Quilting 101: How to Free Motion Quilt

[@gloriawojo7414]

I'm so glad I came across your videos. I'm 74 years old and am just starting to learn to quilt. I particularly loved your video about using the rotary cutter and ruler. Your videos are very detailed and are done in such a way that even someone who has never quilted or used a rotary cutter before can easily follow your instructions. Someday soon, thanks to you, I'll be brave enough to try free motion quilting. I'm looking forward to viewing many more of your videos. Now I just hope that this old dog can learn some new tricks. Thank you for taking your time to record these videos to help us.

[@erica_arndt]

Thank you for your kind comment! I'm so glad the videos are helping you out! I'm sure you'll create amazing things!

[@kathleenredmond7999]

Erica Arndt a

[@MelissaH05]

Gloria I am in awe with the fact you are 74 and just learning to quilt. I wish my Mom would've tried. It would've been so fun to be able to learn it together! I am 43 and just starting to learn as well...... Thankfully there are these amazing and patient people like Erica Arndt that really take the time to go over every step with us with such clear direction !!! So I wish you luck Gloria with your new adventure...... and I thank you Erica for making these great videos for those of us just learning!!!!

[@peggyatchley2395]

Gloria Wojo y

[@phyllisgudgalis580]

I am 77 and used to hate sewing and never had the patience (I have a d d) but have learned to control it without meds. I do a lot of hand embroidery and want to start making table runners and table toppers incorporating my embroidery, and then quilt them. This is a great video.

[@janharvey5543]

Hi, Erica, I am 65 year or retired RN. I have enjoyed watching your videos. I will be trying your free motion quilting. This video is so detailed and easy to learn understand. Thank you-Jan

[@patsymcmanus750]

Even though this video is nearly 4 years old, it is the best I've seen in my 2 years of attempting to learn free motion quilting. Yes, 2 years. I found a goldmine of information which I had not been taught by numerous instructors. I look forward to watching more from Erica!! Thank you so much.

[@myronmitchell1791]

hv you got the hang of it yet? I am just starting Off....new Quilter, and a nervous but I will try it, Sheila

[@sharongreen7743]

This is the best free motion video ever. I'm an experienced sewer, but a first time quilter and although I guessed trying to do all the steps you illustrated, I couldn't figure out some tension issues. '"Peddle to the medal, and slow hands" has totally explained why I was having the whiskers. Now I can get over my fears and get to free motioning the baby quilt I'm making. YEA!!!!!

[@erica_arndt]

Thanks so much!

[@l.robinson1162]

It is so apparent that Erica is a teacher, she really has a knack for giving clear instructions! I have such a better understanding because she shows you everything about the process including errors so you can easily diagnose what you've done wrong if you see flaws. It's so great to have questions answered that you couldn't even know to ask if you are just starting this hobby. I'm feeling really confident now in getting started. Thank you Erica for sharing your knowledge! Super great tutorial! Plus it feels like I am hanging out with a friend in my sewing room which is fun :)

[@erica_arndt]

Yay! Thanks so much for your kind comments, I'm so happy the videos are helping you out :)

[@marycook4190]

Lindsey Tig q

[@jackieboyd7506]

i totally agree..its a great starter and cant wait to get my free motion foot to get started :-)

[@christinaelliott8186]

Thank you Erica, you are an amazing instructor. You tell us useful things in your videos that others do not! Thank you again!!

[@BobbleUher]

Thanks Erica! I attended a machine quilting class years ago & struggled with free motion components. Your clear instructions have encouraged me to break out scraps and practice. 😊

[@michaelenekeegan2565]

I AM JUST STARTING TO QUILT AND YOUR SHOWS ARE SO HELPFUL AND SO MANY TIPS THAT MAKE ME FEEL BRAVE ENOUGH TO QUILT MY PROJECT IT IS SMALL SHOULD HAVE NO TROUBLE . SO GLAD I FOUND YOU. LIKE YOU ARE SO UP AND PEPPY.

[@donettekurtz4057]

Michaelene Keegan i

[@mariaburger1508]

Hi Erica. I just turned 75, and retired at 73. I come from a family of sewers. My grandmother was a sample maker for high end wedding gowns, but no one quilted. I find that your videos really help. I jut completed my first quilt, and it came out pretty good. In fact on one part where I needed to sew over stitches but from the other side, I added lace to cover my irregularities. I would like to see Quilt as you go come together if that's possible. Thank you for sharing.

[@coralhooper7267]

These are the best quilting videos I have ever seen thank you! I was able to start free motion quilting on my own home machine thanks to this video!

[@downtoawhisper]

The quilt behind her is absolutely beautiful!!!

[@bettymanley412]

The best video I've seen on freemotion quilting

[@maplelassuk]

Erica, this is the best tutorial I have watched on free motion quilting, and I should have watched it first before trying!! You explain the speed and hands perfectly and visually too. I have been learning over 2 years now and can truthfully say it makes me sing with joy...I absolutely LOVE it, though I am not great at it yet it really is the most exhilarating part of quilting! I find the flames shapes the easiest, but going to try your loops too. I did lots of practice pieces, then a Japanese bag of panels that allowed you to do lots of patterns. I have really enjoyed watching this...the heart sings as you go!! Elizabeth x

[@brendaromanuck1280]

have been quilting for years and have always wanted to try free motion quilting. I have severe arthritis in my arms and shoulders and have found it difficult to control my sewing to be fluid and smooth lines. After watching this video it has given me the assurance to try it again. This is by far one of the best videos with steps of stitches to get you started. Loved it

[@mlarson281]

Awesome video ! Beginner and the best video I've watched so far on KZbin!! Can't wait to get practicing!!!

[@gaylemlammerman]

I loved your video. FYI. I don't know how much dealings you have had with people that are hard of hearing or wearing hearing aids. But I have found that most of the tutorial I have watched everyone talks to fast. I understand that your time to get as much information out there you have to but it is hard to understand even with hearing aids. Even slowing down just a tad would be a great help. There are so many of your words that I miss. Thank you for your teaching skills. and I will surely watch more.

[@donhardman6919]

Erica, I love the look of a free motion quilt and I have started practicing and am far from perfect. I am afraid I am a bit of a perfectionists as a person but I am very encouraged by your comment that no one is going to check every stitches whether they are big or small. I love the look of the loopy loops and have been practicing on it but my rounds aren't perfect yet. Sometimes they are but more often they are rather pointy. I am determined to master it. Thank you for your lovely videos as usual and your encouragement. Bless you and your family Erica. God bless, Thelma

[@seasidedaisy29]

Hi Erica, greetings from South Australia. I’ve been quilting for about 35 years but stippling/meandering has always eluded me! After searching through many videos, I found yours and took the time to go through it step by step. I think I’ve finally hit the nail on the head and managed to meander! OK so it does need a bit of practice but I am getting there. Thank you so much for your detailed set up and instructions. I’ll be watching more videos to see what else I can learn. Cheers. Wendy :)

[@erica_arndt]

Thank you so much for your kind comment, I'm so glad my videos have been helpful!! :)

[@donnastigler]

Wow - you really packed a punch in your 36 minute video! I appreciate that your instructions are very specific and that you repeated some important points. I'm working on my fourth quilt and so far have been scared to death to try free motion quilting. I'm now am excited to try these basic patterns on a practice piece. Thanks for the best FMQ tutorial I've seen!

[@erica_arndt]

Thanks so much! I'm so glad it was helpful :)

[@rumacostello4514]

While looking for videos on a specific sewing machine, your video came up and I'm so glad it did. Even though it is 5 years old, it is probably one of the most helpful on beginning FMQ on a home sewing machine.

[@erica_arndt]

That's great, thanks so much!

[@starrynight9496]

This was a comprehensive tutorial. I loved it. I have tried before but not known if I was doing it right and have been too intimidated to explore much. I never grew up with the women sitting around doing a quilting bee or anything like that. I feel much more ready to dive in and give this a try.

[@crystalturner9134]

Thank you for your advice on the fast pedal but slow hands. I am officially able to free motion all the different stitches....feed dogs down. Hallelujah! You are awesome. I’ve been trying for 3 months and watching videos. Thank you so much! I want to do stippling....ambitious.

[@chevydude658]

This video is really good. This is going to sound like a backhanded compliment but I don't mean it to be. I've watched so many videos and they seem to be made by the quilt police or something. They condescending and make a beginner feel like giving up right out of the gate. When I saw that really nice quilt at the opening I was kind of discouraged. But then you started working with those glove that are all dirty on the finger tips. I said to myself; "Wow...a real person!" You said some great things that really made me feel like I can do something worthwhile without criticizing my own work to bits. I felt really encouraged and now I feel like I can make something useful and fun. Thank you so much!

[@80657]

I agree. Although I have been quilting for 30 years I have literally just bought my first baby lock and it can do free motion quilting. I typically do stright like or big stitch hand quilting. Watching her tutorials is quite helpful and she just makes you feel confident about trying.

[@theresecrouch2924]

Excellent tips, great tutorial..i just ordered new machine so i can free motion quilt...so excited...ps loved havent made perfect one yet..my friend was 92..had quilted all her life..she said everyones quilt hold secret ooppps..if they say it doesn't they're lying ;)

[@eileenjensen7837]

this the best free motion video i have found. and i have viewed a lot. now i can test my tension. thank you erica

[@videofrancaisful]

I so so wish I had watched this video before this afternoon's quilting. All the errors I made. Feel better now. Onwards and upwards. Really good advice which is what newbies need!

[@audreymorales8227]

Erica, this is absolutely the best video of quilting. Thank you!!!

[@erica_arndt]

Thank you so much!

[@terribishop5313]

You make it look very achievable, thank you. I can see why you homeschool you're an excellent teacher.

[@raquelwright7451]

Hi I am a begginer quilter, I love your tutorial. I have been searching a good tutorial on free motion quilting and I finally found one. Thanks,😀

[@karenmay1724]

I loved this Erica. Absolute newbie at sewing and quilting and the exercises in your video are clear and should be a great place to start the journey. Thank you!

[@laurenml1222]

This is a great instructional video! I’m a lifelong sewer but never tried free motion quilting. I just purchased my first ever quilting machine, a Juki HZL-F600 and I’m so excited about starting my first project !

[@kriscarbone1088]

Fantastic instruction!! You are such a detailed teacher - really discribed well what you were doing and why. I look forward to watching all of your videos. Thank you so much!!!

[@erica_arndt]

Thank you so much, glad it was helpful!

[@ritasokol646]

Erica, I love your tutorials! You are so encouraging and make something that appears to be difficult, FUN! Your quilts are all beautiful! Thank you and please keep all your videos coming!

[@lizpollock2376]

Best free motion quilt video ever. I've watched a few and now I finally feel I know how to approach the four projects I have pieced but was afraid to quilt. Thank you for your confidence building style. :)

[@erica_arndt]

Thank you so much, I'm always blessed to hear that my videos can help encourage others !! Now you'll be hooked ;o)

[@siiiriously3226]

AMAZINGLY explained! you are a great teacher and have structured all the info really well! thank you!

[@christylarsen691]

You are so great at explaining more about free-motion quilting. Thank you!

[@dawndecesare2077]

Done is better than perfect! I try to remember that so I will start quilting my quilts. Very good video!

[@debramiller9892]

This is my first quilt so this video has helped me so much. Thank you Erica

[@bettyvanette1580]

I am so glad that I found you two I am a beginner quilter and have already tried to learn some stuff by watching other videos but yours is very clear as to what to do I have been trying to find out what it meant when somebody said with of fabric and in your video you made it clear as to what that meant and I thank you so much I will continue to follow you on KZbin and learn how to quilt good thank you very much for your videos

[@dizzyk54]

This is very helpful! It was nice to actually see you do it all in real time, great teaching! Thanks VIcki

[@laurafifer4453]

Your first quilt, is beautiful. There's no such thing as perfection in Quilting. I love everything you make. Thank you for all the sharing and teaching you do.

[@annamarieh333]

I have all the tools to start sewing and quilting like sewing machine serger rulers cutting board etc but to afraid to start a quilt project but watching your videos makes me excited to go buy material now! I can’t wait to see! Thank you Erika!

[@annamarieh333]

Erica! Sorry I wrote Erika

[@nancyspicer6046]

thanks Erica, I am a fan now. Just starting with the idea of free motion quilting. I am new to the quilt world.

[@hpiner]

I love that quilt! so lovely, great colors, so much visual interest!

[@debbiebraatz1919]

I am also glad to have run across this very informative video. Thank you for your patience and clear directions. I’m going to give this a try!

[@how2craft]

Watched many "how to learn free motion quilting" Yours by far is the best. Love your instructions!!

[@erica_arndt]

Thanks so much, glad it has helped you!

[@pebblem4612]

Just watching your tutorial and finding it is the best beginner tutorial for free motion quilting. Thank you for making it less scary 🙂

[@erica_arndt]

Thanks so much! :)

[@Terriberri9]

Thanks for the great tutorial, you gave me the confidence to try this,...thanks for letting me know it doesn't have to be perfect, and with time and practice I will get better.

[@cowboydir]

This was so informative...thank you for the clear explanation and the encouragement!

[@lauriemyers3]

Girl... you are my go to for any quilting tutorial I need! I rewatched your second rag Quilt video a few times because I’m starting one! Now I want to see if I can actually quilt the thing!

[@erica_arndt]

Thanks so much!

[@jacqcoldwell7225]

Thank you so much, this is the best explanation I have seen, you’ve given me the courage to have a go x

[@celticsuite]

Thank you! This the best video I have seen teaching this technique! Actually better than the class I took as well.

[@audrea5515]

I’m now encouraged to try to quilt. Thank you!

[@donnacardermaywhort4274]

Great Tutorial! Thank you..I am going to start my first practice next week...This tutorial has given me confidence...Thank you

[@annasipinski2468]

Thanks Erica... you've cleared up a lot of questions I had with machine setup. Wonderful tutorial for a new quilter! So grateful... Anna from Manitoba

[@jeanjamieson9742]

You explain things so very easy. I am a beginner and a little afraid. This spray basting is new to me I will try it some day. Thanks for reminder to change needle and foot. Peace n luv, Jean

[@carolwarner8287]

Great tutorial-the best I've seen so far-so helpful-was having tension problems and she explained possible problems so clearly.

[@barbaraness4507]

I love quilting! Most of my quilts have been made by hand, and a couple of them I quilted by machine. I’ve not done free motion quilting yet but I’m ready to start!

[@catarinapietri1577]

The best video I've seen for beginners.

[@erica_arndt]

Wow, thanks!

[@suestutzle2779]

Thank you so much Erica. I have always thought free motion quilting was too much for me but the way you have explained it and broken it down into quadrants etc. has given me a confidence that I never felt before. Suddenly I am keen to make some placemats and give it a go. I really like your tutorials.

[@bestrnlynzeep]

This is an excellent video! You explain it so well and demonstrate clearly. The practice stitches are great. Your knowledge, enthusiasm and support for your students is evident. I have enjoyed watching and learning a great deal from all of your videos. You are one of my absolute favorites! Thank you.

[@ymcaninch2011]

This is the best quilting video I have seen since I started quilting! Great for a newby at quilting your own as I am! I will definitely keep this as a go to and share it..

[@jenmehlert]

Thank you so much!! I so appreciate the step by step instructions you have given, I feel less intimidated and excited to give it a try.

[@jimschempp3671]

Thank you so much for the lesson. I am just beginning to learn how to get out of my comfort zone and do something different. You are a very good teacher.

[@drmichaelelinski6992]

Erica, you are an excellent teacher. I wish I ran into this video a long time ago, but now is better than never. Your demonstrations are very helpful and your encouragement boosts my confidence. I also feel like I can translate much of what you taught into my new adventure of long arm quilting. You definitely gave me lots of ideas for basic designs to try out on my new Coronet. Thanks for sharing your expertise and keep up the great work and teaching. I will definitely be following your videos to learn more and your positivity is contagious. Thank you so much! Dr Michael J Elinski, East Hampton, NY

[@kristycrosby8118]

Great instructions! I've watched other videos, but learned the most from yours. Thank you!

[@erica_arndt]

Thanks so much, I'm glad it was helpful!

[@patriciamiller9759]

You are so amazing and talented, I love your videos and refer to them often.

[@honeybeekaren]

Needed a refresher on machine quilting, and your videos were exactly what I was looking for. Thank you

[@taranumsultana4726]

honeybeekaren jointpainsrelief

[@JH-xy6lh]

Very informative FMQ video, great for the beginning quilter. Thanks!

[@ossiningsue]

Although I have been quilting on my home machine for a number of years, there are still things one can learn. I liked the pedal to the metal and slow hands. So easy to remember. You think no one will scrutinize my quilting? Apparently you have never met the women in my family. I’m not kidding, magnifying glass and all. I do a better job than them, as they don’t quilt at all. You made a wonderful video and I enjoyed watching and learning a few things. I subscribed!

[@lesa6399]

You’ve strengthened my nerve to try quilting...I’ve had practice blocks ready for awhile now.🐓🐓🐓🍀 Thank you!

[@deborahfrench757]

I'm not sure how I cam across this video but I am really glad I did. You taught me so many tips and helped with my quilting a lot!! Thank you - I will be a loyal follower!!

[@rhondava2nc2010]

Thank you for all if the wonderful encouragement! I've been terrified, but feel i just may give free motion a try in the very NEAR future❤

[@shellcshells2902]

Same! Horrified that I spent countless hours on my first large quilt.... to mess it up quilting it... lol

[@erica_arndt]

Try on a sample piece first just to get the hang of it. But then I would just go for it! All of my quilts have a few "mistakes" in them while FMQ because my mind wonders LOL! But honestly no one has ever noticed including me. Once it's washed the crinkle hides imperfections. Plus my motto is better done than perfect because after all these are handmade right? I don't want it to look like a machine made it.

[@jeanpurdue6764]

Thankyou for making this video. Really found it most helpful as am total beginner Free motion on domestic machine. Have been getting very frustrated with tension problems and your explanations have helped a lot. Back to practice more.!!!!!!!

[@denisepineda1788]

Thank you so much for your Quilting 101 series. It has helped me so much!

[@elenabenton83]

Great tutorial! Now i feel like I have the confidence to try free motion on my quilt. Thank you so much for inspiring me.

[@mamielallo2425]

Thank you for this video. It was really helpful. I am so going to try all four . Perfect rainy day.

[@mauratimmons9580]

Loved the clear instructions. Thank you.

[@roxyperson8328]

Oh my word, your an awesome teacher!! I'm following your channel. I can't wait to see more. Thank you!

[@DorieH]

wow! I really enjoyed this video,. It makes me want to machine quilt now!

[@kimmierock1]

I am going to free quilt my first applique and have been so scared, but you have encouraged me to try even if I mess up. Thank you 😊

[@kaylac3367]

You've given me courage to try this! Very informative and I'm grateful. Thanks

[@cynthiathompson165]

Fast foot Slow Hands - that was life changing! My practice pieces are looking great. Will be working on my actual quilt soon rather than later. Thank you.

[@sandymorgan8167]

Thank you for this video. I am very encouraged to try this for the very first time. Have done an Advent Calendar and will definitely practice and then do my own quilting on this project. Thank you very much. I truly enjoyed your instructing.

[@marfrisha]

Thanks!

[@erica_arndt]

Thank you so much!

[@kyczy1]

You are a very skilled teacher! thank you for the videos and for addressing questions before I even have them~!

[@donnaf2666]

I think I'm ready to try it after watching this video!😉

[@darlenenelson215]

Thank you so much. This is a great video. You are so good at it. Hopefully in time I will learn. I'm 70 this year and want to learn this freemotion quilting💗 I have a couple small quits I want to do. First I'll practice like you showed us🌺.

[@sandrakilgore3973]

I am working on my 1st quilt, & I've learned alot from you. I love your channel, & that quilt is beautiful. 🧚‍♀️

[@hazelgiles7058]

Thank you for sending me your 101 patterns they are great l love what you are doing for us thanks

[@myronmitchell1791]

These instructions are Really nice....I gotta get over my fear and Try....Thank You, Sheila

[@janicesmith959]

You’re a good instructor. Very good video. Thank you

[@carolinewilloughby7952]

Beautiful! Your explanations are great.

[@marionbartley214]

Thank You for these's tips on quilting.

[@westwind1979]

this is so helpful! I have been wanting to try this for so long!

[@jeanetterivers4255]

enjoyed your video , got a lot out of it . I have never sewn my quilts yet only hand sew. But now I think I can give it a try. Thanks

[@crocdor]

Awesome video. I love this. I am reteaching myself how to sew and a quilt is something I have always wanted to make and free motion looks like fun. I will definitely be practicing a lot so I can make 2 quilts for my daughters. Love the motions and the freedom to do anything you want. A great video and well made.

[@barbaraoconnor8476]

Thank you so much Erica, you are a good teacher.

[@1228Rhonda]

I think you convinced me to finally try free motion quilting. You give great instructions!!! I know it will be a lit less expensive!!!

[@erica_arndt]

And it's fun too!

[@h4sgrandma824]

I'm a newbie so I found your video very informational. I would have really liked to see the full quilt you showed at the end. It looked beautiful for the small section of it that I saw. Thanks for sharing your expertise in quilting.

[@mrs.diannalynn1383]

Thank you for all your time . Wonderful video.