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

[@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

[@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.

[@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!!! ☺

[@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 :)

[@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]

😢

[@cazkiwinz4300]

You can buy freemotion quilting grips now (called Free,option Grip Guides), they’re a grippy horseshoe/open-shaped hoop with handles… no need for gloves

[@kristinjacobsen3417]

Some good ideas. I think I'd end up taking gloves off, too.

[@eldajackson1]

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

[@Catsetc01]

Wow! That using the wood pieces to keep the layers together as you baste is a game changer! Especially for a new quilter like me. Thank you!

[@DTAMFT]

Your videos are outstanding. Very informative and enjoyable to watch.

[@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.

[@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!!

[@virginiefranckferrandbalza6969]

I literally drink all that you say ! So clear, so precise, we can take advantage of your experience. Thank you so much, it makes me want to start quilting right away 😊

[@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!

[@dawnc5355]

Amazing video! You are so thorough and you exude kindness. Thank you!

[@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!

[@maryannhobbie4818]

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

[@bradypl12321]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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?

[@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.

[@ladymorgan3410]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@melallgood2179]

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

[@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. 💜💜💜

[@mssixty3426]

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

[@francesterry8650]

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

[@Sassyprints]

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

[@doreensorensen2927]

Very easy to follow the information and instructions. Step by step instructions well thought out. This is very informative and easy to learn from. 😊

[@apwhoa7767]

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

[@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.

[@frankiecarter9430]

Thank you, I am a beginner and you have made it pretty clear and easy to understand and follow

[@HodgePodgeHarmony]

Ohhh, shed sticks and shuttles are a great idea!

[@texaskhat]

Best explanations that I’ve heard about basics. I learned a tremendous amount of useful information. Thank you.

[@maritaburgess6445]

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

[@deborahmorlock774]

I find your presentation is very easy to follow and understand. Thank you for another lesson.

[@l-i-l-s]

Your beginner tutorials are wonderful and very informative... so thank you for taking the time. Here's a little tip as a DIY idea... if you don't like the feel of a full glove or prefer to not use a full glove... you can use something called a "finger cot" (aka finger condom or finger frock).Usually used for medical use, they are typically made of latex, rubber, silicone, or cloth and are designed to provide protection and barrier against various substances or contaminants. However, they would be great when quilting as they easily roll on and roll off (thus reusable) and you could use them on as little or as many fingers as you like. Another product you could use is balloons... using a smaller balloon, cut it to length, place it on your finger and when you're done with your quilting session, you could roll them off easily for future use. They would be especially handy on the 2 fingers touching your fabric when doing ruler work. Your welcome ;)

[@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!

[@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. 👏 ❤😊😊😊😊

[@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!

[@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.

[@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?

[@Nancy-zk9dj]

Great information, thanks! I could never tell left and right either, family joke also! Remembering that my hair was parted on the left changed my life! 😄

[@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. 🤗

[@bonniewebb3089]

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

[@BackroadsArtStudio]

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

[@joankiely3614]

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

[@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?

[@MsChris23456]

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

[@bluebear7797]

Excellent Video, loved the details about needles and thread fibers.

[@LeoFieTv]

I come from garment sewing, just getting into quilts, and while watching this video I kept thinking of just basting the sandwich. Handsewing some big running stitches to keep everything attatched. We do that instead of pins because it's completely level. Pins are close, but still make a bit of a wrinkle. Also it prevents accidential poking. I wonder if you can do that with quilts too and if it's more or less work than spray basting or safety pins.

[@ginwilcox9555]

Thank you for this video! You answered so many questions I had. I have made three quilts of various sizes and have been too nervous to try free-motion quilting before. 🥺I just finished my fourth quilt top, and I am going to give this a try with your help. 😁

[@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!!

[@juanitar.miller5210]

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

[@joylouise5417]

Me, too!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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?

[@claudiastenvig-olsen5234]

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

[@saraaronzon4562]

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

[@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.

[@michellevangorp2744]

Best tutorial I have ever seen for basting a quilt. My knees thank you!!!!

[@lawsonbrinton682]

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

[@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.

[@beowoofthemoviestar]

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

[@calicrafter2697]

Your baste method is a revelation. Thanks!!

[@CAFR1N]

Thank you for this really comprehensive video, I’m just wanting to get started and you have been so helpful. I am not sure if ill be able to get the right kind of presser foot for my machine as it is a very old Husqvarna that I inherited from my mum, but I am hoping that a quilt festival near me might be the place. This is probably a really stupid question, but are quilting needles specific to the machine, or will any brand work in any machine? Thanks again!

[@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?

[@dw6150]

Thank you sooo much for this series. This will be my first

[@Flash4695]

I did it ALL wrong. After your wonderful instructions, I can now start again and do it correctly. Just as well my piece I did was small, I puckered the back material had huge holes in the fabric, and had very tired hands. Need a smooth surface, will get that material you suggested. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

[@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.

[@BarbaraLeMere]

Great vid! Very informative. I am a beginning quilter so this was very helpful. ❤

[@lorraineschloss9703]

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

[@shamammy1]

I love your videos and how easy you describe everything. My favorite thing is when you say "you are the boss of your quilt" it gives me freedom to not feel pressure! I have taught myself to quilt. I've made 5 lap quilts since January. My goal is to make 6, one for each of our sons and daughter in laws for Christmas, by Christmas 😊 I am not very crafty at all and didn't even touch a sewing machine till September of 2021. But, oh my goodness I absolutely love it! So relaxing and calming, don't get me wrong I have my omgwth or OMG how did I even manage to mess that up moment but I just quilt on. I am Sooooooooo intrigued with the fmq! I just bought 2 templates today at joanns, we live out in the middle of nowhere but I found one while we were at the beach on vacation. At any rate I'm going to give it a go. Wish me luck and thank you for all the helpful videos!

[@lawsonbrinton682]

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

[@shamammy1]

@@lawsonbrinton682 it's going well. Thank you for asking.

[@lawsonbrinton682]

@@shamammy1 it's nice to hear from you, how are you spending your spare time? I love the outdoors including traveling and reading books, cooking, gardening and watching movies I'm from Ohio and you?

[@dianetaylor7198]

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

[@izziey17]

I also spin, so I found your explanation fascinating!

[@Djtiger8090]

New to sewing with a machine, quilting is one I would like to do. Have subscribed. Thank you

[@jrowlove7328]

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

[@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?

[@kellygraeber6286]

Thank you so much for your complete and encouraging tutorial!

[@nicolebrunzel6608]

Oh, I'm looking forward to seeing more of this series. I've tried FMQ a couple of times on test pieces and always hated it. The quilt sandwich never moved smoothly, which lead to very abrupt turns instead of smooth curves. I'll get a supreme slider and will follow your teachings, and if that doesn't work give up completely. But you do explain things so well, I have high hopes that maybe this time I finally leyrn how to do it properly.

[@TinyOrchardQuilts]

It’s definitely a learning curve! I should get out my first free motion quilting projects and show them-they are far from perfect! It took me a while to feel like I can just jump in but even now I practice drawing before starting.

[@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.

[@theresafinn4257]

Gardening gloves work well, too. Excellent video.

[@debbiesmith8248]

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

[@lawsonbrinton682]

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

[@martibrown2993]

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

[@lovereigns4017]

You are so knowledgeable. Thank you.🥰 Iris

[@MistyisCrafty]

Super helpful! I'm a bit intimidated by free motion, so I'm grateful that you're doing this series right now.

[@TinyOrchardQuilts]

I’m so glad! Free motion quilting can definitely be intimidating-especially on a big quilt. But I hope I can give you some good ideas to get started!

[@lawsonbrinton682]

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

[@scottym50]

Wow, that was a great video. You explain so well, one of the best out there. I learned a lot from your video. Now to put what I learned to use. Thank you for the great video.

[@ladymurasaki26]

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

[@deniseacebo9679]

OMG this video was a game changer! Thank you so much!

[@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.

[@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?

[@hildamendez8678]

Thank you for posting this information. I have learned so much from it. I’m saving the video for future reference.

[@paulohlsson27]

Hi Hilda, how are you doing?

[@MsMaxie]

I’m fairly new to quilting and watching so many KZbin videos to learn as I go, and I have to say, I love your basting technique and making your quilt sandwich!! I’ve not watched anyone else do it your way using the wood slats and I think it’s genius! I made my first quilt in December and it’s completely hand sewn. I think my quilt would have turned out much better if I had made a tighter quilt sandwich. I’ll be using your technique in the future! Love your channel & teaching style.

[@TinyOrchardQuilts]

I'm hope it helps! I found it to be so much easier to do so I could work at a table instead of crawling around on the floor!

[@lawsonbrinton682]

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

[@RisingNutrition]

Great instructions! If you were working on a bigger quilt could you use a thick dowel rod for the unrolling of the layers for basting?