Beginner Free Motion Quilting on a Sewing Machine + Stitch Stippling

[@kathrynhann790]

What a great teacher. Thank you. I'm not QUITE as intimidated!

[@mbrandeen6368]

Of all the FMQ videos I’ve watched (gobs), you are the first to mention the reason for setting the stitch length to 0, and informing the relationship to the feed dogs! Oh my goodness, THANK YOU!!! I’m dashing off to try this!!

[@LebaRaeShaw]

I'm new to quilting and interested in learning all forms of quilting art. Your instruction of free motion is the best I've heard. Thank you

[@LeahDay]

Thank you so much!

[@emadla12]

This is one of the best free motion quilting tutorial I have seen

[@LeahDay]

Thank you!

[@galemckiddy5120]

I am getting ready to try this and your video is the most helpful I have seen. I subscribed! Thanks!

[@joannmccraw7235]

Hi Leah. I found you in my e-mail VIA Fave Quilts. Thank-goodness! I am getting ready to dive into free-motion quilting for the first time at 70 years old. I went to your site and watched this video where it said "Start Here" ... You may be young, but you know what you are doing and you know how to teach others how to do it ... step-by-step and the with the assurances ... perfection is not necessary and getting better takes time and practice. I have never heard of the Supreme Slider or a bobbin washer, even tho I have been sewing since I was 10 ... guess you are never to old to learn something new. Daddy always taught us ... 'If you learn at least one new thing each day, no matter how small, then your day has not been wasted.' It' is still morning and today has not been wasted. Thank-you for sharing your time and talent. I am looking forward to many more of your videos. God bless you and yours.

[@LeahDay]

Wonderful! I'm so happy you found my blog and tutorials. You're in the right place if you're ready to learn how to machine quilt!

[@lorraineheaven213]

Very clear instructions...... never tried this but now know that I will give it a try.

[@LeahDay]

Great! Let me know how it goes!

[@cindawismar4265]

I loved this tutorial. You covered a lot of needed information for a beginner. Just what I needed.

[@deborahannlucas8773]

Leah Day is one of the best quilting teachers I have ever seen. Very impressive! I'm a fan.

[@LeahDay]

Thank you so much Deborah!

[@kathyrice7461]

Hello Leah. You are a wonderful teacher. I am a 73 year old great-grandmother that dabbles at quilting. I do want to try free-motion quilting. You have made a great tutorial and explain things so thoroughly. Thank you.

[@LeahDay]

Excellent! I'm so happy to help!

[@MartyLawless-kh2jd]

Question...the quilting foot you are using here does not "hop" like I've seen in other videos. Does it matter?

[@marisoldelgado7738]

I love the way that you speak to the novice quilter! Many tutorials are delivered in a quick "I know you know how to do this," method but lots of us don't know some of the things that veteran quilters take for granted. Thank you Leah for speaking to those of us who are just starting out. Also, thank you for the practice ideas. I'll be making lots of practice quilt sandwiches (I think I'll buy some remnant fabric and use my scraps) and practicing a little each day. As a novice quilter I wouldn't have thought to invest in some practice materials to refine my quilting techniques...I think I can even practice other types of quilting too, not just free motion. I can imagine practicing quilting with stencils etc. Also, also...(lol), thank you for the tip about marking out the pattern before quilting. What a great way to also practice the stippling pattern "rhythm" without committing to actually sewing it into the fabric. Thank you ... thank you!

[@LeahDay]

You're super welcome! Yes, definitely practice off the quilt and definitely mark too. It makes a huge difference!

[@cherylparsons4011]

OMG thank you Leah. I was getting so cranky with my (new) machine. No matter what I did to the tension, how fast or slow I moved my hands or ran the machine the underside was eyebrowing...UNTIL I raised the feed dogs 😀. My other machine was fine for FMQ with the feed dogs dropped. I'm happy dancing here 💃

[@LeahDay]

Yay! I'm so happy you found this helpful!

[@mamabear52]

You touched on several things I have never seen in other videos, subscribed today, thank you

[@TobyMartinez-e8z]

Thank you very much for this video, it was very helpful and you certainly know your stuff. Sandra

[@LeahDay]

You are so welcome! I'm glad you found it helpful!

[@angiamundson5475]

Oh my goodness, you are an amazing teacher! I feel like I can actually do this after watching your video! I can't wait to start practicing! :) Thank you so much!

[@tamramattos861]

This was a great tutorial. First one I've seen that helped me.

[@adelaidamilan4124]

Leah, very nice job with your explanations..😉 I'm interested in learning quilting, in particular small blocks, maybe pillow cases, throws. Listening to as many videos as I can find is helping me choose who I can understand better. Thanks for the good instruction...👍

[@enjoyart5]

Thank you Leah ! You are a good teacher !

[@pdfaulkner1517]

Leah, I realize this video has been posted for a while, but I have to say how much you have helped me to try FMQ! The feed dogs on my machine will not drop. I was days away from purchasing a new machine for FMQ until I watched your video series on dropping or not dropping feed dogs last night. I just tried it on my machine, and there is hope for me and FMQ with my precious Baby Lock Presto II. I have much practice ahead of me, but I will relish every moment! Thank you!!!! You saved me hundreds of dollars and gave me an opportunity to learn FMQ!!!!

[@LeahDay]

Wonderful! I'm so happy to hear this. Please share this video with your friends!

[@lance3665]

Thank you so much you have given me the confidence to free motion.

[@LeahDay]

You are so welcome!

[@threadedneedlesco4855]

I've been avoiding FMQ out of fear. This is just what I needed. Such a great tutorial!

[@LeahDay]

Thank you so much! You made my day!

[@sandih4741]

Best intro that I've seen. Thank you!

[@nellycastillo8252]

Hi. I have never before quilted, but I am listening and watching what experts like you do so that I can practice and one day create my own quilt, ✂️📐📏

[@LeahDay]

Definitely give it a try Nelly! It's fun to explore different hobbies, but the real joy comes when the fabric is in your hands and stitches made by your fingers!

[@elviraberry2942]

TY for the very informative video. I wish though, that you had started from when you attached the darning foot. I just got a set for free motion quilting and I have to learn a lot in order to start using them. TY.

[@alananderson4145]

Thank you thank you for your video !!!! You gave a lot of good information !!!! Also, thank you for going soooo nice and slow !!! I am just starting to learn how to free motion !!! I had my first class just 3 days ago !!! You and my teacher were soooo spot on !!!! And you’re soooo right !!! What I got from you !!! Was give yourself time and space !!! And most of all just be kind to yourself and don’t be so hard on yourself !!! Thank you so much for sharing and caring !!! 👍🏿🤎🙏🏻❤️💝🥹🥲😘⭕️❌🙌🏼👊👏🏿🙏💙❣️😍🥰

[@LeahDay]

So happy to hear you enjoyed the video and are finding this helpful!

[@deborahdennystone9422]

Thank you for explaining free motion quilting so well.

[@cynthiamoon4315]

Wow, super video. I'm finally ready to try this. Glad I found you! Great stuff, playlist binging is coming.

[@wendyslowski9058]

Hi Leah. I wonder how many people know of your much earlier quilting tutorials? I watched them from the very beginning a number of years ago and I can honestly say that watching them is what led me to learn how to FMQ and continues to this day.

[@LeahDay]

Judging from the views and clicks, I'd say many people know me from the first 365 designs. I'm so happy to hear that helped you get started free motion quilting!

[@mrcorey2794]

I have been practicing the FMQ for quite a while now it has taken me so long. But I finally learned my biggest problem was mastering the foot pedal. Noe that i can regulate my speed the FMQ has gotten easier. So I decided to try it out on a real piece and I did a table topper 28 x 28. And it came out very well. I am very pleased with the way it looks. No more stitching in the ditch for me. I have watched this video so many times. Thank you so much Leah, I couldn't have done it without your videos. Your voice is so calming and your patience in the videos make me feel like I know you now. Take care and keep the videos coming. Corey

[@LeahDay]

Aw! Thank you so much Corey! I'm so happy I was able to help you master this tricky part of quilting. It is a challenge, but the more you do it, the better and easier it gets.

[@anneroberts8630]

you are a wonderful teacher! Great explanation and examples make something intimidating seem attainable . Thank you!👏

[@LeahDay]

Awesome! So glad you enjoyed this video.

[@sonjawade6984]

I was finding quilting daunting as a beginner. Then I came across your tutorials. WOW, amazing. You go slowly and accurately for any beginner to understand. I’m now off to start my first quilt for my granddaughter (after doing some sample practices). Thank you for sharing your expertise 🥰

[@LeahDay]

Wonderful! I'm so glad you enjoyed this video and found it helpful for your quilting ability. Good luck on your first quilt!

[@itsmyparty4637]

Wow. What a wonderful teacher you are !! thank you so very much xxx

[@NancyRobinsonswk]

What a great video! I love all the detail! I'm a garment sewist and just wanting to make some quilts for Christmas gifts and this is the first video I've found on free motion stippling. I'm so excited to try it!

[@LeahDay]

Definitely give it a go! Free motion quilting is super addictive, and such a wonderful skill to build.

[@joseecampion7098]

Hello Leah i am french and with you i learn my free motion like a pro hihihi Thank you so much you made a nice tuto ,you are a nice teaher you speak slowly perfect for me TANK YOU so much

[@LeahDay]

Thank you Josee! I am so glad you are here!

[@dianedavid4412]

Leah you are a great teacher. A am new at this so I am going to try it. Thank you.

[@LeahDay]

Wonderful! I'm so happy to hear this!

[@repunzelrepunzel7433]

Thank you Leah...I love your calming voice and your instructions...:)

[@LeahDay]

Thank you! I'm so glad to hear that as I know free motion quilting can be stressful to learn!

[@karenburns507]

Finally, a tutorial that makes sense to me. Thanks

[@christinenelson6258]

I just got a new machine with a fm foot.......I just learned so much from your video, thank you so much!!!

[@LeahDay]

Excellent! I hope it works great!

[@marilynperry2856]

Hi...i. Enjoyed your video...you mentioned a few things i did not know, and appreciate it so much...it’s going to make things a little easier for me... I’ve been sewing my whole life but haven’t tried quilting till now. I started a quilt a few years ago but didnt finish it because i was unsure of what to do...my instructions i had were vague...i now feel confident i can do this...thanks so much.

[@roxannepaul3234]

Hi Leah, I am so fortunate to have found your video. You are a wonderful teacher. I am getting back into sewing and really to quilt my pieces! First time seeing you and I now am a subscriber! Thank you!

[@LeahDay]

Wonderful! I'm so happy to hear this Roxanne!

[@lavonnethompson117]

I’m back for a refresh! Thank you for these videos! Much appreciated!

[@LeahDay]

Welcome back! Thank you for watching!

[@maryann2692]

Thank you for explaining this calmly❤😊

[@LeahDay]

You’re welcome 😊

[@carolthacker4126]

Hello Leah! I have been interested in free motion quilting for a while and have watched other videos, but yours has been the best! Your explanations were easy to understand and I liked how you spoke as you actually did the quilting so I could "see" what you were talking about. Thank you also for the suggestion for additional tools. It's hard for me at age 70 to learn new things, but I think now I can do this. Thank you. I will be eager to watch future videos.

[@rachelradiostar]

A brand new quilter is now itching to make some practice squares to quilt! Thank you x

[@LeahDay]

Excellent!

[@neldaadkins186]

Thanks, this is very good! I've been afraid to try this...but you've made it seem a lot easier than I "feared"! LOL Thanks for that!!

[@zeldapepa97]

I came across this video 3 years after it's debut! I've just started 'quilt as you go' machine patchwork and have been wanting to branch into free motion quilting also. This video is the best, most honest and helpful instruction on how to get started. Thank you Leah, you've given us the means to 'have a go' without the intimidating question of 'How on earth do I go about this?' A well presented, well spoken and informative teaching video.

[@LeahDay]

Yay! I'm so happy to hear this Zelda! Please continue watching my channel as I have lots of fun videos and a weekly podcast too!

[@grannyofmany6777]

I love the way you teach.....I think I can do this now.....you make it sound and look so easy ! Thanks so much. 😁

[@LeahDay]

Yay! That's exactly how I want you to feel. Go have fun quilting!

[@anaramirez9813]

It seems soooo intimidating!!!! I have a bernina q16 and can’t sit to quilt, thanks fir this video I will try it with your video it’s encouraging

[@LakeMensori]

Leah, you were amazing! You took my fear away! I'm ready to go after it. Thank you!

[@JH-xy6lh]

Thank you SO MUCH for your video! I became extremely frustrating while free motion quilting with my Bernina Aurora 440QE. I wasn't sure I could do free motion quilting on my Bernina 1230, however after watching your video and giving it a try, I got great results! Also, LOVE your idea of a bobbin washer to help ensure bobbin thread doesn't break. Keep up the good work, Leah!

[@LeahDay]

Thank you Jane! I'm so happy to hear you enjoyed this video and found it helpful!

[@judithdiaz8512]

Thank you for this video and your kind and encouraging words. I am new to FMQ and find it and my progress a bit frustrating. Your words to be kind to myself were quite helpful to again take it slow and easy. Thank you!

[@LeahDay]

Glad it was helpful!

[@therotundhound2354]

Great video for beginners! Super helpful for someone just starting out and getting panicked!

[@dawnboyd925]

You are truly a gifted teacher. Thank you for sharing. I love the idea for practicing with a square everyday.

[@LeahDay]

That's great! If you quilt a square a day you will see a dramatic improvement in your skills very quickly.

[@janetborchers432]

That's so helpful, Leah. I've been resisting taking my scissors to my slider, and am so glad I didn't. I just couldn't slice up a perfectly intact expensive slider before getting experienced advice! Thanks for your time and enjoy your new kitty!

[@LeahDay]

Whew! I'm glad I replied in time! Yes, I agree, if your slider gets damaged in some way then it would be time to experiment with it.

[@elizabethcanales7170]

Excellent presentation!

[@LeahDay]

Glad you liked it! Please share with your quilting friends!

[@jeanneblondewomanstamping9788]

Excellent tutorial. Thank you for this. 😎👏👏👏

[@LeahDay]

You’re welcome! I’m so glad you found it helpful!

[@marydonovan6681]

Clear and concise. I have the Bernina 1230 shown. It’s over 20 years old, and I wont let it go, even though I have a computerized machine. It keeps going like the Energizer Bunny.

[@LeahDay]

That's great Mary!

[@sandraverrender5282]

Thank you for your video as it is a great help for a beginner like me

[@LeahDay]

You're welcome!

[@shirleyforrest4531]

Hello Leah. I’m a new Subscriber. I love the way you explain how to do a free motion quilting, I have been wanting to try this. I feel like I can actually do this after watching your video! Thank you so much.

[@LeahDay]

You are so welcome! Thank you for joining in and quilting along with us!

[@donnacova]

Very helpful video. Easy to see the stitches. Great explanations. Well done.

[@frankdearr2772]

Great video, great topic, thanks for sharing it 👍

[@alexareizla8118]

Thanks for this simple tutorial. When the Dutch lockd own is over I will get some padded fabric and get started on quilting myself. I want to use it as addition to my corsetry to make them more beautiful.

[@LeahDay]

That will be gorgeous! And quilting is a traditional technique for many corded corsets.

[@helenjzkkillick4097]

You have a gift for teaching and you’ve covered things I hadn’t come across before. Thanks very much

[@ginshaw1]

You are a great teacher! Thank you so much!!

[@LeahDay]

Thank you Gin! I'm so happy you found this video helpful! Please share it with your quilting friends!

[@bettyg6258]

Thank you for such a great explanation!

[@dianenameth9185]

I enjoyed how precise you were in teaching your skill, you made it look like something I could achieve with practice. Thank you.

[@LeahDay]

Wonderful! I'm so happy to hear this!

[@craftyreseller2042]

You are a great teacher. Thank You

[@LeahDay]

Thank you for watching!

[@valerieroling8035]

I so appreciate your detailed tutorial! Thank you for sharing all that you know with your Beginning Free Motion class. I'm so impressed AND now I'm so enthused to get started. Yay!

[@LeahDay]

I'm so happy to hear this Valerie! There is a learning curve, but please stick with it. You have to get through the ugly stitches before you can find the good looking stitches!

[@bev4914]

Wonderful teachers and video thanks

[@batya7]

Thank you. Your positivity shines through. I appreciate you say it's ok to make a mistake.

[@LeahDay]

Oh yes! I wouldn't get very far if everything needed to be perfect. And how boring would that be?!

[@vickirear8527]

Leah Day 2

[@jillthomas366]

Thank you, Leah. This was very informative and helpful. I’m jumping in! 😁

[@anneyhorlacher8792]

Thank you! This is the tutorial I have been looking for. As a beginner, I really appreciate the way you explained the movements.

[@LeahDay]

That's great Anney! I'm so happy to hear that!

[@morgannawinterfrost8817]

I really appreciate your videos! I am a beginner and I don’t have the best sewing machine ( even tho I love my machine lol) your instructions are so easy to follow even without a professional machine, thank you so much !

[@LeahDay]

That's great Morganna! That's exactly what I try to do in all my videos. I even have a singer treadle I'm going to be quilting on soon!

[@valerieroling8035]

Thank you Leah! I love your teaching method, you cover every detail and make it very easy to understand.

[@LeahDay]

You are so welcome!

[@CarolCurler]

Wow!!! Fantastic lesson, which I really really needed!

[@LeahDay]

Wonderful Carol! I'm so happy to hear it!

[@pennywolf3637]

Going to try! Good instructions 😊

[@manonbimmel3985]

I am a beginners free motion quilter. So enjoying your videos and learning from your expertise. Thank you for sharing your gift.Manon

[@LeahDay]

You're super welcome! I'm so glad you enjoyed this video!

[@GriswaldDingens]

Thank you, Leah! You are a great teacher! I will definitely try the tools you suggested. Thanks also for the tips to make stippling and free-motion quilting less rigid looking.

[@LeahDay]

Excellent! I'm so glad you found this video helpful!

[@michaelwest7822]

Excellent Tutorial with very clear instruction and video Thank You

[@LeahDay]

Thank you Michael!

[@leinhaviajante4594]

Hello Lea, loved your way to explain. Thank you very much!

[@maxi1049]

Thanks so much Leah, I got the free motion foot, but have bee n scared to death to try it! You make it not so scary, thank you!

[@LeahDay]

That's great! Yes, it can be scary, and it will definitely look ugly in the beginning. Stick with it though and it will get better the more you quilt!

[@mariawells8026]

Very helpful for me. Nervous to try but I know it'll take practice. Thank you.

[@LeahDay]

Give it a try! It's just fabric and thread after all.

[@leighlidgard3817]

Thank you, Leah, for this tutorial. Your instructions make me want to try this.

[@LeahDay]

Awesome! There is no higher praise than that!

[@georgiapointer3529]

Thank you sooo much for this! I have been looking for something like this!

[@LeahDay]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tessabonvouloir3335]

I would sure love to see the circular or swirls I saw in your baby quilt...everyone just breezes through them. Love your tutorials.

[@LeahDay]

Here's an older video tutorial on that design Swirling Water. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hafKiIF6qp5_jdE

[@sallylawrence7239]

Loved the instruction, encouragement and tips. Very informative and I appreciate the in-depth visual. You have a great teaching presence. Thank you!

[@LeahDay]

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

[@9thd4z]

Nice TUT Leah! THANK YOU! You make it look so easy!!

[@LeahDay]

I'm so glad you found this helpful!

[@Daughterofsantini]

You are so encouraging, and a great teacher. Thanks for the excellent video!

[@LeahDay]

Thank you! I'm so glad you found this video helpful!

[@abutler7569]

This is very helpful. Thank you so very much. 😊

[@LeahDay]

Thank you for watching!

[@dorenenagy564]

Thank you so much for your video. The tips you gave will help me so much in free motion quilting. I have never heard of the supreme slider or the bobbin washer. Next on my list to pick up. Happy Quilting.

[@LeahDay]

Wonderful Dorene! I'm so glad to help!

[@raquelwright7451]

I love your tutorial. Keep up the good work,😀

[@LeahDay]

Thank you Raquel!

[@aminafatah2001]

You are a talented teacher Leah.

[@LeahDay]

I'm so glad you enjoyed the video!

[@barbwalter1869]

Thank you so very much for all tips! I'm making a baby quilt for a gift, but so anxious about stippling the blocks. The pattern calls for it and looks lovely. I've been practicing on thin drawing paper without thread. I know it will be fine but just can't start on the actual quilt. I keep practicing on practice sandwiches & thread. I need to just do it!😱 I'll keep your video handy as I sew😍💕

[@KamleshGuptaArts]

Very beautiful quilting

[@LeahDay]

I'm so glad you enjoyed this video!

[@acwrite32]

Excellent video!

[@LeahDay]

Thank you!

[@christinetimm4377]

Great teacher

[@soniae50]

Muy clara y optimista tu clase, es frustrante no lograr con la máquina,lo que mis manos desean, voy a intentar practicar mucho más. Gracias.

[@jessicagomez42]

Thank you so much for such helpful video!

[@LeahDay]

You are so welcome!

[@kimsullivan9069]

I am interesting in starting quilting, and I have never even used a sewing machine, but I have purchased all the supplies. I have been watching tutorials for about a week, and I just found your videos, which I have found to be the MOST helpful for someone who is just starting out. No other video had broke it down this simple, or mentioned a lot of the things you have mentioned. This is the first that I heard someone say that the faster you move the fabric, the larger the stitch will be. That is most likely common knowledge for people who are familiar with sewing machines, but not a complete novice. So glad I found your channel!!

[@LeahDay]

Wonderful Kim! Welcome to the amazing world of quilting! I'm so happy this video helped you. Please let me know if there are more videos you're needing on your quilting journey!

[@yvonneautie6165]

Thank you. I find that if I don't look at the needle but slightly ahead of it (i.e. where I'm going to sew ) the result is much better.

[@LeahDay]

That's a great tip Yvonne!