Free Motion Quilting Skills and Drills: Swirls & Swoops

[@coribellanoche]

This past summer I went to a quilt show with my wife and was mesmerized by the intricacy and beauty of the quilts - what an art form. Wondering if this was for me I started visiting the quilt shops in town and found myself looking around in each - I was the only dude. The ladies in the shops were always very nice and helpful but I felt like I was getting side glances from the shoppers. I finally bit the bullet and dove in and learned the anatomy and physiology of my wife's sewing machine and bought my first charm pack and created my first lap sized quilt. The ladies in the shop were most helpful and I soon was adopted by them as if I was their project. Now four going on five quilts later I am hooked. I have recently been learning the fine art of free motion quilting (FMQ) and, without knowing it, have followed your recommendations. After almost a month of practice I am working up the courage to dive into my "good" lap sized quilt. Thanks for the video and being another male voice in the quilting world. Greetings from Rapid City, South Dakota.

[@lindalee6228]

Thanks so much for your wonderful tutorials for "Rookie Quilters" like me. Although I quilted for about 15 years, I developed brain damage 12 years ago that caused amnesia. Much to my shock when I sat down to quilt about 3 years ago I discovered I didn't even know how to thread my machine! So I'm sort of a rookie again - but that's okay. Thanks to wonderful quilters like you who share their knowledge so well, I'm having fun learning a new skill again! After all, how many of us get to learn something new over and over as if it's brand new to us?! I've learned to thread that wonderful sewing machine of mine 3 times and keep telling myself, "I learned it once, twice, three times now, so I know I can learn it again (and over and over if need be). Thanks to the wonderful support of your videos and your love of quilting I'm encouraged to just keep trying, watch you videos again, and give it my best shot. God bless you and thanks again.

[@cindymaziol2974]

You are my inspiration. Thank you so much for the tutorial! You are awesome.

[@mbrandeen6368]

I love your tutorials!! The occasional background sound effects crack me up 😂

[@margaretperry2015]

I’m a big fan of Angela Walters. I’ve learned so much from her videos and consult her books all the time, however, you’re giving me little tips in every video that are improving my free motion tremendously. The technical info about how the machine works is terrific.

[@beanixdorf6977]

I laid a printed copy of your free motion quilting, “swoops and flames” directly onto my practice piece, then just followed the line and ... wow, ...it came out very nicely. Very very good teaching. Thank you so much for this instruction. 😍😍😍

[@oldblue5166]

Rob, you are a fantastic instructor.....you explain everything so well in detail and make me feel like i can free motion quilt easily with confidence. I love you!

[@christieross2755]

Rob I can't thank you enough for the great descriptions you give. Most teachers don't give that kind of info. You have answered a lot of questions I have had. Thanks so much

[@ManSewingVids]

Thank you so much, Christie!

[@kathybartholomew6303]

Love, love, love your videos. I've been quilting a long time but love to watch the basics as well as fancy quilting over& over. Keep showing us how it is done and how enjoyable quilting can be. Thanks

[@ManSewingVids]

+Kathy Bartholomew thanks a million! We really appreciate the awesome feedback!

[@davidmierzejewski2429]

You're killin' it. Thanks so much for the tips, but another guy who is throwing down in this medium.

[@jennyspellacy7333]

I'm a newbie. Have been terrified of free motion quilting, even though I love ie. Just watching you calms me doen! I feel much more confident after watching your tutorials. I realise now that I need to relax & just go with the flow. Thanks so much

[@gaymize2529]

Make a closet rack with wire

[@theadorafryer752]

Congrats on your 4 year anniversary.....quite an accomplishment......so excited for you!

[@DreeLulu]

Real men quilt ! thank you for your videos.

[@bethmakesmagic]

I love those waves on the blue water. I love these videos, too! Thank's for all the time and effort you put into making these tutorials!

[@ManSewingVids]

+Beth Endresen thanks for following along with Man Sewing!!

[@OnwardRose]

thank you Rob really appreciate this ..I am a newbie and you have given me confidence to give this a try today and thank you for the downloads this really helps I will be using them ..keep up the great work you have no idea how much I appreciate your tutorial

[@karolyndudley7888]

Love watching you. You make learning fun.

[@lorrainedurgee1761]

Excellent video that’s so easy to follow-can’t wait to try this...

[@darlenenelson215]

You make it look so easy, my daughter told me practice, practice, practice.... I'm almost 70 :) hopefully I'll get the hang of it :) I love watching your video's, not that it's because you are so cute, but it is hehe.... and so talented!

[@lindadechow3703]

Really good inspiration, thank you. I always remind myself, hey it is thread, if it goes off the intended path, I just snip it and move on. So many good ideas.

[@bettyochoa4099]

this is so neat, love the swirls! I have to try this , again a very good tutorial!

[@ManSewingVids]

+Betty Ochoa Thanks for watching this one! :)

[@brendagarrett815]

Thank you so much for your FMQ videos. I'm learning through you. So much fun to play with.

[@mindtrap98]

best teacher ever.

[@RedrumRobyn]

Rob, Thank you so much for the printables. What I like to do is sew them with no thread then use a pounce pad to mark it on my quilt top like a stencil. This will also help with the muscle memory. After doing it enough I won't need to mark the quilt. But its good for starting. Thanks again.

[@ManSewingVids]

+Robin Marcum that's an awesome idea! Thanks for sharing that!

[@AndreasMaximosdfw]

Love this guy! Explains everything so Fluidly for a beginner like me!

[@ManSewingVids]

+Andreas Maximo thanks a million, man!

[@lynneabretz6081]

Love seeing how you get yourself out of "corners" to get to a place you can start your motif again. That's my problem....I put myself in tight spots....can't seem to work my way out without it looking pretty awful!!!

[@ManSewingVids]

+Lynnea Bretz glad you found that trick helpful! Thank you so much for watching our tutorials!

[@shirleymears998]

I love these videos! Thank you Rob from a quilting newbie!

[@grammaali3462]

Oh Man Rob, Rob!! You make it look soooo easy! I'm scared watching you! 😆 But, I think it time I start practicing. 🙈 Great tutorial Rob!! Thanks for sharing!! 🤓

[@ManSewingVids]

+Alison Janvrin it's easy one you get the hang of it, practice practice practice! :)

[@grammaali3462]

I'm going to give it a try Rob. It's the only way I'm going to learn. Thanks again Rob!!

[@nskkhan]

Hi Rob, can you please make a video on hand quilting.. basic style and detailed.. Thank u soo much for uploading amazing videos.. Luv from London UK xxx

[@ManSewingVids]

+N S Khanum We'll have to add this to our list of possible tutorial ideas! Thanks!

[@rosemarybruckner5872]

What a great tutorial! And I have the perfect quilt, basted and ready to use this pattern. Thanks!

[@cherylcole7522]

i love your videos, especially on free motion quilting!!!!!

[@lakshmidutta9903]

Your video on quilting for beginners is great. What tension setting should I use on my machine before I start quilting?

[@macorinadeloscobos9820]

Rob I just love your tutorials, you are so much fun, the way you explain makes me have confidence in the world of FMQ, I'm new at It, thank you so much. And I cant' get the printables☹️ Best regards from México🇲🇽

[@tiffanyr4460]

Thank you for the downloads. That's awesome.

[@mizquilter]

I really enjoy your series on free motion quilting skills and drills! Are you going to introduce more motifs? Each time I quilt on my newest project, I run through some of your videos to refresh my mind about choices and "safety tips". Thank you for wonderfully demonstrated videos on a subject I love!

[@diane_nz1252]

Awesome - looks so easy - best go try this!

[@somerwest441]

You make it look so easy!!!!

[@angieland6497]

What type of presser foot are using? What is your opinion in stitch regulator?

[@lanaross6073]

I love your classes. But can,t figure out how get items you suggest. Do you have a channel.? I’m a real beginner.

[@suecloutman7923]

I have 2 10-11 year old machines. One is a Janonme Quilters Companion (Marie Osmond) and the other is a Husqvarna Viking Platinum 950E. I brought both out of retirement and am wondering which to concentrate on updating. I really want to get into quilting more but I'm 80 years old with Parkinson's so don't want to spend more $$ than necessary to get a decent start. I'm not looking at this as more than a hobby, something to keep my mind working and for fun. A craft show might be cool. I've done millions of them in the past with other sewing stuff. Thoughts? (Having a shoulder replacement in 2 days and life goes on!!!)

[@christineestes9301]

another great fmq tutorial!!! will you possibly do a tutorial on feathers later in the series? Thank you for the wonderful videos :)

[@ManSewingVids]

+Christine Estes We plan to hit them eventually! :)

[@christineestes9301]

+Man Sewing sweet!!!! I can't wait!

[@sherryfrance3086]

Hi Rob, I really appreciate your approach to teaching, thanks :-) I don't understand the Thread Breaking and Stitching Fix Its sheet; however, is there a video that tells what each fix it actually is?

[@valerieclark5064]

Thank you thank you. I could not make a circle round no matter how much I practiced. I decided to buy a Supreme Slider to see if it helped. I used that and practiced using my fingers to move the quilt. BINGO I was making consistent circles. I realized that I was holding my hands too tense and it was jerking instead of being loose and relaxed.

[@cjshadow-o2k]

This is so great! I love your philosophy. My free motion doesn't look like cartoons ~ it's artisanal!!

[@dennyr989]

Love your tutorials and that you demonstrate on a larger quilt. What is the size of your harp and the dimension of the quilt? I don't yet have the confidence to FMQ on my domestic but I'm going give this a try. Thx, DR

[@ManSewingVids]

+Denny R both great questions! I can't remember the neck size of this machine but here is a link to info about it! babylock.com/sewing/jane/ As for the quilt size, I also can't remember the exact size, it's a sampler quilt I put together without a pattern. I'll have to measure it and let you know!

[@darleneappleman3911]

I bought some machingers white gloves they really help

[@stitchwishes499]

Loving this series, thank you!

[@telafriend1]

You inspire me, Thank you

[@ManSewingVids]

+Nora Szopory You are so kind! Thank you!!!

[@robinveysey8433]

Love your tutorials. Have a question about the Thread Breaking & Stitching Skipping Fix-its sheet. Actually don't have a clue what it is telling me to do. Did I miss a tutorial?

[@ManSewingVids]

+Robin Veysey great question! Here is a link to that video! :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/np67ZYOOmJKWn5I

[@robinveysey8433]

Thanks so much. Now it makes sense.

[@barbarad7193]

I would appreciate some information on using thicker thread in free motion quilting. I'm not sure if that is called bobbin work. Can this be done on any machine? Maybe I'm getting ahead of your instruction. Have really enjoyed your tutorials on free-motion quilting. Thank You.

[@katywuste9054]

Great video, learned lots thanks

[@sabrinapeart6319]

Hey, Rob, are you still doing your man sewing ? I just tunned in this past week and saw that these tutorials are from years ago... I hope you're still doing them! Thank you so much, it's really taught me a lot...

[@marylandsmann1175]

I dont have a quilting machine. Any suggestions how to make nice quilting with regular machine. Love your videos

[@Sasslette]

I have been looking at the slip mats but here is Australia they are around $50!!! Do you NEED to have it? ... Also have you ever used a wedge under the back of your machine to tilt it while FMQ? It's suppose to help you see your work with the slight angle rather than a flat surface...???

[@ManSewingVids]

+Sasslette You don't NEED one if your feeddogs go down but it definitely helps to create a slick surface and makes it easier to be in control of your fmq! Have you ever ordered from Missouri Star? You can get your money's worth on shipping when you get items you would normally grab at your local quilt shop like solids, thread, new rotary blades and so on! :) www.missouriquiltco.com/shop/detail/40242/gossamer-designs/-/sew-slip-multi-purpose-sheet

[@Sasslette]

Yeah but it's 25 USD (My $30) postage to Australia so a little out of the price range LOL

[@patriciagreene383]

Hi your lesson was wonderful- I am new at learning to quilt a quilt the one I will be making is the two step with Jenny from Missouri quilt co. I have a Bernia 765 special edition quilters machine I am starting this at 68 years old--- its my therapy haha the quilt will be 74"x 83" How do I start? and how do I get all that fabric to fit in a small area? You are a great teacher- easy to listen to and understand. thanks P.G.

[@Tattanose6]

Please tell me why no one is actually showing a large size quilt? A small piece of fabric just sails through the machine.

[@shirleyscarlato4265]

Hey Rob, love your free motion tutorials. What is that black box with the little red light on your machine? Is it a stitch regulator?

[@cathyhowell7095]

Will there be a tutorial on FMQ with different thickness battings?

[@barbaravogt3546]

thank you so much love the video. im gonna learn this!!

[@ajmd3655]

great instructions for me. Thanks,

[@estefaniaarellano3997]

So do you need that special round “foot” at the tip of the needle? I just got my first sewing machine and I’m not sure if that comes with it.

[@cassieoz1702]

Most machines come with someting they call a darning foot which is the same thing

[@Coffeedrinker291]

How do you do a back stitch to keep it from unraveling?

[@lindaustach9447]

Hi Rob, I just found this series and am loving it! Thank you for how you break it down to manageable steps.

[@Melatina77]

I've tried several times to free motion quilt but I just cannot get the hang of it.

[@dustinthomas7195]

i just wanna know where to get those awesome shirts you wear! I just came across your videos and I'm obsessed!

[@lesleynitschke6879]

WOW, you make it sew easy :P I've got to try this but feel really scared I'm going to stuff the real quilt up after practising, how hard is it to unpick :D

[@arlenemurphy804]

Awesome job!

[@Wa5tvk]

I'm a newbie and have a manual midarm (not computerized) on a frame and am wondering how to convert this to my situation? Thanks in advance!

[@nickianderson1716]

If anyone has the package for the gloves, could you look and see if it has latex or natural rubber in it please. Also, looking to see if the slick mat has it too. Thank you in advance.

[@wendimills6484]

Hi Nicki! The gloves and the Sew Slip mat are 100% nylon with a polyurethane fingertip coating. I hope this helps!

[@nickianderson1716]

@@wendimills6484 it does, thank you!

[@margeradcliff3018]

what is the stitch length you use ?

[@205004gs]

Nice Job!

[@ManSewingVids]

+Gene_J thank you!

[@zayrademorais8493]

great tutorial!! :)

[@cherie316]

Can I quilt with a singer? I've got my top done and I've Basted it. It's ready to quilt. It's my first project. It's a twin size. I'm scared I'm going to mess it up.

[@sherrymerryfield186]

Thank you

[@catherinegonzalrz631]

Where do I get the Teflon pad

[@peggykush6972]

What sewing machine it that one? And more info about it, please.

[@ManSewingVids]

+Peggy Kush I'm using a Babylock Jane in this tutorial! Here's a link to info about it! babylock.com/sewing/jane/

[@dianemosher9131]

I have a baby lock crescendo and want the free motion foot you are using. I have looked everywhere and can't find it?

[@Charliesworld1213]

what kind of foot are you using? can I get something like that for a Brother sewing machine?

[@debrakirkwood4787]

do you have a vido for the quilt behind you

[@darrellholck3208]

I looked at the thread compass guide and there is no tips that I see, only a list of the problems. can you explain it to me?

[@ManSewingVids]

+Darrell Holck watch this quick tip and you'll understand! :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/np67ZYOOmJKWn5I

[@anitaramirez163]

Hi there which machine are you using what sz is the sewing area?

[@dianabarnes5968]

Thank you.

[@susanmarie6123]

no matter how much i practice still can't get proper even stitches too big to small thread puckers UGH so frustrating

[@catherinegonzalrz631]

How d I find the printables

[@wendimills6484]

You can find the free printables in the description box below the video. Alternatively, you can copy and paste or click on these links to be taken right to the free patterns! mansewing.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/fmq-swirls-drill1.pdf mansewing.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/fmq-swirls-drill2.pdf mansewing.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/fmq-swirls-drill3.pdf mansewing.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/threadbreaking.pdf

[@jacquelinespeed361]

I am new to Free Motion and I spend a hour every day practicing. I just don't seem to ever get my lines under control. What's your secret?? XOL

[@ManSewingVids]

+Jacqueline Speed practice and working in one space at a time! I also like to get some music going so that I can quilt while relaxed!

[@jacquelinespeed361]

+Man Sewing You are the greatest. Thanks hon!