How to Free Motion Quilt for Beginners on a Regular Machine! What You Need, Basting, & Machine Setup

I get so many questions about free motion quilting for beginners on a regular sewing machine! I want to have all your free motion quilting or fmq tutorial questions here in an easy to find place, so I've made this short series to help you learn everything you need to know for free motion quilting even if you have never done it before! In this video, I'll show you what you need to get started, how to baste your quilt the easy way (no crawling on the floor!) and how to set up your machine.
Be sure to subscribe as I'll be following this video up with free motion quilting design essentials and a video to help you expand your quilting adventures into feathers, rulerwork, and learning more designs! This will be a short 3 video series I had originally planned as a class/zoom workshop but I'm putting it all here for free instead!
*I believe I misspoke about the color band on the needle. The pink I pointed out is actually the size designation color rather than the type of needle color. All the information on needle sizes & types and the corresponding colors is all correct in the schmetz guide here: schmetzneedles.com/color-code...
💚 Quick Links:
0:00 Introduction
0:33 Needle Selection
2:51 Thread Selection Cotton vs Poly and All About Lint!
7:36 Free Motion Quilting Foot
10:29 Gloves & Supreme Sliders
13:38 Table Setup
14:39 Notebook & Pen for Doodling
15:49 How to Baste the Easy Way! Pins or Spray
23:23 Machine Setup for FMQ
26:33 Preparing for FMQ in the next video!
💚 Links:
Schmetz Needle Guide: schmetzneedles.com/color-code...
Schmetz Chrome Plated Quilting Needles: amzn.to/3aEhcH8
Supreme Slider--Queen Size: amzn.to/2LXvYyE
Supreme Slider--King Size: amzn.to/34x8qHp
Machingers Gloves: amzn.to/3azMwqC
Juki Quilting Foot: amzn.to/3nEhsK7
Juki Ruler Quilting Foot: amzn.to/38omaoL
🎧 I'm always listening to an audiobook while I sew! Its a great way to engage your ears while your eyes and hands are busy with fabric!
Get your free trial to Audible and get a free audiobook (two if you have Amazon prime!) here: amzn.to/3grgwYs
☕️ Did you love this and want to say thanks? You can buy me a coffee here: www.buymeacoffee.com/Toquilts
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💚 Did you see something you love in the background somewhere? I've compiled links to all my favorite sewing things here: www.amazon.com/shop/tinyorcha...
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Any questions? Leave a comment below!
Website: tinyorchardquilts.com/
Sign up my newsletter for sales and new patterns!
Pinterest: / boards
Instagram: / meganmme
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✂︎ Affiliate Disclosure: This description contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I don't post products I don't believe in and I am not paid to advertise to you.

[@TinyOrchardQuilts]

Welcome to Part 1 of my free motion quilting for beginners series! There is so much information I wanted to share, so this will be a short 3-4 video series. In this video, we are just covering supplies and setup. It is meant for someone who is very new or has never tried free motion quilting and is unsure exactly how to get started. In the next video, we will actually start stitching with my favorite skill builder designs! If you want to jump in and start looking at some of my favorites, my allover quilting designs playlist is here: kzbin.info/aero/PLEivWFjX-fGr55Ac-1Qgf2kJPj2EKXXox

[@ecoquilting7077]

That's me you described! I'm eager to try soon, after I tackle my first all-in-the-ditch quilt (1221 squares to see together first). You have so many great tips for us, thank you!

[@m53goldsmith]

Your discussion about threads has highlighted why my overlocker maker recommends polyester thread, that machine goes so fast! It would probably break pure cotton threads -- thank you for this explanation!

[@franklyfostertv]

@@ecoquilting7077 thanks

[@joytaylor6413]

Which video should I watch next?

[@freedom_and_victory]

Thank you very much for the super-helpful video. I am sorry but I could not find the part 2. Would you possibly help me? Thank you very much

[@Mary-ws8zh]

I have watched a LOT of quilting videos, but, yours is, without a doubt, the very BEST! You explain things so well, your voice is so pleasant and you are as cute as can be!!! Great job!!! ☺

[@eldajackson1]

Excellent video. No yak yak, but lots of information professionally delivered. Thank you.

[@deniserobinson5413]

I'm a 30 year, self taught quilter and I learned so much from this video. Thank you for your excellent instructions.

[@TinyOrchardQuilts]

Thank you so much for the kind words! I'm so glad everyone found it so helpful :)

[@christietroglen2665]

I see that this video is 3 years old but I love it and find your video presences encouraging and informative. Thanks for this information.

[@Savannahstitcher]

So happy I found your channel. I am turning 80 next month and just decided to start quilting my patchwork tabletoppers using my brother project runway machine. I have a free motion foot, just needed instructions. I have subscribed and looking forward to looking thru all your previous videos.

[@skylarb.3363]

Loved the info about needles! Thank you! Instead of gloves, which I end up taking off, I use two small palm size pieces of the weird material that goes underneath area rugs that sit on hardwood floors to stop them from slipping. I think shelf liner would work too. It's super grippy and I don't have to worry about finding a pair of gloves that actually fits properly.

[@hattiedraper1061]

Great tip! Thanks

[@jeanbishop-greentree2628]

Good idea. Might try your method, thanks 😊

[@jeanecestephens9778]

😢

[@JenSutton2023]

You are an amazingly detailed but understandable (!) teacher. Thank you. Absolutely fascinating to listen to with your details about cotton vs polyester, needles and feed dogs. I have learnt so much. Thank you.

[@maryannhobbie4818]

The slider and gloves changed my FMQ life!!! You are the best!!!!

[@sueshast9329]

I used your wood slat process for my quilt sandwich...what a difference this made for me. My backing is much flatter now. Thank you!

[@lachellewashington6642]

Ty so much for explaining everything very thoroughly as I’m new to quilting but starting w mini quilts… I really appreciate all the tips and tricks for a successful project!!

[@saraaronzon4562]

I have learned soooooo much from you! Thank you, I’m a newbie; and need all the help I can get.

[@Faloola]

You are so detailed and clear which is so helpful. All of your tips in part 1 and 2 are excellent. Your tip on doodling stipple design first 14:40 was a particularly good tip for me. I doodled every night just a few minutes for a week before taking to a test quilt sandwich. Made all the difference from my first attempts!

[@76LindaSue]

What a comprehensive, engaging, easy-to-follow, inspiring tutorial! Well done! I am longtime sewist of window treatment and slipcovers and I have always had an unreasonable fear of quilting. Thank you for moving me forward as I attempt my first baby playmat. Squee!

[@deborahbrady7885]

You are the best online quilt instructor I've found! Thank you for all of your information and tips. I've FMQ once before with the help of a very experienced quilter on his long arm. But now because of covid I have to do my 50" x 90" on my domestic. I have the Super Slider and gloves, the right needles and thread, etc. I just wish the rest of the video series was ready. Until then, I will watch your other FMQ videos. Felice e Sano Anno Nuovo from Lucca Italy.

[@denisepettit8534]

I haven't started quilting yet and was kind of wondering why I have been putting it off. Now I know why, YOU are the person I needed to find first. Thank you for explaining in detail about thread, needles etc. and I am now moving on to your next video in this series. Blessings.

[@cherriprevatt1699]

Loved this, I have been doing FRM for about 4years, and still learned so much. I especially liked the part on the quilt sandwich. Can’t wait to try it.

[@semco72057]

I have learned so much about getting ready to do free motion quilting and I have two machines from Singer and will be using both for my quilting projects. The areas you covered showed me that I need to get more accessories from Singer and off Amazon before attempting free arm quilting as I don't have all the tools you showed. I thank you so much for taking the time to show all of us new operators how to do this and do it properly.

[@BackroadsArtStudio]

Great video. I used to quilt 20 years ago and am just getting back into it. This was a great introduction and refresh!

[@rizpahjael1]

Wow, you have such a gift of teaching! Your personality and depth of information, is fabulous... I've never considered myself a professional quilter, but more of an artist that happens to quilt (though I've sewn for 30 years)...so a lot of what I do for my memory quilt orders, is self taught. Thank you so much for sharing, and I look forward to more videos and lessons. 💜💜💜

[@kellychapify]

I LOOOOVE your tutorials - you make it so straightforward and explanatory that I felt like I could do this! I have been a "piecer" for over 13 years but always just used decorative stitches, straightline quilting or stitch in the ditch to finish my quilts. (If I didn't have them longarmed by someone else). But I bought a slider/gloves and dove into a small stocking I was making and voila! I was free-motion quilting! So satisfying and relaxing. It will take a LOT of work to get to the point where I would give it to someone else, but so excited to be on this new journey in my quilting career! Thanks for giving me the cahunas to start!

[@srf2665]

You are a very good instructor who covers information that many others don’t even think of including. Great job and thank you very much.

[@barbarawhite5240]

Thank you Megan for this wonderful tutorial..especially the info about how to spray baste. For senior quilters this made it very easy. I've tried many other methods this is the best.

[@rosepaul9681]

Wow, really enjoyed your instructions. Love the wood slat technique. Am looking forward to part two.

[@bethkoch11]

Very good video! I'm looking forward to Part 2. It's very timely as I'm currently working on FMQ on my Juki and there's always room to learn new skills.

[@juanitar.miller5210]

Thank you for this useful info. I didn’t even know what I didn’t know!

[@joylouise5417]

Me, too!

[@ladymorgan3410]

This has answered all of the questions I had. I usually hand sew after piecing. Thanks so much

[@apwhoa7767]

A very well done and informative straight forward video. Thank you… no extra chatty words or ramblings. Love it!

[@bonniewebb3089]

Absolutely love this method of layering the quilt. My biggest challenge. Thank you.

[@nataliebester3216]

I am from South Africa and wish I could pop over and give you a giant hug. I love your tutorial. Professional teaching manner and very comprehensive. I went to a class on Saturday and the bug has bitten me good and proper. Second time I am watching this video. Love the video on working with rulers I already made 6 sample blocks of 30/30 cm in a day and a half after watching this into. You are fabulous.

[@martakessinger4171]

I am new to quilting and I really appreciate your videos: clear, lots of information and easy explanations, thank you very much. You are the best.

[@debbiewells9885]

SO happy I found you today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Starting my first quilt soon (I'm a Seamstress by trade, no clue about quilting), and since finding you, I'm actually excited to start. THANK YOU SO MUCH

[@vj6164]

Congrats! What type of quilt will you be starting? I think for my first I am going to do a jelly roll race quilt with interspersed daimond shapes.

[@revrou2911]

Love the use of the boards! Thanks for the tip. You are a very good instructor. I always learn something new from you. Merry Christmas!🎄🎁

[@TinyOrchardQuilts]

Thank you so much! The boards were a real lifesaver when I started using them!! I hope you have a happy holiday season! 🎄

[@jnelson8732]

This video is amazing ! You are so easy to watch and listen to. I have gone down the rabbit hole with learning about free motion and your video is by far what I'm looking for. Thank you so much !! I can't wait to learn more from you.

[@mamakaka73]

I had given up on free motion quilting. But after I watched your video I tried and played with the tension. Eureka!!! Thanks for explaining so well. 🤗

[@bradypl12321]

Excellent! Very clear, thorough and complete. Well presented. Thanks!

[@kellygraeber6286]

Thank you so much for your complete and encouraging tutorial!

[@claudiastenvig-olsen5234]

I love your idea of wrapping the fabric layers around the wood strips to baste!

[@aydggonz3805]

This was another awesome tutorial, very informative. 🤩🤯 I have the juki TL2020 sewing machine. It came with 2 “darning” feet. I hardly use those. I really love the ruler foot since it does not hop at all. And I can use my quilting rulers that were made specifically for line quilting.

[@debbiethomas3517]

As always, awesome tutorial with so many helpful tips!

[@calicrafter2697]

Your baste method is a revelation. Thanks!!

[@scpatl4now]

I really appreciate these videos. I am working on my first quilt (a baby quilt) with my Featherweight 221 that I got from my Mother who got it from her Mother in Law. You make it feel not quite so intimidating.

[@kristenhardy7692]

I am so glad you are doing this series! I am new to making quilts and I am teaching myself how to free motion quilt on my Juki machine. Your explanations of things are so clear. I can’t wait until the next video! Happy Holidays! Kristen

[@TinyOrchardQuilts]

You can definitely do it!! I'm so glad I can help :)

[@ginnybockert7700]

Do you like your Juki and why?

[@donnastjules8157]

great video. love the boards for basting! what a great idea

[@Sassyprints]

This video single handedly solved like 7 issues I've been trying to trouble shoot. Thank you!!!

[@jrowlove7328]

Thank you. You are an excellent teacher. So clear and concise. Plus, you make it make sense!

[@KimberlyNichols]

Wow, this was so helpful, thank you! Love the tip about the pen, that makes so much sense.

[@beckywilson7777]

Thanks for doing this series! I’m looking forward to the rest!

[@lawsonbrinton682]

Hi Becky, how's your day going with you?

[@joankiely3614]

An absolutely fabulous podcast! Covers so much & everything that you should know before starting to quilting. Well done!! Cheers & thank you 😊❤️🥰💕😘😍

[@debraburthus7484]

You are such a good teacher. You make learning so much easier than other people online, I appreciate your attention to detail.

[@lorraineschloss9703]

An excellent job for new quilters as well as seasoned sewers !

[@lorraineclarke8350]

I never thought of rolling my fabric on pieces of wood! Love this idea!

[@jeanniemnelson9419]

Love the idea of the pen and notebook. Muscle memory looks like a big part of this process. Can't wait to try this.

[@beowoofthemoviestar]

Thanks for the little labels so I could scoot along and find what I needed to watch.

[@niccolealdrich4890]

Excellent tips! Thanks for sharing!

[@50marmalade]

Such a fab tutorial for the beginner freemotion quilter, now feel ready to give it a go. Thank you.

[@lawsonbrinton682]

Hi Kathy, how's your day going with you?

[@barbarawhite5240]

Megan thank you so very much for your free motion quilting video ,very helpful. I love the use of wooden slats for basting . I'm going to try it on my next quilt.

[@lawsonbrinton682]

Hi Barbara, how's your day going with you?

[@lindarose9083]

Excellent tutorial, thank you - I have learnt a lot.

[@LilyMUTINY]

I had never thought about quilting at my dining room table before! Genius. I’m totally going to do this. Tired of rolling up my quilt on the left side and worrying about it getting “stopped” by the wall on the other side of my machine!!! Also going to get some grippy gloves. You’re the second seasoned sewer/quilter to recommend them!

[@ladymurasaki26]

I learned so much with this video!!! Thank you so much for posting this. I am looking forward to watching your other videos❤️❤️

[@jeanettekovacs2550]

I learn so much from you Thank you for sharing your expertise!

[@carolynbuck-gengler8771]

This video and the others in this group are amazing! You are so clear and organized in what you present. So very helpful! I love the process you showed for basting. Any possibility of showing how you actually do that process for a bigger quilt with the bigger pieces of lumber?

[@vanillae5232]

Thank You so much for this wonderful tutorial. I am very new to quilting and this video has helped me as well as YOU are such a wonderful teacher. Easy to understand, easy to follow and so much information. So glad this came up on my feed, will look for more from you. Thank you!

[@melallgood2179]

Great information, without being too wordy or boring!! Very informative.

[@katelangworthy8698]

Excellent tutorial! Thank you🙂

[@peepla7]

I found a free motion foot in my sewing machine's storage case, it's been there for 4 years, never knew it was there. I was actually about to buy one, now I don't have to... but I do have to know how to use it and that's where this video comes in so thank you for that!

[@mssixty3426]

Excellent and helpful information, not only the what, but explaining why and how. Thank you!

[@tinawelch3005]

3rd time I've watched this. Will stay in my "watch later" because you offer knowledge (why) that justifies your recommendations. Thank you so much!!

[@andreawalker2535]

Very excellent and thorough. Thank you so much.

[@janelicata5328]

This is a wonderful video. Thank you for all the valuable information. I’m looking forward to the rest of the videos in the series.

[@lawsonbrinton682]

Hi Jane, how's your day going with you?

[@nbc911]

This was a fabulous video. Thank you.

[@aknitter5012]

Super informative! Thanks for providing so much information

[@sandraalcon253]

Great video. Nice. I have beeen sewing and quilting all my life and I had never done it this way. I loved it. I have used the spray but have not had too much luck with it, and I love the wood slats and spray combination. The safty pins are a little hard but useful as well.

[@ruth-ellennightingale7970]

I learned so much. Just getting into quilting. Thanks for the excellent video.

[@lawsonbrinton682]

Hi Ruth, how's your day going with you?

[@marlenemccarthy5090]

Great video! Thank you for sharing your expertise!

[@pemberley187]

Thank you so much jus5 what I was looking for I’m about to start quilting my first quilt thanks for all the tips can’t wait until the next episode 😀

[@TinyOrchardQuilts]

I’m so glad it was helpful! I’m filming the last few bits of it tomorrow :)

[@dianetaylor7198]

Wonderful video, great back to some basics, some things I have forgotten.

[@gwenbroward275]

Very useful instructions. Thanks

[@keavehines3276]

Have made 5 quilts now and still learning lots from your videos! Never knew about the Supreme sliders! So happy as my shoulders got sore pushing the quilts through steadily 😂 Now they'll be just slightly less sore! Lol

[@TinyOrchardQuilts]

Lol. It’s still a workout for sure!

[@sharonbull4483]

Such great informational videos.

[@Mirstar07]

Love love love this video! Thank you so much.

[@lisalisa20907]

Great technique for basting!!

[@Imjetta7]

Excellent primer, thank you!

[@shellyjacob6037]

I absolutely love your videos. They are very informative and you held my attention through the entire video. I definitely plan to watch more. Thank you so much.

[@patriciasmith9039]

You’re delightful…great video with fab info…haven’t done FMQ in years, but am ready to give it a go…

[@lawsonbrinton682]

Hi Patricia, how's your day going with you?

[@maritaburgess6445]

Great presentation. You take the scary out of free motion for beginners. Thanks

[@lovereigns4017]

You are so knowledgeable. Thank you.🥰 Iris

[@elsafischer3247]

Thank you for all this fantastic information

[@MsChris23456]

Your basting process is so much easier than other mwthods I've tried. Thank you

[@khatijabalamiya651]

I've learn so much after watching this video. Im new to quilting. Now i know what exactly i need to buy for my very first quilt I'm going to make. I've subscribed. So i can watch all other videos. Thanks for ur amazing work. 👏 ❤😊😊😊😊

[@rebekahlane7046]

I absolutely adore your videos! Such a cheery disposition, very personable, and so thoroughly explained. Thank you so much!!!

[@lawsonbrinton682]

Had Rebekah, how's your day going with you?

[@anniehalland6790]

Great information and ideas. Thanks!

[@Marla.22]

Wonderful video. I always had trouble with this part, but hopefully now I can do better. Thank you for such a great video and clear instructions.

[@MightyHeidi7]

I loved this!! You are so cute, I love listening to your explanations, and I have learned a lot. I have been so afraid to even try free-motion quilting, because I cannot drop my feeds, and because I am a bit of a perfectionist. I think I will start with a quilt square, then perfect that. I have made almost 30 quilts during this pandemic, but the closest to quilting that I have done is stitching in the ditch. You have empowered me to try. I only wish I had started early summer, instead of when homeschooling starts back up. LOL. Thanks so much--I look forward to watching all your videos, and hope I can learn some more skills!

[@paulohlsson27]

Hi Heidi, how are you doing?

[@debbiesmith8248]

Thank you! I found this really informative, I’ve learned a lot. 😊

[@lawsonbrinton682]

Hi Debbie, how's your day going with you?

[@MsFruitboot]

Very informative! Thank you!

[@martibrown2993]

Boy I wish I had seen this earlier. Thank you for the instruction!!!

[@nancyowen4920]

Thanks for the cotton fibers explanation!

[@francesterry8650]

Thankyou for the informative and well spoken session on FMQ for beginners - very good and very helpful to me!

[@maryannecadd796]

Like many other commenters I really liked the use of the wood pieces. This would make the job of putting together the quilt sandwich so much easier! Will definitely try this next time. I love your easy to understand videos! Even though I think I know what I'm doing, I always learn something new from you. Many thanks!

[@TinyOrchardQuilts]

Thank you so much! I'm so glad you liked the wood pieces idea. I thought they were much easier than the noodles or similar tools. And thank you so much for the kind words about the videos :)

[@lawsonbrinton682]

Hi Mary, how's your day going with you?