Free Motion Quilt Along #1 - Let's Wiggle!

[@MrXellent99]

I have a new respect for people who sew.... not sure how many guys actually sew, but I just bought my first industrial machine... it's so hard! ahhh!

[@fazute]

Hi Leah, You are the best instructor I found, who does absolute beginners. I really enjoy the lesson. Thank you

[@LeahDay]

Thank you!

[@jackietucker8942]

Ok, only a few years past due. I did play with your Block by Block back when I first discovered you. BUT today, I have a bunch of 12" quilt blocks sandwiched and I'm wiggling pretty good by block two. I consider this series a PUBLIC SERVICE to quilter, who want to finish all their own work. THANK YOU LEAH.

[@LeahDay]

Thank you Jackie! I really apprecaite your kind words and I'm so happy you find this series so helpful! Please share it with your quilting friends!

[@EricaLMack1]

For someone who has been TERRIFIED of free motion quilting, I am so, so very grateful to have found your videos. Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge.

[@LeahDay]

Excellent! I'm so glad you're giving it a try and not so afraid!

[@BandNewHolly]

Thank YOU for concentrating on FMQ! Not many people dedicate a great deal of their video to that type of quilting.. Thank you for being clear and concise!

[@LauraBellini]

You make this look so easy, it really isn't though. I need to remind myself two things: 1 no fear and 2 nobody's first projects look perfect. *smile* Thanks Leah!

[@CherylTheWaysideStitcher]

Thank you for sharing this for those of us who are trying to learn to FMQ. You are a wonderful teacher. Your efforts are appreciated and thanks for encouraging us to practice!

[@jan-mareew6234]

Leah, I have to say you're very good at tutorials. You're clear with your speech, you're calm and it's obviously clear that you love free motion quilting. I'm learning free motion quilting just by watching your tutorials. Well done and keep them coming. Jan

[@LeahDay]

Wonderful Jan! That is a terrific compliment and exactly what I hope to achieve. Some things are just easier to learn at home and I'm thrilled to help you on your quilting journey!

[@eiriansamuel1091]

Brilliantly clear and easy to follow. Many thanks!

[@farrebecca]

Thank you so much! My hubby gave me a free motion quilting frame & machine as a gift for Mothers Day and I've been trying to figure out how to get started. I love how you simplified the technique, I can't wait to go and try it out! :)

[@helenjzkkillick4097]

I’ve finished the FMQ on my child cot size quilt and put down the success entirely to the last tutorial of yours that I watched. You completely de-mystified it and presented exactly what I needed to know. I’m really happy with how it looks and so many thanks!! 👍

[@MsTiLaJ]

This is a very nice tutorial. There is a good amount of direction and guidance on how to progressively expand your quilting capability. The lines is going to help me a lot as i get started. Thanks so much!

[@jan-mareew6234]

I didn't realise how much I LOVE free motion quilting. Thank you Leah for teaching me stippling. Things are going really well and I feel so free doing it. I did learn one thing though, never cut any fabric with your gloves on. Aah!

[@LeahDay]

That is terrific! I'm so happy that you're loving free motion quilting! Oh no, what happened when you wore gloves to cut???

[@jadmo8324]

This is the best class that I have found on youtube for first time quilting. Thank you so much for being a great instructor and making this video so easy to follow!

[@shellyburpee]

Thank you for this series, I followed your directions and was able to machine quilt my first quilt on my home machine, I used stippling on my camouflage blocks and was amazed how simple it was after watching your video several times and then practicing on my extra blocks. Thank you again for sharing your knowledge and your time. Shelly

[@texascopelands]

OMG!!! I just watched Beginning Free Motion and Quilt Along #1. I went upstairs to try it on my machine and I feel like a rock star! Thank you, thank you! You're the best!

[@LeahDay]

Absolutely! I actually learned free motion quilting on a machine without automatic features. You can absolutely use whatever machine you have right now and so long as you are patient and willing to work with it, you should be fine.

[@lesleymoore6655]

Thank you for sharing this Leah. Your clear instructions have given me the confidence to give free motion quilting a try. Thanks

[@palomafraser4537]

This is a brilliant video. Simple explanation and easy progressions. Will definitely start practicing now. Feels like I'm learning to drive again 🤣

[@ashleyhasart719]

I have watched dozens of videos and this was BY FAR the most helpful thank you so much! :)

[@strodester1]

This is the best video on FMQ I have seen yet. I plan on going through all of your videos Leah Thanks!!!!!

[@LivingWaterQuilter]

Thank for breaking down what looks random into manageable order. It's making a difference in my FMQ.

[@tracybrewer3068]

Have to say this was very good and you made it all easy to understand. Once I watched this it didn't seem so scary to actually give it a go.

[@9thd4z]

Thank you, my favorite teacher as you explain it so well & show it making it look easy!! ThankYou!

[@KellyDannemann]

YOU ARE A GREAT TEACHER!! I am struggling with my free motion. This really makes a good foundation. I am really glad you have put this video out here. I understand alot more.

[@Amata0882]

I am new to FMQ and I think this is a great video!! Super helpful and I cannot wait to give it a try in this manner. I tried to FMQ the other day and i kind of went crazy on my practice sandwich. Doing it this way will help give me more focus & control of what i'm doing. Thank you a thousand times over for teaching this way!! :)

[@njoynjp]

I can't wait to watch more of your videos, and to try out your suggestions. Very well done video -- good, practical, detailed information and at a great pace.

[@itsmelaura1533]

Very nice, your tutorial is clear and easy to understand. Thank you very much for making it.

[@Cyrilmc222004]

Very, very good. Your instructions were clear and to the point, thank you so much.

[@audreylittlewood1313]

That is the best free motion quilting video for first time qiilters. Ten out of ten! Even though I practised from other videos, I wish I'd seen this one first, it is the best.

[@LeahDay]

Aw! That's terrific! I'm so happy to hear you enjoyed this video!

[@EC-gy9pv]

Excellent tutorial, you're one of the best quilters on KZbin! Love your style, skills and intelligence. Just bought your book "365 Free Motion Quilting Designs". Thank you so much for sharing with us, Leah!

[@LeahDay]

Wow! Thank you so much for your kind comments. Thank YOU for supporting our efforts! I hope you enjoy the book!

[@cosmocat12]

Nice video. I have been doing stipple for years but this was still helpful because it is nice to see other shapes that i might not do. I look forward to the next ones.

[@LeahDay]

It's a Janome Horizon 7700 and yes it sews beautifully. Just turn the stitch length to 0 and set the tension to "auto" and it pretty much takes care of itself.

[@eileenkenny7718]

So inspiring to a complete beginner! Can't wait to get started. Thank you so much for this carefully made, well thought out tutorial... ;)

[@dippyhendy]

thanks for posting - I was looking for a video to explain stippling in very simple terms... cant wait to start practising..

[@Tabascopeppers]

I just tried quilting part of a sandwich with the dog feeds UP and I like it alot better! The stitches are more regulated. The lady at the quilt shop where I bought my darning foot told me to put my top tension on 2. My top tension goes up to 8. Just now when I was practicing, I put the top tension at 5, stitched some leaves that are from 1 of 3 FMQ challenges I am doing this year. Anyway, 5 still gave me eyelashes on the back, 6 was better, then 7 was pretty close to perfect! Thanks!

[@yipsue3168]

Hi Leah, after watching your video and reading your replies to other youtubers, I gained much courage to start FMQ again. Thanks very much and just as you said "The more you practice and actually do this, the better you will get at it, so forgive the mistakes and just keep quilting!" Cheers ~~~

[@LeahDay]

Awesome! I'm glad that resonated with you and you were able to jump in and give free motion quilting a try! If you're looking for a good project to learn with we have an awesome Building Blocks sampler quilt pattern that comes with videos of myself and my husband quilting each block. Josh's videos will definitely make you feel better about all your mistakes!

[@masuraki]

You really helped me! Thank you so much!!!

[@mariehall5366]

Your stitches are so even ! I am not there yet if ever !!!😂

[@LeahDay]

It definitely comes with time! Just stick with it!

[@219SandPond]

Good Job! I am new at quilting and found your video very helpful. Thank you!

[@mariealderman9007]

I have Janome machine one of my problems is setting the machine up to do free motion such as: tension I am just trying to learn for the first time I do enjoy your tutorials!

[@hazelgiles7058]

Wow Leah this is fantastic thanks your a wonderful teacher

[@LeahDay]

Thank you! I'm so glad you enjoyed this video!

[@c21cg]

your videos are sooo patient.. I love watching you, your age is a little strange, you are so young, but your videos are terrific.

[@LeahDay]

I have my tension set at the same place as regular sewing and piecing. I don't think you need to adjust that in order to free motion quilt. Just put on a darning foot, set your stitch length to 0, and see what happens!

[@sharonnoles5039]

I enjoyed your teaching

[@LeahDay]

Thank you Sharon!

[@63100GRA]

¡Clase magistral! este motivo nunca me salió bien. Pero ahora con la tiza se puede una guiar perfectamente. Excelente la explicación!!!!!! GRACIAS, GRACIAS, GRACIAS.-

[@LeahDay]

You're very welcome! Thank you for watching!

[@AnaSanchez-oc5xg]

Omg, u are amazing. Thank you very much for the amazing tutorials!

[@LeahDay]

Yes, I'm quilting with the foot pedal. I don't prefer to quilt with the start / stop button.

[@mariana-damas]

Very good! Thanks!

[@rosemaryhanderson6122]

Thank you. It was very easy to understand.

[@GodBlsUSA]

Amazing tutorial. I have subscribed and will be sure to continue watching and learning. Thank you. :)

[@NorieSue]

I was wondering how to do that! All my quilts are tied! Thanks!!

[@phyllis26red]

Thank you for sharing you make it look easy thanks.

[@barbarastefani254]

Thank you this will help

[@crochet...craft...handmade3363]

Thanks

[@LeahDay]

You're welcome!

[@bsaytah]

great tutorial, I am going to attempt this on my machine, I can drop my feet but will need to use zipper foot which might work for that purpose

[@Made_to_treasure]

Thank you Leah...i have just upgraded my machine to janome 8900..and using the new generation machine for the first time...so was wondering how you use it..thank you so much for all the videos..

[@herosuite285]

thank you leah.very interesting

[@tammyanne7794]

Leah, I've started practicing machine quilting... I really like your videos... I sent you a picture of my first attempt at wiggles on facebook. I really want to lean how to machine quilt. Thanks!

[@LeahDay]

That's wonderful Tammy! Just keep wiggling! Really, patience and practice is the key to this more than anything else.

[@anner6342]

Hi Leah. I've enjoyed your tutorials for a few years. You were the inspiration that encouraged me to try free motion quilting and I'm hooked! I'm a fan and continue to watch your tutorials and build my quilting skills. Would you please address in more detail how to select a design /filler in a quilt. I'm about to quilt a Dresden Plate and have no idea what design to put where! You talk about movement and texture and I get that, but knowing what looks the best in blocks or circles....can you give some design direction? There were so many choices from your quilting project - that was wonderful - but how do you weed through them and what elements drive your decision one design over another?

[@sallycarey5994]

Really liked this - going to give FMQ another try

[@LeahDay]

That's great! It's so much fun!

[@zeejah]

I think you are absolutely awesome ... and you are so young!!!...:)

[@peggyshirley8422]

Thank you for the tip regarding the feed dogs finally I am not frustrated my Janome machine even sounds better amazing. You are sure if I start to practice this I will not hurt my machine?

[@vkiavian]

What kind of gloves are you wearing? Are they necessary for free motion quilt? I just started free motion last week and I'm loving it! Thanks for your video, it is amazing for beginners like me!

[@OnwardRose]

awesome thank you so much

[@LeahDay]

You're super welcome! Please share it with your friends!

[@jaffrineloo6892]

Thank you so much for sharing

[@xkt86x]

What kind if sewing machine are you using in this video??? Janome ? What model is that??? U saw beautifully!!!

[@sherrymcmurry]

Great info! Thanks for sharing.

[@Tabascopeppers]

You have a nice smile by the way. You make this so easy. Thanks for breaking it down into small bits. I tried drawing it on paper before & just couldn't get it right. So I never tried in on a sandwich. Do you have a stitch regulator on your machine? I'm having problems with eyelashes on the back but when I slow down on the curves, my top stitches are not spaced like yours, they look tight & eensy weensy. Any suggestions? I've heard adjusting the bobbin tension can mess up the holder.

[@rn2639]

Leah.....im new. Do you increast the top thread tension when you free motion? Ijust want to do table runners and small wall hangings, etc

[@IronOnsUS]

Thank you!

[@jenioommen7472]

Really amazing...Thankyou...

[@bon47ful]

Thank you, Leah. I found this just in time to begin experimenting with a quilt sandwich I’ve just assembled. Lots of practice first! Did you happen to mention what stitch length and tension? If not, could you suggest a good length to begin with? Thanks again. ❤️

[@LeahDay]

Great question - stitch length 0 and tension set to whatever you usually use for piecing. I don't drop my feed dogs because I change the stitch length to 0. You can read more on this here: freemotionquilting.blogspot.com/2017/01/quilting-basics-7-free-motion-quilting.html

[@marietteforget7804]

This is great! Thank you!

[@LeahDay]

You're very welcome! I'm so glad you enjoyed this video and found it helpful.

[@reneelise9707]

tres bon tuto a essayer

[@cga.dancer8879]

Hi Leah, first you are amazing however I can't get my machine to move like yours. Unless I'm going 100 miles an hour I can't get the stitches to look right. I see you say regular tension and stitch lenght 0. Do you always put your dogs down, which needle do you use and how to regulate your foot control? Thanks for doing these videos although they keep me up at night.

[@LeahDay]

I understand your confusion and I would encourage you to check out my classes on Craftsy which go into a lot more detail and specifics on why your machine is doing what it's doing and what settings I'm using to achieve the best stitches. Search for either Free Motion Quilting a Sampler or Free Motion Fillers Vol 1 as both classes are very helpful for exactly the problems you're having right now.

[@xkt86x]

Thank you!!!

[@arlenebergeron2257]

What is a good starter machine for stipple quilting.

[@janetmcadamsbailey1874]

Leah I have a Janome 2014hd which is a work horse and does whatever I need....I ane quilted 4 full size quiltes on it and many many baby or lap quilts.......due to my RA I am having trouble pushine it thru now in such a small throat space......I see your using a Juki now........does a couple of inches really add to the ease of quilting ? I am looking to upgrade a little in the near future so any advise you have would be greatly appreciated

[@66mrego]

Hi! I have a Janome 7700 and I'm trying to learn the free quilteado ... uff! Beautiful and hard! Sometimes it happens that in the bottom few entanglements are terrible and I can not quiltear. So I do not know if changing needle, changing the thread tension ... etc. Can you advise me?

[@StrumforChrist]

I have always wanted to learn FMQ and watched your video a couple times and tried it tonight. I need lots of practice. I decided to stop after breaking four needles. I must be pulling on the fabric?

[@LeahDay]

Maybe...try slowing your hands down as you move the quilt. It's easy to move your hands too fast and bend the needle slightly, which can cause it to break.

[@ruthcarson3937]

Hi Leah, thanks so much for your viedoes, learning a lot, and I can't wait to try this out! But my question is, can I do this with a machine that does not have auto needle down?

[@Made_to_treasure]

Leah, thank you for sharing all the amazing video tutorials. i have a doubt, i ddin't see you using start stop button in between quilting. do you use the foot control..please let me know. thank you

[@CC-zd6nv]

I got a Janome 9450 6 months go and now I’m beginning to find the courage to try the free motion quilting features. I found this video to be probably one of the most helpful so far and I’m looking forward to try it. Do you have any suggestions or tips I should use for settings besides the default setting for free motion quilting on a Janome?

[@LeahDay]

If you work through this series, you'll find lots of tips just like this. For my Janome I used auto tension, needle in the center position, and I lowered the stitch length to the lowest setting. I didn't drop my feed dogs. I hope that helps!

[@CC-zd6nv]

Thank you, this helps a lot. I just started watching the rest of the series 👍 it’s so good!

[@lindielee6322]

Searching for info on your site and in the comments to no avail. I will be using this patter on a quilt sandwich approximately 45 " inches square. My question is, where do I start? In a corner, the middle, left, right side? Also, can I use up my regular cotton thread or do I need special quilters thread?

[@482milena]

I have a BIG problem with the settings of stitches. It never looks like this. What are the machine stitch length that you use please as when I do this there are missed stitches all the time. My feed dogs are down but my stitch lengths are short/long. I have a Pfaff cv2 machine and would LOVE to finish quilts nicely instead of good enough.Any help would be appreciated. Thank you

[@-club2905]

как так всё аккуратно и ровнеько получается

[@yvonchateauneuf1401]

Hello Leah, I enjoy your classes on youtube and on Craftsy. New at free motion, just started to practice this week with stippling, love it but need to practice more since my stitches are not all the same lenght! I decided to jump in anyway and made a table topper with free motion stippling since I was confident enough I suppose. I would like to know if it is possible with stippling to correct my stitches, meaning to unstitch some of it that is too tiny stiches and how to lock the stitches if I do that. Thanking you in advance. Denise Châteauneuf

[@LeahDay]

I would encourage you to leave small issues like stitch length in your quilt and not worry too much about it. The more you stop and rip things out, the less time you have to quilt. The more you practice and actually do this, the better you will get at it, so forgive the mistakes and just keep quilting!

[@kimwilliford3796]

when you are finished with sewing, how do you pull up the bottom thread? Can I do this after back stitching?

[@LeahDay]

+Kim Williford - Just cut the thread tails long and tug on the top thread to bring up the bobbin thread. No, you'll want to just stop stitching - not back stitch - when using this tie-off technique.

[@llswink]

This is a great video as I am totally new to quilting. Thanks! My question has nothing to do with the first class, but instead the technology! How do you do a "Link-up?" Excited to get into this practice with you this year, Lynda

[@Misscrazytrain2u]

I have a question and hoping someone can answer it now for me or soon lol. When stippling where do you start, at the top and to the left and if free motioning each square, where do you start, in the middle??

[@susanmarch2340]

I have a "stippling" stich on my machine - not sure how I would use it as it is a very small scale.

[@LeahDay]

That would probably be a decorative stitch designed as an embellishment to clothes and quilts. It's not the same free motion quilting that I'm showing in this video, but the design is the same.

[@TheOffCycle]

dang ur cute, that a wedding ring on ur hand? Ive got a Janome too, what is the foot called? mine didnt come with it.

[@kbray78me]

Could you tell me what switch setting you use. I have a brother HC1850 aching and when I put my quilting feet on all it does is make the switch really big and the bottom thread comes up to the top also thank you

[@LeahDay]

Hmm... I have my stitch length set at 0. I don't drop my feed dogs and I usually don't need to adjust my machine's tension when switching from piecing. I hope that helps!

[@nightmiztrez]

I wish my machine would do this.... I'd break a needle trying

[@liverman16]

Hi Leah, I have been watching your videos for over a year but have just started to try free motion quilting myself. Can you please tell me what settings my Janome 3160 QDC should be set at? Thanks!

[@lynntaylor4248]

Just started today free motion and cannot get away with it ....i must try this curving you are doing . but what settings do i need my tension on?. thanx tc.

[@marciamelnicenko9897]

Hi I am a newby so some basic questions. Hope you dont mind. What foot are you using? I have a mixed set but cannot find the one that matches yours? Also do you drop the feeder dogs? Just trying to get going with your tutorial but struggling a bit on the movement. Thanks in advance for any help. Marcia

[@LeahDay]

Marcia Melnicenko You will need a darning foot for free motion quilting. As for dropping the feed dogs, it's really up to you. Try quilting with the feed dogs up and see what your stitches look like, then try feed dogs down. Take a look at your stitches and decide which looks better to you!

[@moominkraft6427]

My Janome comes with a walking foot. Can I use that instead of a darning foot?

[@LeahDay]

No, a walking foot will allow you to do walking foot style quilting, not free motion quilting. In order to do FMQ, you must use a darning foot.

[@fabulousmarilyn3.088]

I have a singer simple model 3232, which type of darning foot and needle owould I use, please

[@LeahDay]

+Marilyn Kolako - I honestly don't know. More than likely it's going to be low shank, but I'd run some google searches of the machine name just to be sure.