Quilting with Rulers on a Domestic Home Sewing Machine: Everything a Beginner Needs to Know

[@TinyOrchardQuilts]

Good Morning Everyone! I recorded this video a while back as part of the free motion quilting series I did in January! You can check out the first few videos of that series here if you missed them: kzbin.info/aero/PLEivWFjX-fGpu8M1G-M-D_q0eyGMXSO5r Today I'm working on a special project for this summer--I can't wait to share it with you all!

[@gordonpayton4846]

A trick: you can watch series at flixzone. I've been using it for watching a lot of movies during the lockdown.

[@rylandecker2503]

@Gordon Payton yea, been watching on flixzone for since december myself :D

[@jackiebeck1427]

Thanks for the in-depth, simple instructions!

[@patriciabrown6408]

Thank you, I really enjoyed your instructions, you have a wonderful way of explaining. Looking forward to watching more of your videos.

[@jgferrario]

I really appreciate your details and style of explaining.

[@annenelson5170]

I really like this instructor. She explains things well and is organized well. Also, she has a great personality.

[@maryboyer9659]

I have to thank you. After listening to your videos, I absolutely believe that I can do this! Thank you for being so relaxed in your presentation and giving me encouragement to try something new knowing that it’s okay to make mistakes!

[@rebeccacravens1487]

I sooo love your videos! You are clear and concise, have a lovely soft calm voice, and seem to enjoy what you’re doing. Thank you for your very helpful videos.

[@karenbirckhead3101]

Hello! Merry Christmas to you and yours! I am so excited to find your videos again and look forward to following your expert instruction. Will you be making more videos? Thank you so much!🤗

[@KathleenMcDermott-i2y]

Thank you so much for putting this video on you tube, i think that maybe I will now be able to free motion quilt now, thank you sooo much x

[@conqueringmountscrapmorewi2509]

So many great tips on using rulers to quilt. I'm having so much trouble with this concept. Thank you for your inspiration and for all that you do.

[@insqsq4533]

I am new to quilting, thank you for your video, just want to say you are great to watch such a lovely and happy persona

[@patriciasmith9039]

Excellent video…this is totally new to me, and I’ve been sewing for over 50 years…

[@ThomiBMcIntyre]

You are an excellent teacher. I’ve been away from quilting for 20 years and boy have things changed! I’m excited by the possibilities with FMQ, but for now I’m going to be trying it with my Singer 66 treadle. Dreaming of a Juki….

[@jacquelineblack5801]

Ok so definitely looks like I need to practice. Ty for all the great tips.

[@Renee-iz3ku]

I just love watching you. You are so genuine....I LOVE seeing the mistakes that you make. Not that I’m glad you made a mistake, but it makes you seem real !!!! Keep up the fabulous videos....

[@mariod7473]

Wow, you are a great teacher......I will watch and rewatch this.....

[@irenecoermann2439]

You explain everything really well! Thank you. I love combining ruler work with fmq!

[@sisiepuntil-wilcek8871]

Great job explaining quilting with rulers.

[@susanwilson5101]

I have only just found you and boy am I glad ! I have so much I wanna say . I finally got my big domestic machine a Janome so that it would be easier to FMQ on lately I have pieces several quilts and I’m ready to really learn FMQ. I have done a couple baby blankets with the stipple or ironed some lines in and followed that way which looked great but since I found you I have learned quite a bit. I hope that you will teach more beginner designs please. I follow everything you teach you have a gift young lady. You have another follower thank you .

[@lynneyavaraski5888]

You’ve inspired me to get my rulers out and try this again. You explain things so well. Love your videos!

[@dimples6596]

🎉 Wow! Such an awesome video! As a newbie quilter, this was explained so clearly at just the right cadence. Thanks so much! ❤

[@mariannegarascia3730]

Live your videos, nice pace, easy to understand. And especially nice that you explain why you do what you do. Big fan!

[@grannygamerquilter]

Excellent tutorial! I love all your videos. Thanks so much for sharing your expertise, as you have helped me tremendously. :)

[@shellyjacob6037]

Thank you for your video. It was very informative for me as a beginner.

[@KathleenMcDermott-i2y]

Wow, so love your videos, you are so talented x

[@cjane51]

Glad you’re back with another great video. Thanks

[@katoz97]

I've done straight lines with rulers on my long arm and it worked great! I was so intimidated initially but finally used it. I need to try curved!!

[@samcraftstoo7616]

I was bought some quilting ruler's and was really excited after watching how to videos, but just felt like I was fighting my sewing machine. I like how you explain everything, after watching your tutorial I'll check that I have the right foot and try again as I really like the effects. Thank you. XOXO ❤️💗💝💖👏👍

[@esthercoar5464]

thank you so much. looking forward to watching your videos.

[@sheilaschmitt383]

Thank you for a very good video. Very informative.

[@lorettaweaver5588]

Love your instructions

[@joantomlin7281]

I appreciate that you provide solid instruction

[@reginakingham363]

I absolutely love you videos! thank you

[@elsafischer3247]

Thank you I was giving the rules from Bernina and I used them once. Now I would tried it again from Switzerland

[@4xMema]

Megan, love your videos and teaching technique! What brand are (or where may I find) the 2 curved (arced) rulers?

[@amandamorrisey271]

Thank you!! I am getting my single needle hole plate to do FMQ on my domestic today! I have a quilt that I’m planning on doing Petals in solid light grey and want them to be really good!

[@TinyOrchardQuilts]

Exciting! I hope you enjoy it! I'm sure it will be amazing :)

[@dhines3804]

This was really helpful and what I was looking to learn about. Thanks!

[@lorettahenderson8979]

Thank you Megan❤

[@patriciamoller3060]

Many thankyous for explaining so very well

[@bluestarhealingangels9162]

This very helpful we’re going to be learn how to do ruler work very helpful hope to see more maybe you in action on the long arm thankyou we’re sharing this in our quilt group..!!

[@carmenbailey1560]

Great demonstration, thanks for sharing 👍❤️😊

[@darshnarach8889]

Thank you this is soo useful

[@SewFun]

Thank you for another great video. The thing I struggle most with when quilting on my domestic machine is the bulk of the quilt. I do fine when I practice on small sandwiches but when I get to the large quilt I struggle. I'd love to see your tips for that. Can't wait to see what you are working on!

[@veroburkellcjeffburke3973]

Hi Teresa, I have a suggestion for you. I've made several Quilt as you go which helps tremendously with the large sized quilts. Have you tried that method? Debby (not Jeff)

[@TinyOrchardQuilts]

That’s definitely a struggle!! I’ve tried some clips and stuff but the thing that helped most was just having a really big table around my machine to support the quilt and just focusing on one small area. I used to move my machine to my dining room table and take the space over for quilting! It’s definitely possible to do a big quilt though-I quilted an 80x100 quilt on my regular machine before I got my longarm!

[@lisk3822]

Perfect video. I want to learn this method.

[@suzanneritchie7048]

Thank you... this is where I was having trouble. Holding the ruler from sliding all over the board. I watched your hand placement intensely... I need to learn ruler quilting..

[@lwest5686]

I'd like to see this being done on an actual quilt and how one rotates the bulky quilt while sewing with these rulers.

[@mairbyo3515]

I am interestd in the feather pattern for free motion quilting. Thanks

[@tina3247]

I have learned a lot about free motion quilting from your four videos. I love your teaching style. I appreciate the details that you give. I’m ready to start free motion and ruler quilting. What kind of thread do you recommend?

[@juliebute905]

Love your videos!

[@jodihensley6299]

Love this video. I’d love to see it on long arm as well

[@judyromanowski436]

Great tips! I have the same machine ❤

[@cynthiastark7258]

Great tutorial.

[@deborahpierce1504]

I love your tutorials! Where can I buy the rulers?

[@MsChris23456]

What stitch size do you recommend? I'm practicing and practicing with your instructions and hints. I'm improving. Thank you.

[@jeanfeeley2802]

Thank you for information. I have a juki similar to yours--what are your settings on the machine and what thread do you normally quilt with when doing the rulerwork? thanks

[@kathyboggess7263]

This is an excellent video but I didn't see anything about machine settings but maybe I missed it. Do we leave feed dogs up for ruler work (like when using a walking foot)? And if feed dogs are up, what stitch setting is recommended to start?

[@maryannecadd796]

I enjoyed this video, although I consider myself to be "ruler challenged". I've tried but get frustrated easily. I think I need to practice more before going full throttle! You make this look so easy so I think I need to slow down, be more patient and give her another try. Thanks for sharing your tips!

[@laurenroller887]

Love this video! One thought - I have a low shank Babylock domestic machine and have used 1/8 inch rulers (the same width as rotary rulers) for heavily ruler quilting two large quilts without problems. The traditional 1/4 inch long arm quilting rulers unfortunately literally don't fit next to my shank so I can't use them. I'm always careful - I agree with the risks - but I think it is safe enough for those without a high shank domestic machine who want to ruler quilt and couldn't otherwise. I definitely use the branded ruler foot for the machine though and am careful with the foot pressure and ruler handling. :)

[@m0ther0ne]

You can get low shank ruler feet now.

[@florencestrickland6670]

I have the same problem. The low shank ruler foot does not fit. At least the ones I ordered from Amazon.

[@susanmartinez1485]

Megan, I love your tutorials! You are a very good instructor! Also, I really like the lipstick color you are wearing today. Can you tell me the brand and color? Thank you!

[@jeaniem7756]

Great video, what is the name of the quilt behind you? So pretty!

[@chi2tan]

Thank you so much.

[@margaretlewis2289]

Hi Megan. Just bought a juki Miyabi sit down long arm machine. The store is recommending only using Glide brand thread and an 18 needle for best results. Do you only use Glide thread on your Juki? Please name other brands you’ve used and were happy with results. Love your detailed info videos. Thank you

[@spiveytina]

I’m a beginner. Thanks for the tips. I received slim at Christmas. I have a dm, juki, the hzl f600. When I tried to place my ruler behind the foot, it clamped down on my ruler, stopping progress. A tip, once I reduced the pressure on my presser foot, there was enough clearance to quilt freely on the back side of my foot. Keep your hands and fingertips, out from under there! I quilted a straight line with my feed dogs down! Yay!

[@jacquielawrence5670]

Thank you. I will have another try with my set. I can't seem to get my stitches even when I use ruler

[@karenbeatty1428]

so helpful!!! I wan to start free motion quilting but feel like ruler quilting would be a better place for me to start. I am going to buy a ruler foot and rulers but first I have to decide what (under %600) machine to buy. I have done a lot of research...what do you recommend?

[@barbarawhite5240]

Thank you Megan for this wonderful ruler tutorial.. Could you please send the name of the company where you purchased your ruler

[@MarkDevine-j6f]

When using a domestic sewing machine, do you recommend using a polyester thread?? I was using my 100% aurifil thread and seem to have a lot of breakage.

[@lynneschultz316]

In my hunt for the two curved rulers, I went to your Pinterest and Instagram accounts. You have made and done so much for someone so young! Back to the curved rulers…I went to the Quilted Pineapple site. Found the small one (BFF - QP Curve Template). Which larger curve ruler do you have: #12, 15, or 20? Thx so much!

[@4xMema]

Same question here! Where did you fi d the smaller one?

[@florencestrickland6670]

Where can I buy the quilting foot for the rulers. The ones I ordered from Amazon does not work on my brother machines. The fabric will not move.

[@lauracurry9917]

Is this foot considered a hopping foot? I like that it doesn’t jump up and down.

[@Renuewspa]

Do you hav links of the products you recommend?

[@melaniemckenzie1484]

The tutorial was great but you missed out on talking about high shank and low shank machines and rulers.

[@yasminmajors5245]

Can you use that same foot for free motion quilting without a ruler or would you have to change the foot for that?

[@meretenormann-nielsen7036]

I frequently use the ruler foot for both ruler work and free motion. Works for me 😉🤓👍

[@alyssademetrakis2344]

I also have a juki, what brand quilt needles do you use?

[@sfbdurand]

What is the best stitch size to use?

[@loycehenderson7346]

Where can I purchase this attachment?

[@melodyloveless4502]

Do you sell the ruler foot and rulers?

[@sandybeach368]

should we try to quilt over/across the seams, to hold them down over time? or is quilting only to hold together the batting? (functionally speaking)

[@TinyOrchardQuilts]

I don't know if there is a hard and fast rule here but I can tell you what I do: If I have a quilt that feels pretty fragile (hand pieced/epp/antique top for example), I will do a dense allover design. That will put less stress on the seams holding the top together since they are secured to the batting and backing more frequently. You could also do some custom-style work on it but since that so often means stitching in the ditch, I avoid it because I don't want to strain the seams any more than I have to.

[@Jin04115]

Can you use a darning foot? I'm cheap and a Juki ruling foot is expensive 😔nvm just watched the entire video.😔

[@brendaschaub8292]

What stitch length do you use?

[@TinyOrchardQuilts]

I generally sew with a 1.8 when I’m piecing. It’s a lot smaller than what other people I see use but I think it gives me a stronger seam for pressing open.

[@glorialindstrom6247]

I can not see either the rulers, or the design with your choice of colours…..

[@sspetersen1202]

I can’t stand with to many explanation and less sewing. To much bla… bla… bla for a simple things 🙄

[@aw3277]

Lots of energy and enthusiasm here. Consider using your hands out of the video as the waving is causing motion sickness. Over explaining. But thanks.

[@handiann]

A helpful video, but please stop saying ‘kind of’ every few words! Once you notice it, it’s impossible not to notice it!!

[@miketa87]

What a great video... thank you! Excited to try ruler work! 📏 📐