FMQ Skills and Drills: Straight Lines and Echo Quilting

[@learntocrochet1]

You are the ONLY person posting about echo quilting who explains HOW to do it! Thanks!

[@patnorrad1964]

thank you Rob! I want to tell you that I've watched a number of quilting videos on line and your videos are the Best! You get right to the point, you don't waste time with 'chit-chat' etc. Keep up the good work.

[@joboswell29]

Thank you so much, you absolutely break down the fear and myths of quilting

[@ManSewingVids]

+Joanne Boswell thanks for the awesome comment, glad to hear that I'm making sense!!!

[@patriciawalling9642]

Since I have to give up my long arm I was going to give up free motion quilting too. Now I have learned that I CAN do it on my home machine. Thanks Rob.

[@ManSewingVids]

+Patricia Walling you can totally do it on a home machine, you've got this!

[@sprancek]

I appreciate that you show real FMQ, no stitch regulator and on a domestic. Also no rulers. It is reassuring to see it isn't always perfect. With all of the computerized expensive machines, I often feel no matter how good my quilting is, it is not perfect.

[@AllQuiltedTogetherLLC]

Another great tutorial! I'm teaching fmq at my local quilt shop next week! I will include your KZbin channel in the list of resources in my handouts! Thanks again my "eye spy Rob" fellow quilter!

[@ManSewingVids]

+Jolene Shindler wow, I'm honored!! Thanks a million, Jolene!

[@AllQuiltedTogetherLLC]

All the ladies were "sew" happy that I shared your printouts, website and KZbin channel! Keep FMQ'ing Rob!!!

[@stitchnmouse]

Love Angela's and your tip to only focus on one small area or block at a time instead of thinking of the entire quilt. I also want to say how much I am enjoying your tutorials as you do not spend a lot of time talking but actually showing us how to do what you are talking about.

[@ManSewingVids]

+Marlene Carlson thank you so much for the awesome comment! We really appreciate it!

[@piadad17]

Please, keep the FMQ tips n vids coming. Big help. Thanks Rob

[@joboswell29]

It's about 10 am here in the U.K. and I think watching one of your tutorials is a great start to the day, lots of family time ahead but at some point I'll sew and this inspires me for later! 🔥🔥🔥

[@RosieCarl]

One thing I really appreciate is that you show the "problems" as well as the "perfects". You show how to fix the problem areas. We are never left with the feeling that we cannot achieve good results. Thanks!

[@ManSewingVids]

+Rosemary Carlson well I would definitely be lying if I said I always quilted my best! :)

[@mrweeks2674]

Excellent help for a wannabe. Learning to ride a bike was much easier. Thank you for your great tips.

[@Carolynpaul-ej9dr]

Love the program and the sound of your tone of voice

[@barbaradelarwelle7280]

Hi Rob! Just want to tell you how much I learn from you with each tutorial!! You're an excellent 'real' teacher. Extremely easy to understand and follow!!!

[@ManSewingVids]

Hi Barbara! Thank you so much for your kind words. I'm happy to hear you are enjoying the Man Sewing tutorials! :)

[@bhyatt8118]

Rob, I love your tutorials! I have just started a 4 wk free motion quilting class and this was helpful. You have a great way of explaining things. I also loved the one explaining the different quilting feet for the machine. Thanks! Betty.

[@ManSewingVids]

+B Hyatt I'm so glad that these tutorials were helpful! Glad you found them!

[@rebeccasewing]

Thanks for these tutorials, Rob. I'm so jazzed that you decided to actually show us how to work on "the beast." It doesn't look as scary as I imagined.

[@ManSewingVids]

+rebeccasewing it's not too bad at all! Glad you're liking this FMQ series!

[@azurafae]

This series is very helpful for me to learn how to free motion embroider correctly! Thanks for doing these tutorials!

[@christineestes9301]

Can't wait for your other FMQ tutorials! You certainly have a knack for teaching and making it look manageable for every skill level! Thank you!

[@ManSewingVids]

+Christine Estes Thank you so much!! This comment made my day!

[@janetborchers432]

Thank you 😊 Rob! Can't wait to get the bicycle clips and put them to use. I'm attempting to quilt a king size, 144 block, Hawaiian print quilt and these clips are going to be well used. 🚴 🏄🏻

[@ManSewingVids]

Wow! You'll have to send me a photo of your quilt! I hope you have tons of fun working on it!

[@sherriequilts]

Awesome tutorial! I really appreciate that you mention you're trying to teach out loud while still sewing...not an easy feat!:) you do a great job of breaking down the little things that add up to big problems or successes with FMQ. :)

[@ManSewingVids]

+Sherrie Thurman you're the best! Thanks for that comment!

[@garytaylor4634]

I love that you do not try to cover your mistakes. It gives us all encouragement to learn. You are a gifted teacher.

[@joyceburrill2738]

Rob, your comment "we are all in this together" touched my heart. I've watched many tutorials and have never felt as if I needed to comment. However, I feel your hard work and excellent gift and passion deserves more than a thumbs up. Thanks teaching at a zippy pace. I love that about you. I never feel the need to fast forward. I'm afraid I might miss your next great tip. And you have so many. I've made many quilts yet you have given me multiple ah-ha moments. I'm going to watch these again. Thank you

[@lindadechow3703]

Love that square drill, that's good for rocks in my landscape. Good drills and really like your videos, thank you.

[@lindadechow3703]

PS I like to. Make a scrappy square, about 18" for my samplers and then mark off 3x7" strips for book marks. I use invisible thread n the bobbin, turn my fabric so my scrappy side is underneath and do my practice free motion stitches. My next bookmarks are going to have practice squares. Thank you for the inspiration!

[@bonnyandbella2212]

I'm in love with your creativity and bubbly personality. I'm contemplating the idea of starting quilting, I have no experience and a sewing machine, watching your videos made me fall in love with quilts. Thank you so much for your tutorials, you make it look so easy, and it makes me think if a man can do it so can I . 😊

[@visuallypoetic]

I'm so stoked that I've been able to start FMQ on my 1960s Pfaff! I'm going to try this next on my sample patches :) Thanks so much Rob!

[@ManSewingVids]

Awesome! I hope you have lots of fun free motion quilting!

[@esthercadreau9021]

This guy is just GREAT, I'm so glad I found him!!

[@ManSewingVids]

+Esther Cadreau woohoo! Glad you found us too!

[@janetborchers432]

As usual I've learned something new with every Mansewing tutorial. This time I've learned that I am totally ignorant as to what a bicycle clip is!?!?!? They look very functional and I think I want some of them as I love the challenge of FMQ bed size quilts. Please, oh so knowledgeable Rob, enlighten me as to where to find them and exactly what to call them! You're the best!!!!!

[@ManSewingVids]

Thanks for watching, Janet! Bicycle clips as I call them (also called cool clips) are used to keep the project nicely rolled while working on it. You can find them here: www.missouriquiltco.com/shop/detail/49811/dritz/-/quilters-roll-clips-long-arm-6-count I hope you are having fun quilting!

[@abigailsmith962]

This series is just what I needed, thanks Rob! Your clear explanations and straightforward demonstrations are taking the fear out of FMQ. I've been trying stippling on lap quilts and table runners but didn't feel confident enough to try anything more until now. With 3 big celebration quilts to make this year your tutorials have come just in time!

[@ManSewingVids]

+Abigail Smith that's what I like to hear!! Thanks for the sweet comment!

[@darrylstrohl]

So many jewels of EXCELLENT advice! Thank you, Rob!

[@ManSewingVids]

+Darryl Strohl you rock! Thanks, man!

[@bonnielussier9295]

You are truly a great teacher. I learned a lot watching one video! Can't wait to practice and apply what I've learned.

[@kayevans8329]

Thanks again for the great video! Just the few that have been done have already helped me so much! I'm even thinking of doing my daughters king size quilt on my home machine instead of going and renting a long arm.

[@ManSewingVids]

+Kay Evans that's awesome!! We definitely want to see photos!

[@darleenehartwick9806]

I am new to fmq and I am loving it. I've watched all your videos and have practiced doodling and then just went for it. turned out beautiful, no messed up stitches front or back. thank you for your wonderful tutorials. they are very inspiring. Darleene

[@ManSewingVids]

+Darleene Hartwick that's awesome, you sound like a natural!! Make sure and send us photos!!

[@annschluchter2962]

Great tutorial, going to practice, practice and more practice! Thanks Rob for taking the time to show that free motion quilting can be so much fun.

[@lindabaker7406]

This so great I just finished medium sized 3 quilt tops and was hesitant on how to do the next step, quilting them. Your free motion steps are what I needed thanks for making them so easy to follow,we'll how well I do.

[@ManSewingVids]

+Linda Baker thanks for the rockin' comment! Glad I've helped give you the confidence to do it! Be sure and send photos of what you create, we would love to see!

[@luisagounelas7014]

Great tutorial as usual. You do have a knack for simplifying each step. And although you make it look simple I'm sure it's still going to be a bit of a challenge, but I am excited to try it. Thank you

[@ManSewingVids]

+Luisa Gounelas definitely give it a try and don't forget that practice makes perfect!

[@andreabrown5870]

I am so excited to have found your videos on FMQ. I have been teaching myself and was looking for some new ideas. These are great.

[@PowerToolsWithThread]

Very inspirational! I'm ready to move beyond the stipple and this is just what I needed to get me going on different linear designs. Can't wait to see your take on feathers. I'm horrible at them and could use some different thoughts on symmetry and process.

[@ManSewingVids]

+Power Tools with Thread so glad you enjoyed this one! Thanks for watching!!

[@loriransom384]

I was thinking , " I wish there was a tutorial on stiching and why thibgs happen" , just yesterday, I just found your page and subscribed. thanks

[@carolinebrazell1765]

Love your tutorials, I have learned a lot from you. Keep up the good work Caroline

[@leonorferries1297]

You are great teacher...See you in March, love your retreats.

[@madelynprosachik347]

I love these skills and drills! The printouts are invaluable!

[@leilanispeck2655]

Thank you so much for explaining these techniques so well! You answered a couple of issues I just had this past week and couldn't find an answer to my problem...., the too long/too short stitches when the tension is fine, so a very merry thank you for that. And to think I almost didn't watch this particular video. That would have been my bad!!

[@winterzee]

I like the exercises and I really hope you release the pattern for the big quilt, soon. I can't wait to see it finished!

[@ManSewingVids]

+winterzee we'll definitely have to do a tutorial on the whole quilt!

[@janiceconway5542]

Thank you for the tutorial and the downloadable teaching aids. I have just started quilting a year ago and been so afraid of free motion that I have only done the drawings and the practice quilting. Have not attempted on a real quilt. Looking forward to perfecting my skills.

[@ManSewingVids]

+Janice Conway sketching will help make the transition easier! That's for sure!

[@stitchwishes499]

Rob, one thing I've found helps me is to use a Frixion pen to mark my FMQ practice pieces. I circle things and leave notes on what I've done well, and mark what I want to work on next time I practice. I've improved a lot faster, this has helped me focus, it's a bit like having a teacher grade your homework and leave helpful comments. Since it's the heat eraseable marker, if my practice piece is good enough o live a life as a mug rug or something, I just erase my notes and bind it.

[@stitchwishes499]

+Rob Appell oh yeah, I'm not using Frixion for anything important. But they sure are nifty! For my practice pieces when they end up as mug rugs and such where they get used and loved, any pen marks that reappear will have to fight with tea stains for attention, lol! I've done some testing of the ink, and there is always residue left behind even though it looks invisible; who knows what that will show up as 50 years from now in an heirloom quilt, yikes!

[@emanueladavis1885]

Thanks for the uploads Rob, I am putting a book together with all these great ideas of yours to keep and be able to look back on and I think what i will do, is to do small quilts samples for the book as well....thank so much :)

[@Carolynpaul-ej9dr]

I also have 4 quilts to do and now I’m ready to start quilting them. Horray for me.

[@melindapalmer5064]

I love the square in a square drill! I'm using this on my next quilt!

[@dr.marytaber6208]

Great tutorial!! Gave me some wonderful ideas for practicing!

[@GewoonelsJustels]

Totally awesome. I am definitely getting one of those sliding mats!

[@dianabarnes5968]

Thank you so much. You make it look so easy.

[@Saucyakld]

Wow Rob, fantastic.

[@sandan2358]

I really enjoyed the triangle lesson, I will use it on a masculine quilt.

[@ellenbirnbaum5965]

Your tutorials are the greatest. I've learned so much. My only problem is getting the hand foot rhythm. Do you have any suggestions as to how I can learn to coordinate the two ?

[@leomontes5037]

OMG, my light bulb just went on, of course work one block at the time, i was doing it wrong all of this time, ii was working on the entire quilt, getting frustrated and nearly having anxiety attacks. thank you for that info.

[@Jizzibella]

Thanks Rob your videos are awesome and helpful, I have just started quilting can you please let us know what should be the thread tension while doing the machine quilting.

[@micheleflorence2313]

Love this tutorial I needed new ideas. Thanks

[@ManSewingVids]

+Michele Florence thank YOU for following along and watching this tutorial!

[@karriescott4131]

Thanks Rob! I'd like to hear your opinion on leaving the feed dogs up with SL zero to resolve tension issues. I've been trying it & I think I like it. Also, please demo the wood grain quilting.

[@karriescott4131]

+Rob Appell and that's why you're my favorite! Thanks for the response :)

[@jennifersmith3864]

Hi Rob, I love your videos and have been following you for awhile now. One thing I wanted to mention is that you tend to use dark fabric with light thread. Now I am not sure about others but I find that difficult to see. A light background fabric and dark thread would be much better for me. I hope you can find out what other people feel about this. Thanks for all your videos and helping us.

[@cjpsisco]

This is an awesome video thank you! Also, I use a tweezer to pull my short thread tails up it works wonders

[@beyondtherabbithole]

I can't wait to see more!

[@margeghostley4293]

I have just discovered your tutorials. Thanks! Great teaching and great ideas!! I have used some already on a sampler quilt. One question: I don't understand the the PDF for fixing broken threads etc. ...so if North is broken thread what does that mean I did wrong (and obviously the fix would be stop doing that) Thanks

[@LottieSue]

I just finished quilting a double bed size quilt and I hand knotted and burried all my thread ends - man was that time consuming. I see you only take a couple on stitches in the same hole to lock your threads --- can you assure me that really, really works? Have you ever had trouble with that? Your mini camera on the sewing machine is fabulous!

[@melissastiff8762]

hi Rob. I love your tutorials. very informative and easy to follow. I am close to being ready to quilt a new project and would like to try fmq on this one. do you have to pull the bobbin thread to the front or can I use my "fix" stitch button to lock my starting stitch. I have the Viking Opal 670.

[@AudreyAL6]

you are a great teacher thank you

[@ManSewingVids]

+Audrey Daigle Thanks a million! I really appreciate it!

[@bethcooley9224]

I am so very new to fmq. your tutorials are excellent. Thank you for taking time to explain. I use a Janome with a short neck. Are some machines too small for larger projects?

[@ManSewingVids]

+Beth Cooley I would say that some machines would be a little tricky but I'm talking like the sewing machines for kids that are tiny! Otherwise, with enough determination you can definitely use almost any machine!

[@bethcooley9224]

I truly appreciate your efforts and strong attitude in teaching the basics in machine quilting. Once again, thanks.

[@franrhine5905]

+Man Sewing Great lessons . Thanks for your sharing

[@cecilianyberg4941]

i must say that you had give me all the braveness I need to start this free motion machine quilting. You are a wonderful and modern teacher. I have a question...I am sorry, I do not know how many times have you receive it. How much you have to quilt in your quilt?

[@ArkansasAmyQuilts]

Omg!! I have needed this!!!!

[@irenamangone]

Thank you. Great teaching

[@SassiMarcy]

Great Advice love these drills

[@taurigal]

Another great video! I really look forward to your videos. You explain everything so well! It's almost like you're looking over my shoulder as I'm stitching - you point out and solve so many of the pitfalls I've run across in FMQ! I lost count of the "Aha, so that's why" moments for me in this video... Thank you for the help with straight lines, boxes and triangles. I still struggle with these, although they are getting better. Questions for future videos: Do you ever "puddle" your larger quilts, or do you always roll them? Have you ever used other feet when FMQ? (I find the large foot you used in this video too large for me to see my stitches well - but it came with my machine also.) Is floating or hopping better, in your opinion?

[@palmasmyth6605]

Thanks for another informative session. I have tried clipping my quilts but find they become too bulky and thick. My biggest problem is wrangling the quilt that hangs over the front so that it doesn't pull against me.

[@ManSewingVids]

+Palma Smyth I'll have to do another periscope of the contraption I've made at home to help with larger quilts!

[@deborahcain3201]

Rob....love your tutorials!! I am new to quilting and have an older Kenmore machine...1980's vintage. After checking with my favorite quilt shop....I have been unable to locate a free motion foot for my machine. It's a high slant shank machine...any suggestions? Have just finished piecing my first quilt top and will be ready to start quilting it soon.... thanks for all the wonderful info....I could watch Missouri star quilt tutorials all day!!!!!

[@morganwood1]

Ohmyword you're awesome!!! I have a 300 year old Singer (well, 60) without the ability to lower the feeddogs, and with no walking foot attachment available... let alone a free motion quilting foot. So I'm stuck with stitch in the ditch until I get a new machine... which leads me to ask... what kind are you using for this?!

[@kelliwilliams-michelucci5724]

Hey Rob! I'm loving these tutorials as I'm at the beginning of free motion quilting. You mentioned having a dedicated quilting machine...do you mean separate from the sewing machine I created the quilt top on, or a machine that does quilting stitches?

[@cathywilson3551]

thank you for doing this.. i made a gigantic top of a memory quilt from my dads old jeans and chambray shirts. how do you hold the layers together for a big project?

[@edwinrelf8454]

Good O! Do you watch the needle as you straight stitch? Also, stitching speed, are you using foot control or the stop/start button on your machine. You seem to have a very constant speed. Thanks

[@edwinrelf8454]

+Ooops - I should have watched further ... Got the answer to my questiond .... Edwin Relf

[@lauram8156]

Ok so your free motion quilting videos are GREAT....but what is that gorgeous quilt behind you? strips of bright colors all lined with black.vertical strips

[@ManSewingVids]

That is the Color Strata Quilt. Here is the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nXjaeIOaZpaSgs0

[@dollyknockers]

Ok, no excuses anymore! Time to change from 'stitch in the ditch' and try free motion.

[@ManSewingVids]

+dollyknockers you've got this!!!

[@sheilacripps9340]

Rob I love watching your tutorials, I am very new to quilting. I am getting very discouraged, I have tried numerous times on small pieces to quilt. My stitching on the back is very bad, I have clumps of thread and my machine when I use it for regular sewing the stitches also come out as if the tension is too loose (slight clumping of thread on the bottom and one can see the loops on the top of the fabric). Could you tell me what I may be doing wrong?

[@RobAppellDesigns]

+Sheila Cripps Really sounds like more tension/machine error. Maybe you could have your machine checked, and make sure you have the proper Free motion Foot, and you are lowering the presser foot lever even for FMQ. Make sure the machine is working well before you get any more frustrated.

[@sheilacripps9340]

Thank you Rob, so much. I will have the my sewing machine looked at. It is only a couple of years old.

[@tlcshandmadehayloft1448]

another great tutorial. i'm finally done with a quilt i've put hours and hours in for my husband for our anniversary (tomorrow) and started free motion on it. .....did sandwitches....looked good....looked good on top. turned it over and lets just say i've spent the last 2 hrs. RIPPING!!!! My bobbin thread is a mess!!! ive adjusted tention and have never had this problem HELP

[@sarawalden3873]

Are you using a stitch regulator? I thought that might be what the little black box is on the front of your machine. If that is the case what brand is it?

[@MrsMTMomma]

+Sara Walden It's his close up camera!

[@sarawalden3873]

I do not have a stitch regulator on my machine. Iam using a Baby Loc Jane machine for my FMQ. I am not that good on the quilts seems I do better on practice pieces I suppose because I am not fighting a larger project. Thanks ror your help. Also iinthis vidoe you mentioned that you use a Baby Loc Jane Machine at home, Do you have a stitch regulator on it if si where can I get one, are they really espensive? I am sorry for all the questions. and where do you set your tension and pressure foot pressure on the Jane? Awesome keep making good videos.

[@donnarichey144]

What is that you have on your machine? Does it help the material flow easier?

[@vaniamariamarques5893]

Thank you teacher your classes are excelent I see all and translate to understand because I am the Brazil Rio de Janeiro Copacabana know a teacher here in Brazil the patchwork is coming now we still have a lot of trouble because charge expensive your materials as ruler cutter and other things my quilt and horrible because I have trenar very lovely man thanks.

[@traceybradshaw6558]

Rob, I was wondering what stitch plate do you use for FMQ ? Do you use the single hole or the zig zag plate ?

[@mavishassman8051]

Tracey Bradshaw l

[@darleneeaton1885]

I want to make a 36 M/L inch round table topper from men's ties, What size (degree) ruler do I use?

[@ManSewingVids]

+Darlene Eaton can't say that I've made one of those, that will involve some math!!

[@jenapope8814]

Hi , you are a true teacher. When children learn to spell or count they are taught to draw imaginary lines, numbers, words, etc... in the air. They learn by habit. If you ever have watched the National spelling bees the people spell in the air before spelling out loud. Also do you use Aurifil thread with your large sewing machine? I have an Innov- Is 2800D Brother machine and cotton thread shreds. I've changed my needle etc... But I really want to try Aurifil out. Do you have any advice?

[@dwightreid2232]

Rob Appell Does that little trick with rounded needles work on any sit down mid arm machine?? That's an awesome tip!

[@loreleihawkins1109]

I cant download the practice sheets from youtube. What am I doing wrong?

[@vonniek1641]

Hi rob, the link for the practice sheets is not working thanks

[@doritpittman8494]

Hey Rob, what about ruler quilting?

[@darleneappleman3911]

I love free motion quilting on my new janome 740dc sewist

[@virginiaschweigert8160]

I can never get these to download 😢

[@joboswell29]

Thank you so much

[@heathertaylor4677]

What model number is your foot?

[@kathyf3656]

I like the first two exercises, but I would make them much bigger and more open. A quilt should be soft and fluffy. The tight lines of the last one, the echo quilting, are much too close, in my opinion. Tight quilting makes the finished quilt feel hard and rigid, like the moving pads on a U-Haul truck. Stiff quilts are fine for fancy quilt shows and wall hangings, but they aren't inviting to cuddle up with. I make mine soft for babies, kids, and for cuddling on the couch on a cold night.

[@collettewilson5768]

i have always taken the top thread and pulled it to the back close to the bobbin thread and then tied them together ---so if the owner of the quilt pulls on a loose thread they won't pull the quilt apart ---lol

[@learntocrochet1]

You are the ONLY person posting about echo quilting who explains HOW to do it! Thanks!