How to Free Motion Quilt: Feathered Flower

A great design for a fill or at a larger scale, an all over design. Combines a paisley center with feather plumes.

[@paulettemorris1571]

Your stitching is absolutely beautiful, I just started playing with free motion. Trust me I have a long way to go. Everyone has to start somewhere, I keep telling myself. Thank you for sharing your gorgeous quilting! ❤

[@AmyQuilts]

You are so correct! Start where you are, make mistakes, practice, still make mistakes but improve. Be kind to yourself and enjoy the quilting adventure

[@Crawford644]

Omgoodness me too 😢

[@vikkirountoit497]

I'm glad this is still on youtube 7 years later - very helpful watching you decide on movement and placement.

[@AmyQuilts]

Thanks.

[@alidamihovilovich4331]

Just love your tutorial! You explain everything so clearly. I love the way you explain your thought process when you go to the next step. That really helps me out! Thank you so much!

[@johnzimmers1524]

I found this to be one of the best videos. You are so consciously methodical in thinking about directions and that is exactly what I needed.

[@AmyQuilts]

Thanks, glad you liked it.

[@marioncurtis1497]

Thank you so much for this. I really liked how you talked through some of your 'design' decisions so that you didn't get trapped into a corner.

[@barblingo8261]

Thank you for all the pointers on where to start the paisley loop for direction to end. Excellent instructor.

[@denisedehart-vanlaan544]

I recently discovered an awesome solution to help my quilt slide on the extension table: Silicone spray! Purchase at hardware stores for about $4, spray liberally, let it sit a few minutes, the wipe off a couple of times. Also sprayed the bed of my machine. Love those cheap solutions! (Response to ThePammerlou)

[@gaylegullon3496]

Another awesome tutorial Amy. Thanks you so much for taking time out of your day to help others.

[@sharonpeters6124]

You have explained this so good. I will be thinking about these steps when I’m doing this pattern. Thanks.

[@AmyQuilts]

I'm so glad the video helped!

[@pamelavalley4765]

Excellent video. Thank you for sharing. Love seeing all the comments in other languages showing how quilting passes enthusiasm around the world.

[@RhondaP1957]

Thankyou Amy. Great to see something far more interesting than just a stipple as filling.

[@marcellespeake4272]

Love this small easy flower. I agree that three loops looks better. Thanks for a great tutorial.

[@cherylfreeman3635]

Wow! I love this pattern and you offer great detail in your instructions. I can't wait to get home and practice it!

[@lanellehatcher561]

Thank you so much. You explain things so well, especially the things that can be a challenge. Thanks!

[@lucydaniel3168]

What a wonderful and sweet FM motif! Thank you so much for a great tutorial. 💓💓💓

[@AmyQuilts]

+Lucy Daniel Thank you for the kind words!

[@juliaofhamburg]

Gorgeous! I‘ll try this one right away! Thank you so much for your tutorial! It is very, very helpful! 🌺🍀🌺

[@doriswenzel4688]

Love the tutorial!! This is my first time watching. Will be watching . Loved it ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@TeriFelixREBroker]

Very nice tutorial. I've been a quilter for years (mostly on long arms) but always enjoy watching and learning others patterns and tips. Thank you.

[@ursulat.3432]

Thank you so much for these precise instructions. Love ❤

[@AmyQuilts]

You are quite welcome

[@ginaatkinson8970]

Perfect size stitching!

[@lindadalton2668]

That is so beautiful and all with no stinseling

[@AmyQuilts]

thanks!

[@elizabethk8938]

Gorgeous quilting! It's what I aspire to do someday. I've been practicing and see a little improvement on my stippling and leaves. Feathers are still a work in progress.

[@chhunogrady1803]

Elizabeth Kuntz

[@pattikemp-gettmann9646]

Beautiful. I've never even tried doing this. Maybe soon. You make it look so easy

[@AmyQuilts]

Thanks!

[@9thd4z]

Beautiful work Amy! I will half to try & Play w/it......OMG!!

[@DiANa-ph9qx]

You make it look so easy, you really are very skilled

[@nancymontford5063]

You make it look so simple. Pretty awesome.

[@aw1359]

This was so much fun to watch! At the same time, it clearly takes planning (I guess practice first??) I only just learnt how to FMQ. My stitches are all over the place - some really really long ones that I am sure my cats claws will get under and break! I find my hands doing a jerky movement. You had me laughing at some of your comments! Thank you for making such a fun video.

[@AmyQuilts]

Thank you. It really does take practice. Spend some time getting your set up the best you can (see this blog post for some tips: www.freemotionquiltingadventures.com/2013/05/how-to-free-motion-quilt-set-up.html ) and stitching, taking time to listen to your machine. Eventually, you'll find your rhythm and your stitch length with become more even.

[@MadamSew]

Wow such cleanliness in your lines!

[@nywvblue]

Truly inspiring work!

[@AmyQuilts]

Aw...thank you!

[@anitavisram8346]

My goodness you make that look so easy but I'm sure it's not! Thank you.

[@roenahensler3232]

Thank you so much for your tutorials Amy. I've learned so much from you. I have a Brother PQ1500 and can't find a ruler foot for it. This is a great all-over design that I will have to put in my all-over arsenal! :)

[@danielarosa6782]

Beautiful!

[@lisaabbgy2048]

Really pretty

[@emelinageraldes]

Lovely. You are great teacher! Thank you!

[@AmyQuilts]

Thanks!

[@pattyc1981]

Amy Johnson q

[@reneedugan741]

Different size feet for Handiquilter longarm machin

[@youlugracias1630]

Your tutorial is fantastic, thanks for to share.

[@denisedehart-vanlaan544]

Awesome tutorials -- thank you!

[@mycatsmom1]

Thank you for the wonderful tutorial.

[@gammato3]

Thanks for the PDFs and all the information.

[@saadiayousouf6975]

lovely, though looking very easy and fun to do but you made it to look so.

[@FoggyHollowMan]

Great tutorial.

[@debsoandso]

I want to be you! You make it look so easy. I need a lot of practice.

[@DSLAlex4]

Lovely! Thank you once again.

[@user-xb3fs7gw9i]

Very cool!

[@delialeonortorres7150]

Bellísimo!!! Me encantó!!! Me gustaría saber por qué usas guantes? Es la tercera vez que pregunto ( a diferentes personas....) pero aún no he hallado quien me conteste!!!un saludo cordial desde Argentina!!🙋🏼‍♀️🙋🏼‍♀️🙋🏼‍♀️🇦🇷

[@elysiab2453]

Would you please draw this out and upload a word or pdf of it so we can trace and practice this design? Thanks so much for this great video :-)

[@brushwife3734]

So fluid, Love it!!!

[@brendaperry5046]

Amy, I love your tutorials (and your Craftsy class). I have learned so much from you. In this video your directional tips are so very helpful! I have a question: How do you get your Machingers gloves so clean and white??!!

[@AmyQuilts]

+Brenda Perry LOL! I keep a new pair set aside for videos. They eventually get downgraded to regular use and I get a new pair for videos. That's the only thing I don't like about them, they don't stay white for long. They can be washed, but still...

[@debjacobson9800]

Thank you Amy 😻

[@jacquiesharrer9954]

You are so good

[@AmyQuilts]

Not really, but thank you.

[@lindadeering7136]

Amy, I enjoy watching and learning from your videos,but it would be nice to see the whole sampler that you have sewn. Would you please pull the camera back to show the full piece you have just sewn. Thanks, Linda

[@margymurphy702]

Great pattern

[@Mammoo28]

What kind of Free Motion foot is that.. I would love one like that !!!!

[@AmyQuilts]

That's the Janome ruler foot combination for a Janome 8200.

[@Valmarrama]

Lindo ! Thanks 😍🌿🌼

[@ThePammerlou]

I'm new to all this. I could sit and watch you do it all day! You make this look so fun, I am getting frustrated with mine though. I am having an issue getting my sandwich to slide around. I noticed in this video that you have something taped to your machine bed? If it helps it slide please tell me what that is! You are amazing, BTW. I want to make pretty curves and feathers too...........

[@AmyQuilts]

+ThePammerlou I'm using what's called a Supreme Slider. It's a very slick coated sheet that clings to the bed of the machine and makes everything nice and slick. It also smooths over any cracks and spaces between the machine and table.

[@ThePammerlou]

Thank you

[@ThePammerlou]

+ThePammerlou Hi! It's me again.. I looked up the Supreme Slider and about fell out from sticker shock. I found a chopping mat in a package of 2 at dollar tree and tried it. It made a world of difference in my curves and at a fraction of what a supreme slider would cost. I'm cheap... Just wanted to throw that out there. Love your work!

[@ednayeaman8324]

ThePammerlou shortening jeans

[@Ladybrite1]

@@ThePammerlou Great thinking Pammerlou. I hear a silicone spray works well too and there is a youtube on it and a vinyl sheet works well too. I will plan a visit to my dollar store thanks to your tip.

[@aileenreid8889]

have watched so many of your videos since i first discovered you yesterday. have been emboldened to put on my ruler foot and try again. I have a Janome domestic and a westalee ruler foot with several rulers. I keep shredding the thread.... it shreds it all up. i lowered the foot as low as i could based on your recommendations.....but is the exact height of the foot the reason for the shredding, do i need to keep looking for that sweet spot?

[@AmyQuilts]

Basically only 3 reasons for shredding with ruler work: 1) foot too high, 2) Going directly backwards which increases the chances that you'll stitch into the working thread. 3) snags on the needle plate, needle plate, and other areas. Have you thought about using the Janome ruler foot? Much easier to set the foot height in it. What machine do you have?

[@aileenreid8889]

@@AmyQuilts thank you. I have m1250. shall keep adjusting foot looking for sweet spot......thank you for your videos.

[@beautyischeap6788]

Come si ottiene una cucitura regolare?quando provo con il free motion non scorre bene il tessuto

[@andreagrimes3078]

Love it. Would this pattern work in a border?

[@babszollak2512]

Are you using the Janome Skyline S6 machine? If so, can you tell me what foot that is specifically so I can purchase one? I just got the Skyline 6 machine and would like to buy a ruler foot.

[@andreagrimes3078]

Nice video. Can you suggest where it is best to start this all over design if quilting a twin size ?

[@chimichata]

So fun to watch. What machine do you use for the free motion quilting ?

[@BeHappii1]

Thank you for this video, what setting do I use on the stitch 0 or 1,2,3? and do I set the feeder down or up? Will appreciate your advice. I am very new to quilting.

[@elizabethmoodie6793]

Amy, I enjoy your video but I would like to know where can l get that quilting foot to buy it's for an industry machine

[@vickijeanne9958]

Hi Amy! I'm not sure if you'll receive this as this video is older but I'm so curious as to the machine you're using, I love the stitching! Beautiful!

[@patriciabrewer4974]

How do you get your fabric to just glide. I'm just learning to free motion quilt and I have issues with it "sticking". I noticed that you had said you weren't using a stitch regulator either. I also saw when you moved your sample there was blue tape or something on your machine plate. Is that why it glides?

[@adelaolivero9966]

Same here for me. One thing is practicing on a "smooth sandwich" another is quilting the real thing. It gets stuck every time you get to a seam. I also noticed the blue tape underneath. Can you explain please?

[@AmyQuilts]

I use a Sew Slip mat or Supreme Slider on my machine to help the quilt slide. Sometimes I use painter's tape to smooth over the area I cut in the slider so I can access the bobbin case. Even tiny bumps can make the moving of the quilt jerky.

[@AmyQuilts]

See my explanation below for the tape. The gliding free motion foot (non-hopping) foot is my favorite for free motion quilting, however, one drawback is that it can balk at bulky seams. (I do mean bulky seams, regular intersections of 2-4 fabrics shouldn't be an issue) It's easy to adjust the foot height up as needed, and it's possible that if using this type of foot, you may have it too low. I recently did a video in which I had to adjust foot height around a bulky machine embroidered applique. kzbin.info/www/bejne/o2GlgYprbJqMa5Y You might find it interesting.

[@adelaolivero9966]

I checked the video you suggested but my FMQF is a regular one. Howeve,r I will try to adjust it and see if it works better. When you mentioned Lynchburg Va my heart jumped. I lived in McLean, Va. where I learned to quilt.Thanks for taking your time in replying.

[@dawnroden5683]

I've been doing some free motion quilting on my Janome and I'm also taking your class on Craftsy. My problem is my thread keeps breaking. I'm using Aurifil, I've checked my tension and adjusted it several times. My machine is also squeaking now. I just had it serviced am I just doing something wrong? Thanks.

[@Peggybk]

I see on a Janome 8900 and always use a Janome purple tipped needle. That has solved the shredding problem, for me.

[@julianapereira461]

Perfeito! Parabéns, obrigada!

[@mariaelvirasanisidro5989]

Y donde se consigue ese pie bordador por que yo no lo veo en el mercado.

[@Peggybk]

I try to go to your website and there is no website available.

[@diannaa6189]

Do you prefer this foot you are using in this video to a regular darning foot with partial open toe or the closed hoop? Can this foot be a everyday free motion foot? Do you use a stitch regulator?

[@AmyQuilts]

The foot I am using is a ruler foot and I use rulers often when I'm quilting, so I don't change back and forth. For this Janome foot, there's a shank portion and 4 feet I can put on it, (open, closed, echo, and ruler). If I know I'm not going to use rulers and I'm going to do a lot of tiny work, I'll switch to the open toe foot. I do not use a stitch regulator.

[@mariaelvirasanisidro5989]

Donde se compra ese pie de maquina?

[@Littlefrogintheocean]

What kind of foot do you use.

[@ashrafmiah545]

Nice

[@gingernotturno5365]

What kind of machine do you have ?

[@anumrkn]

Is this just a presser foot on an ordinarysewing machine?

[@AmyQuilts]

It IS a presser foot on an ordinary sewing machine, but not an ordinary presser foot. The design can be done with any free motion or darning foot, but what is on my Janome 8200 is a Janome ruler foot (a combination of two Janome parts) which I use for guiding my free motion along rulers and templates at times in my quilting work. See my blog for more information about quilting with rulers and free motion quilting: www.freemotionquiltingadventures.com

[@leapinglemur452]

Are you using some sort of stitch regulator?

[@AmyQuilts]

Nope.

[@sherrymaylee8755]

Loved this1 As I was watching I found myself us9ng my mouse to make the design with you. When I realize it I had to laugh at myself. LOL! It looks like you had blue duct tape on your machine is that for a easy slide purpose?

[@AmyQuilts]

It's painter's tape. Easier to remove than duct tape. But yes, I have cut out a square from my sew slip mat so I can easily access the bobbin case and sometimes I cover it with the painter's tape to smooth it out. Still easier than peeling the whole she-bang up to change the bobbin.

[@trixiemcpheeters2551]

Do you use a stitch regulator?

[@AmyQuilts]

Nope, just practice. Lots of practice.

[@verycraftymama]

is this an 8200 or a straight stitch machine?

[@AmyQuilts]

+Melissa D It's a Janome 8200.

[@verycraftymama]

+Amy Johnson i tried to find this foot for my 8900SE and Janome.com says thats its only available on the straight stitch machine.

[@AmyQuilts]

+Melissa D Many dealers are unaware that the Frame Quilting Foot Set packaged for the 1600P does actually work on all the Convertible Free Motion Foot Sets, whatever the machine version.

[@verycraftymama]

+Amy Johnson great. thank you.

[@IWH777]

[[[ I READ BEST IN CAPS & LARGE PRINT BECAUSE OF A DYSLEXIC FINGER & EYE FUSION DISABILITY; SO PLEASE DONT SHOOT THE MESSENGER THANK YOU FOR YOUR KINDNESS]]] WHAT KIND A GLOVES DO YOU HAVE ON??? DO THE KEEP THE MATERIAL FROM SLIPPIN FROM YOUR GRIP??? THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND BLESSINGS & BE HOPE FILLED FRANKI

[@pamelavalley4765]

Macchinger gloves. I use Costco gardening gloves myself.

[@eyeonart6865]

Please show how to free motion filled in letter!

[@mahimagosavi2880]

show from starting machine setting

[@yvonnepierce2913]

Do you have a link to the ruler toe foot?

[@AmyQuilts]

Sure! amysquiltingadventures.com/products/westalee-ruler-foot-starter-set-low-shank

[@shiyanafarook3849]

👍

[@terrymoser47]

How do you do this if you are not artistic at all, and just end up making a mess.

[@AmyQuilts]

Practice!

[@altaherman6876]

Problem with your quilting is that you keep turning fabric instead of manipulating stitching in a direct path. You can’t move a large quilt around like you are doing.

[@sanidujayawardana9929]

wow

[@bliuesky]

why you using gloves

[@AmyQuilts]

These gloves help grip the fabric.

[@suselainescopinpimentapime9450]

🤗💗

[@UrbanQuilter]

Beautiful!

[@rubinarubina7631]

Nice