professional Astrologer. (I teach it online) I think that's why I like quilting, ALL that geometry. Anyway, thank you for your videos, and the instructions of how to make those gorgeous quilts. I am a beginner (not quite), but when I look at yours, I am. LOL I am semi-disabled, and I am so grateful that I have this craft to sink my heart and soul into. Keep em coming.......BARBARA RUZZENE

[@pamelamcgifford4805]

I think you are marvellous! I did not realise I had been with you since near the beginning. I have been sewing for nearly sixty years and after a major injury was left lacking confidence and ability when I found you. A finished quilt is better than a perfect quilt! I teach Math and Science in high school and after a tough week, YOU are there, just what I need: you are always cheerful, fun, motivating, chatty, and allow me to make minor errors and not feel guilty! I have learned so much and not just about quilting! Your patterns, FMQ and quilts...wonderful, just what I love...happy. You are a world wide phenomena too, I am in Tasmania, Australia and all my quilting friends throughout Australia now know about Angela Walters.

[@sherrimilkie8834]

Awesome tutorial! Thank you !!!!

[@jamiehsmart02]

Hello Sherri how are you doing today

[@mrsseasea]

Well been quilting for 30 years or so, but never changed my “theme” but have been free hand quilting for sometime again same theme. So here I am going to try something new. Thank you for your video.

[@SimeonOwen]

Hello dear! How are you doing! Hope it’s been a beautiful day today?

[@graylagran7443]

LOVE this video! This is perfect timing as I’m machine quilting a fence rail design and wanted to add some words to it (names and a date). I need to practice my cursive on paper before I commit with thread. By the way, the starburst design is one of my go to designs for linear spaces. I’m having so much fun machine quilting and it all started with your first midnight quilt show episode. I did make that top immediately, and after 2 years am confident I can quilt it how I want to finally.

[@thequiltyminset]

So fun and entertaining... I see why you and Tula get along...

[@SimeonOwen]

Hello dear! How are you doing! Hope it’s been a beautiful day today?

[@soniaadams3559]

Thank you Angela for sharing this with us. Beautiful video 🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@SimeonOwen]

Hello dear! How are you doing! Hope it’s been a beautiful day today?

[@patriciastein]

Angela, I recently made a baby quilt and quilted words of affirmation in cursive on the sashing. It turned out that I made 36 words. I figured that the baby could trace the words for tactile stimulation and eventually learn their meaning.

[@RhinoDNA]

What a beautiful, creative and personal idea!

[@rosemarykriegel3226]

I knew there was a reason why I was waiting to quilt my first quilt. Made the top and back about 15 years ago. Bought the batting this spring and it took twice in two days to hand baste the things together. Bought a $5500 machine so need to get cracking on this. There will be mistakes since it's going to be my practice quilt. It's 10 feet by 9 feet so I should be pretty good by the time I'm done with it! Going to try the stars on it any maybe some cursive. Been writing cursive since I was 7 years old...only 58 years! Love cursive, too! Anyway, thank you for these wonderful ideas!

[@jamiehsmart02]

Hello Rosemary how are you doing today

[@janiebeard1615]

Angela ,And you are my motivation you got into sewing.

[@lizreynolds4554]

Thank you for sharing this with us. I really am a new quilter, and want to learn to do this. You gave me some great tips, I will start working, practicing, and learning. Again, thanks 😊

[@gracewong6884]

Thank you for the encouraging tutorial to quilt with a sewing machine❤

[@debbypolhill926]

Very helpful. Been quilting for a long time but always shy away from free motion. Going to give it a try on my new sewing machine!!!!

[@jamiehsmart02]

Hello Debby how are you doing today

[@chelseagradney3341]

This video helped so much. Just starting my free motion quilting. I don't feel the need to buy more templates after watching your video. I starting quilting so I could work with color. Quilting my tops is not my favorite part. These tips you gave will help get my tops to the washing machine. Thank you Angela.

[@vickygosselin6237]

You make it look sooo easy. I am sure glad I found your videos.

[@deniselupinacci8564]

This is an awesome "beginners" video for we newbies. Thanks Angela!

[@jacquelinejones823]

I love your videos!!! I can’t wait to try the wavy lines and some words!!!!

[@SimeonOwen]

Hello dear! How are you doing! Hope it’s been a beautiful day today?

[@juliemorrison4348]

You make this look so easy♥️🇦🇺

[@bethanytaylor65]

You are a delight! Thank you so much for this video! I’ve been practicing and have a long way to go, but you gave me the courage to start! Between you and Jenny from Missouri Star, I’ve become quite the quilter at almost 60 years old!

[@robertawestbrooks9531]

I just love your videos, thanks for sharing 👍

[@CraftsyYouTube]

So nice of you!

[@SimeonOwen]

Hello dear! How are you doing! Hope it’s been a beautiful day today?

[@darnelleechols8556]

I've never quilted before. But doing a cursive 'e' and 'l' made a really cool looking free motion quilting design. Best of all, it looked easy to do. I'd like to try it on a set of placemats or maybe a doll quilt. Something easy. Thank you for the inspiration.

[@bethsmith9826]

I love your easy breezy attitude and you make me feel it is ok if you mess up. No mistakes just part of the artistic design. I have been surprised at how forgiving quilting actually is. I am going to give free hand a try.

[@SimeonOwen]

Hello dear! How are you doing! Hope it’s been a beautiful day today?

[@debrapatton31]

I love quilting!!!

[@jamiehsmart02]

Hello Debra how are you doing today

[@marietteforget7804]

Thanks, your tutorial is very inspiring!🌺🌸

[@CraftsyYouTube]

You are so welcome!

[@nmayor8290]

Wow! Game changer! Love the star-ish designs. I’m wondering if you change the stitch length or width. Some other tutorials I have watched, do that first. Also, what about the speed?

[@keiglass]

My go to is Stippling. different sizes give such different texture. Plus, it's how I used to doodle on my homework, I mean in my free time, so it comes super naturally to me!

[@youngmanmary2918]

Thank you .What a great tutorial. I appreciate all your positive words. Sometimes in my crazy world all I ever hear is negative and it wears me out .Thanks for the refreshing words. Love to sew and quilt

[@anneirenej]

Oh thank you so much i am going to do a couple of place mats to practice. Btw live the midnight quilt show too.

[@Jpudgy5]

I love straighish!!

[@jamiehsmart02]

Hello Jules how are you doing today

[@melissawofford6164]

Brilliant advice on learning FMQ… and I’ll take it! Thank you!

[@CraftsyYouTube]

We're so glad you enjoyed it!

[@Beverly2020]

Great information. Can’t wait to try!

[@traceyseymour7700]

G'day from australia, thank you for the vid, you make it look soooo easy, just got a quilting foot, cant wait to use it....cheers

[@SimeonOwen]

Hello dear! How are you doing! Hope it’s been a beautiful day today?

[@yevonnecreasey9100]

Thanks for the great lesson, you make it look so easy... but I am definitely going to try ... love the simple technique that looks great . Looking forward to learning more. I have only been quilting 1 yr , even though I have been sewing since my first singer at age 10 yrs? Haven’t free motion quilted yet past straight lines, but I am going to try ..

[@jamiehsmart02]

Hello Yevonne how are you doing today

[@hollyboatright2136]

Thank you Angels for this video! I just quilted my first quilt and it was a T-shirt quilt. It's not as fancy as these (gotta work on those "perfection" issues), BUT it's done! And we all know that a finished quilt is better than not! I'll keep practicing tho!

[@trabitrabi]

Hi, I'd like to thank you for the encouragement. tkx to your video I'm finishing a wonderful big quilt for my daughter & it looks good. it won't be perfect, but it looks much better than I thought it would. and free motion quilting is just so much fun!!!!!

[@Irmaglau]

Thank you!!!!!

[@jamiehsmart02]

Hello Branca how are you doing today

[@lilikc7]

"passive aggressive messages" Bwahahhah!!!!! Glory I love watching your show!!!!

[@jamiehsmart02]

Hello Lee how are you doing today

[@mary-lynnmcconnell5656]

Love Love Love these patterns ❤️❤️❤️Thank you sooooo much 🙏

[@SimeonOwen]

Hello dear! How are you doing! Hope it’s been a beautiful day today?

[@barbaralevel7225]

Yea Missouri here too! Thanks for video.

[@jamiehsmart02]

Hello Barbara how are you doing today

[@princesa311]

I love them!! Can't wait to try them!

[@cathysandlin7406]

Thanks for tips you gave me. I sure they wil help me

[@susiejohnson4530]

LOVED IT!!! great presentation!! not boring, not rushed, perfect

[@tidegirl6526]

Wish you had included some beginner info like what type of foot, feed dog settings

[@bestycheung7532]

Thanks for sharing!👏🙏👍

[@SimeonOwen]

Hello dear! How are you doing! Hope it’s been a beautiful day today?

[@deborahcain3201]

Angela....this is "Ginger" Debbie from Florida....my friends and I were so excited to actually meet you last week in your Liberty quilt shop!!!!! Loved all that you showed us. The quilting machine is amazing.....thinking one of us may be looking into it in the coming year.......WE had a blast.....and the other ladies in your shop were soooooo sweet and helpful. We are already talking about making another trip in 2021!!!!! Thanks for your wonderful hospitality!!!! And we love our autographed rulers!!!!!!

[@SimeonOwen]

Hello dear! How are you doing! Hope it’s been a beautiful day today?

[@adelacortez9791]

The cursive just made this whole thing less intimidating thank you 💜

[@alyons215]

7:57 "You could quilt song lyrics, passive-aggressive messages..." I'm dying!!!!! Immediate like as well as inspiration! What a fun video! This makes something traditional and intimidating (to me) and completely modernizes it while giving me confidence to try. (At least til I am in front of the machine and chicken out...look at these not straight blocks I made! No, they're not supposed to be triangles......lol)

[@bethanytaylor65]

Ms Angela, I wanted to thank you for giving me the courage to attempt free motion quilting. I just finished quilting my first quilt using your techniques and I love it! Is it perfect? Absolutely not! But it’s beautiful! I am planning on using the rulers in the near future. So thank you thank you thank you!

[@metrocash3736]

THANK YOU FOR THIS VERY INFORMATIVE VIDEO IM JUST STARTING TO QUILT AND I THINK IM GOING TO LOVE IT.. THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH.

[@lucaslegz]

I have never quilted, wanted to start, but the fear has stopped me. I’ve watched your energetic videos and I think I can do one. Pray for me. Lol

[@03manal]

You are assume thank you i have been watched you’re videos 6 month ago I’m new to quilting we don’t have this in my country ( lebanon ) there so much I learned from your videos now i had the chance to make my first quilt after a-lot of practice still i have difficulty with free motion i will do the easiest way to get it done and hope it will turn nice at the end😘

[@jacquelinemccune1657]

When doing fmq have you released the feed dogs, and tension? I am new to quilting, but I am not new to using my machine for embroidery. If you release your feed dogs and the tension you then have the quilt able to be moved as you choose. I am not sure how old you machine is (mines is old) but i hope this info helps.

[@pearltuttle6138]

Love your videos very well explained also do you have videos on tension and set up on sewing machine.

[@sunshinejenny5536]

Thank You for this video and great attitude! You are getting me back into free motion. It has been a long, long time. Time to take a deep breath and just make it fun! My friend told me about your channel and I am so glad. You are an inspiration!

[@dianareddell1496]

Awesome! Thanks for the ideas!!

[@SimeonOwen]

Hello dear! How are you doing! Hope it’s been a beautiful day today?

[@pattimintun5984]

I just finished a quilt for my granddaughter. I am practicing FMQ, & wanted to add some hearts & stars to the center square. I hand

[@nancywilson8736]

Love all your shows. I will soon be trying fmq.

[@jamiehsmart02]

Hello Nancy how are you doing today

[@SimeonOwen]

Hello dear! How are you doing! Hope it’s been a beautiful day today?

[@anitamorrison4992]

I tried free motion quilting for the first time. Oiled the machine, put in a new needle and away I went. Wasn't going too bad, definitely was giving me a work out, but when I stopped for the night and draped the quilt over the ironing board the back had a huge wad of thread. It is going to take me hours to rip all this out and now am totally dreading to tray again.

[@jamiehsmart02]

Hello Anita how are you doing today

[@melindamercier6811]

I’m so sorry that happened to you! I know the feeling. Always test it out first, and never on your official project. That way you can ensure your threading, tension, and stitch length are as you want them while avoiding ruining your project with the bird-nesting!

[@jessiemiles1286]

ROFLOL, new life goal-quilt a passive aggressive message, LOVE IT! Seriously love your videos and this is awesome even for beginners with a few free-motioned quilts under their belts.

[@susangordon5020]

You'd have to laugh at my unstraight lines, so unstraight but I did manage to do some of the little starbursts -- thanks for freeing me up from thinking I can't do FMQ -- at least I got started, thanks to you!!!

[@barbaragilmartin9092]

Thank you! You make it look less intimidating. :)

[@SimeonOwen]

Hello dear! How are you doing! Hope it’s been a beautiful day today?

[@shannonsmith6594]

I can't wait to try these. Thanks!

[@debbieclemmons5936]

Hello Angela, love, love, love your videos and COLORS.. I love colors.. when I attempt to machine quilt, the top, is super.. but the back side, has tons of extra thread, loops, thread so all over the place I rip out.. put on my walking foot and just sew... what am I doing wrong. at first I thought it was machine.. but now I realize it's the quilter.. thanks for the help.

[@heidimallett2177]

I love you Angela!, I wish I discovered you years ago. What a wealth of incredible info. And you are delightful and hit on all our needs. Like a glass of wine! White is my choice. Hubby beginning to wonder why I stay up so late. I told him I have a new friend!,😇 If you had a self-help for a hair trim you'd be perfect! I'm going to order one of you machine quilting books or 2 or 3. Thanks again. I hope you are paid well!

[@alkurashi]

Thank you so much,you are amazing teacher 🌷

[@sangitakamat9553]

Thank u so much... love your video

[@jan-mareew6234]

God you're good!!!! Maybe I should hit the red wine first then my F.M.Q. will look really good? Well at least for me!!!

[@supreetvaze4559]

amazing

[@jamiehsmart02]

Hello Friend how are you doing today

[@karenambrose7274]

thank you for the fun idea,thank you new idea

[@jamiehsmart02]

Hello Karen how are you doing today