the art of mctavishing: a free-motion quilting technique

[@sweettennesseelife1665]

I have been dipping my toes into the water of FMQ on my domestic machine. I really appreciate seeing a demo on a stationary machine. thank you to both of you!!!!

[@bettethompson8750]

I should not have watched this! 😂 I have never quilted, but just recently started sewing again. I was looking for cool techniques to make my projects unique, and saw your video. I am hooked, bye bye current projects! Beautiful instructions, and I am save this video to return to as reference. Thank you for sharing your talent!

[@KarenMcTavish]

best video comment ever!!!!

[@mariejohns1387]

Normally I seldom ever watch an hour long video. This is literally the best most educating video I have ever seen!! I feel like I could go upstairs and blow out a whole cloth quilt in a few hours!! I love your style Karen and not just the quilting but the way you teach it is fantastic!!! Very talented.

[@susieqmcf]

Ditto!!!!

[@maggiehallinan1771]

Agreed!! 🤩

[@astorybookfinish5055]

Totally agree. And I feel like I could do domestic machine quilting now like her. guest.

[@jessicatexasjh]

Agree

[@lynnbackhaus9412]

When I look at the finished blick I get scared off of doing this intense of quilting. But watching you and the progression that takes place wowed me! You are truly A master.

[@kathleenthompson3676]

Absolutely beautiful work.

[@jessicatexasjh]

This is the best video I have ever seen!!!!

[@KarenMcTavish]

Awww thank you! That means a lot!!😀

[@louveniaaustin7535]

I had you all to myself back when you had room in your schedule...I flew out to Duluth from Los Angeles and you and your phenomenal skills were mine for a full total day...one of the bigtime highlights of my quilting life!!...and yes, I have ALL THE BOOKS!! Lou Austin from Cali.

[@KarenMcTavish]

Thank you Lou!!🥰

[@karencutchey2905]

Wow. Absolutely stunning. I will try this soon! Just started my long arm journey! Doing BIG stippling so far!

[@KarenMcTavish]

@@karencutchey2905 best journey ever!!

[@fernemcallister6774]

Wonderful!

[@blancavr1]

This was mesmerizing. 😊

[@jennifersdoglife]

This is fabulous! I actually doodle this way and now I know how to quilt my doodles. Your teaching is superb! "McTavish the crap out of it" love this statement. Thank you.

[@virginiawilkinson5038]

Beautiful ❤️

[@podunkpretties]

I could watch you quilt all day. You're my quilting hero. I have a cheap Bailey Home quilter on a frame. Your books(I own them all) and videos have helped me to quilt like I own a big girl machine. The one quote you made years ago that stuck in my head and pushed me to keep going was.....Quilt out of your comfort zone, you won't regret it.

[@marlashaw2748]

I'm just learning and found her by accident and I plan on looking for her books now that I know they exist. Thank you for sharing your experience

[@oldschoolfoil2365]

@@marlashaw2748 Her?

[@StephRenee812]

I made one quilt. I love making things. Crochet is what I can't seem to put down fir very long. But I'm ready to make another quilt one for my daughter. I. So glad I found you. I have probably the worst sewing machine to do large projects on but I made it work once I'm sure it will be a little easier this time. Thank you fir tbis great video.

[@joyglass4470]

This looks like my note taking in school🤣 . Now I can't wait to apply all that ''note taking'' to something amazing and useful - quilting!! ❤

[@marciacraft9110]

I hav e been wanting to use your method for so long!!! Thank you for this!

[@melodicovington1667]

I learn from this video every time I watch it! Thank you both!!

[@TheCussinQuilter]

Gorgeous!!

[@KarenMcTavish]

Thank you ❤️ Ingrid!!

[@frankdearr2772]

Great video, thanks for sharing it 👍

[@wyndiefeatherstone948]

I sew clothing and I have been mulling over doing something on the back of a jacket and honestly I cannot think of anything more beautiful than to do this on one !!

[@CherryBlossomHill]

Stunning! Did not know you were on you tube!

[@sterling4271]

This is, and you are, AWESOME!

[@angelavaladez6450]

You have a new student!! Thank for opening a whole new quilting zone for me which I think I will love and will fit my personality.. thank you

[@kimberlyoboyle451]

McOBoyling lolol This looks like a lot of fun! I doodle like this so it would be second nature

[@esperansaloughran693]

Thank you! this is so so helpful!

[@mehtarelingolien]

Makes me think of a Zentangle. Stunning work!

[@morganosborne9258]

Fantastic This just makes me want to play. That is the very best thing about quilting for me-playtime.

[@wtexpricklypear]

Thank you! After being in a rut...with your help I got recharged!

[@denisebetts4738]

Thanks for the great information.

[@LUCINDA2789]

This is how I quilt free motion quilting some day long arm This is cool and easy So I will try it it’s kind of like Doodling. Thanks for sharing this .

[@ginapendle2379]

I am not a quilter, but I am fascinated. Absolutely mesmerised with your work. Beautiful

[@janetbaba6315]

Awesome. So relaxing watching your beautiful art. Thank you

[@lindastevens8392]

Do you change your needle size depending on the weight of thread you use?

[@KarenMcTavish]

I use the same needle for all the threads I use - skinny thread to 40 weight - I am using the MR4 needle by Gross Beckert

[@lindastevens8392]

@@KarenMcTavish Thank you!

[@karenyoho1466]

You are incredible!

[@jamesngaluola6031]

Thanks for sharing this video, sew fabulous.

[@astorybookfinish5055]

Fabulous! Thank you 🙏🏻

[@sandrews5799]

Wow! The best tutorial in quilting I’ve ever seen. Thank you. I will be definitely trying “mctavishquilting”. Love 💕 it!

[@KarenMcTavish]

Thank you so much!! Yay! 😃

[@sandrews5799]

@@KarenMcTavish I have been struggling with my longarm for a while. I think I have every ruler available, and still couldn’t manage to quilt something original or simple, without so much planning and thinking. I didn’t know about you. Your video appeared on my quilting stuff on KZbin. It’s my first time watching you. I immediately loved it! It makes more sense than anything else I’ve watched. Yours is natural, and I love it because it’s whatever you want, it’s organic, and non stressful. Yet the end product is so beautiful!! I’m grateful to you for giving me the inspiration I needed, to not be so intimidated and afraid.

[@cherismith3585]

So talented. Thank you for sharing!

[@shaunaihle218]

This is my first video with you and I loved it. Very motivating.

[@maryellenseifert7343]

Thanks for the video. It gives me ideas now to try.

[@giovannazahler4292]

Such beautiful work!! Great job. I love it

[@FallenAngel0364]

I haven’t quilted in a long time, but I so enjoyed watching you today!

[@donaldcunningham7683]

This the Art part of quilting. Excellent work !

[@cyndieallen2204]

I love your teaching style. You make it look so easy. Thank you for breaking it down. I feel that I can do this better having watching and listening to you as you quilt.

[@kayceegreer4418]

I am Absolutely in love with flourishes of any kind

[@CarmenGarcia-fe8jw]

Great job

[@nikkiec6]

😮❤❤😮 I love this tutorial. I just wish I was able to do this. Unfortunately due to sight issues I can no longer free motion quilt, I now quilt with rulers and was wondering could this be done using them? Would love to hear your feedback. X

[@KarenMcTavish]

you should do what feels easiest for you! Thank you 😊

[@nancyguss6739]

I love your quilting style. It's beautiful.

[@TheJAG1357]

Fantastic video. Thank you.

[@szelop]

I really liked the way the silk thread looked! Thanks for showing the difference!

[@bjune1285]

Wow! You have opened up a whole new world for me, quilting outside the box!

[@vickiserre9457]

I will only wish to get a fraction of your skill. You are truly an artist

[@kathyzoll6886]

I am happy to have found you. I'm off to go practice this, thank you!!

[@marlashaw2748]

This is ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL!!!! Thank you so much for sharing your skills 😍

[@kellisstudio4660]

Thanks for the new channel! We have waited so long for the Muskie queen!!!!

[@joankiely3614]

An absolutely fabulous video. Really new to me & you made it look so very easy, which I’m sure it isn’t 😳 Explained really well & the demo was fantastic. Many thanks for taking the time to show. Just loved it! Cheers 😊🥰❤️💕😘😍

[@KarenMcTavish]

Aww thanks Joan!!! 🥰😍🥰😍🥰

[@rubyrhines7104]

Fabulous, absolutely fabulous. I have watched your video twice now and it motivated me each time. I find that I pick up things I didn't see the first time. Thank you for the gift you have given us!

[@joycesmith1270]

Beautiful, thank you for sharing with us.

[@penelopepenobscot4475]

Just what I needed. Thank you.

[@beverleybrowning3480]

Wonderful inspiration! Thanks so much for demonstrating your techniques. What kind of batting do you prefer for these methods? Cheers from🇨🇦🍁

[@lynnstratton2890]

Thank you for your incredible inspiration!

[@sandrareitnauer5033]

LOVE this! I'm new to longarm quilting and I can do this! Thanks!

[@bjworksit1174]

Thank you for sharing. This is so helpful and your work is beautiful.

[@janetcorrao5072]

Wow. Thank you for the permission to McTavish the heck out of my quilt!! I was at a crossroad in a sampler quilt, and had too much space around hexagons...now I can use your method to doodle my way through! Sometimes you just need a positive word to do what you want!!

[@cmclaren7]

The motion of McTavishing pulls me into the quilt like no other pattern. I feel like I'm traveling. This video was particularly helpful in explaining the technique.

[@LTDQuilting]

I took class with you many years ago at Sewfari in Kearney, NE and I have used your technique on so many customer quilts since then! Thank you so much for sharing your art with us, and making it achievable! :) Sandi Griepenstroh

[@reason5591]

You are an amazing instructor! I subscribed 😉 thank you so much!!!

[@Looky.lookyhere]

I loved all of it. Thanks for the video and the tips on nylon and silk thread. Definitely gonna try this out.

[@elisagalery1598]

I’m a big fan! I love this pattern and it looks so fun to do! I’m going to try it today!

[@garethvanallen7835]

I absolutely love your quilting and your teaching style! I'd love to see more videos from you, please! You are amazing!

[@KarenMcTavish]

We uploaded 14 videos on my channel. We will keep adding more tutorials!

[@TheKitty1952]

This was relaxing and inspiring! I forwarded this to my son who teaches 3rd grade. Great for creative drawing exercises, too.

[@MamguSian]

So inspiring! Thank you 😍💖

[@anneirenej]

I love your style of quilting. It feels so free and i feel like i want to try it out. Thanks for sharing your techniques.

[@karenhubler2792]

Beautiful. thank you. I learned a lot.

[@Dogscatsdonkeys]

This is so beautiful! I've always loved art nouveau and doodle just like your drawings. You are very inspiring for this beginner. Thankyou! ❤️🕊❤️

[@karendarrall2196]

Wow, I just had the best breakfast session ever! This is this first time I have seen your technique and you have opened up a whole new perspective to my quilting. I have a good sized, nested quilting/sewing machine and am ready to take this on. Can't wait to see what else you have out there.

[@cherylnewell9806]

Karen I was wondering if you have or maybe come up with, a fabric that you can order and have preprinted McTavishing on it. Maybe wholecloth that you can practice or use it as a table runner.

[@KarenMcTavish]

You could practice drawing on paper, then use a fabric marking pen such as the disappearing purple ink pen that disappears in 2-3 days and draw directly on the fabric as a way to practice!!

[@sharonhargreaves6814]

Hello, this is the first time I have seen your video. I would love to be able to quilt like this. Thank you

[@georgiamccroy6527]

I have all of your books and love your technique. I actually got to learn it from you (at least the basics) at an APQS demonstration day in Minneapolis many years ago. Still love it! Currently working on a trap unto project based on your book.

[@jackietschantz]

Wow. Just wow. ❤️❤️👍

[@lindadittrich151]

Where have you been all my short quilting life? I LOVE your quilting! Thank you sooooo much for sharing! One question, what is scroll mode? I've never heard of that... go figure, since I know pretty much nothing. Thank you!!!

[@KarenMcTavish]

I guess it’s my version of non-stitch regulation and a commitment to doing scrolls. Going Scroll Mode. Lol

[@lindadittrich151]

Lol

[@theclosetquilterelliemiria198]

when you have silk thread on it's 100wt.. what do you have in the bobbin? The same? what weight?

[@KarenMcTavish]

I usually use a 60 weight pre-wound bobbin from Hab & Dash.

[@tinacostner3069]

Thank you ❤. I think my problem is I’m quilting entirely to fast. This video has really helped

[@KarenMcTavish]

Quilting fast works but taking off the stitch regulation is the trick!

[@tinacostner3069]

@@KarenMcTavish I’ll do that. Awesome Thank you!!

[@pauladengel6994]

Wonderful video, I just love mctavishing but had no idea where to start, now I can't wait to give it a go. But I have a question - what Size needle do you use on a longarm machine when you use the silk thread. Thanks so much you are so inspiring.

[@KarenMcTavish]

Thanks for the question. I don’t size down or size up my needle when using silk thread. You can use the needle that your machine was timed with. That’s the best plan.

[@sandrastitt527]

Love it

[@RhodeToPrepping]

Awesome

[@roseannecarratkinson4271]

What do you suggest to make the area under the quilt move easier for us domestic machine quilters? I get my muscles tied up in knots and have a migraine the next day because of it. I keep saying one day I will own a long arm. It would be so much easier.

[@KarenMcTavish]

Longarming is faster & sooooo much easier on the body. We rent longarms at the studio!! We can also teach advanced quilting on a longarm. Feel free to consider coming to Duluth Minnesota!!

[@beverleybrowning3480]

I use a DSM Husqvarna with an extension table and have used a "Supreme slider". However I seem to rip those a lot on the needle when I have to change the bobbin. Now I've tried the Sew Steady slider which works a lot better for me (18x20"). Make sure to use gloves as well (I actually use garden gloves from the dollar store). They say it's best to have your arms at a 90 degree angle to your stitching surface so there's less tension on your shoulders & neck. Maybe you need to take more breaks in between and use neck and shoulder stretches so you don't get headaches?

[@roseannecarratkinson4271]

@@beverleybrowning3480 I have the sew steady extension table on my Sapphire 960Q. I use gloves too. I can quilt my mini quilts and table runners fine. I don't make throw quilts they are all big bed quilts. I have 30 quilts hanging in my closet patiently waiting for me to quilt them. Lol

[@beverleybrowning3480]

@@roseannecarratkinson4271 Is that a slider on your extension table? I have the extension table and put the Sew Steady slider on it. Is that what you mean?

[@roseannecarratkinson4271]

@@beverleybrowning3480 It's the sew steady extension table. I think that's what its called. Instead of the regular base that comes with the machine, I bought it to make my surface area bigger.

[@kathleenthompson3676]

Always dream big.

[@thisisme64T]

What kind of machine is that at minute 41 and where can you get one?

[@KarenMcTavish]

The machine is a Millie from APQS - I am a APQS showroom and instructor. let me know if you’d like to visit us in Minnesota!

[@thisisme64T]

@@KarenMcTavish I would love to but I cannot. I live overseas. Thanks for the invitation though. Are there any dealers in Europe?

[@tscarborough2196]

On E2E Mctavishing would you mark small seas?

[@KarenMcTavish]

This technique is a free motion design - non-computerized.

[@tscarborough2196]

@@KarenMcTavish yes I know. I have small quilt that I would like to McTavishing the whole quilt Would you suggest to break into small areas?

[@KarenMcTavish]

@@tscarborough2196 I’m flying blind here. The best I can say, without seeing your quilt…I use the free motion technique for pushing back backgrounds so piecing can pop up. I generally don’t use this technique as an all over design. If you are practicing on a piece of fabric without piecing - mark some registration lines to get some ideas on starting and stopping.

[@tscarborough2196]

@@KarenMcTavish thanks that's what I needed to know. I feel honored that you answered my question so promptly. Be honest I did not to expect to hear from you. You are so busy. Dea Crandall directed me to your quilting. She gifted me one of your books. Thanks again.

[@sandraflintoff5132]

Hey Karen, enjoyed the video. You’re right it is very inspiring. When you do the very small quilting are you using the Quilt Glide option?

[@KarenMcTavish]

You can use the quilt glide option - it will make things a lot smoother when using stitch regulation. I believe I’m in non-stitch regulation in this video. This is a great time to use quilt glide in SR mode - your stitches will be more even than mine lol!

[@sandrastitt527]

What size spool can U buy with your 100 wt silk thread. R they small ? Can U get 2000-3000 yds on a spool ?

[@KarenMcTavish]

Any silk thread will work as long as it’s in a vertical cone. Hab & Dash sells a silk spool called Allure. You can google it. It’s 500 yards but it’s very thin so you have to test run it on your machine. 500 yards is a lot of thread when it’s 100 weight silk. You might only need 2-3 spools because it’s so thin.

[@sandrastitt527]

@@KarenMcTavish Thank U so much ! I love your work. I have bought your books for years.

[@kathleenswan4184]

What thread weight would you recommend?

[@KarenMcTavish]

I love Glide thread. 40 weight on top with 60 weight on the bobbin

[@karenyoho1466]

My name is Karen and I'm wondering if I change my last name to McTavish can I do this? 🥴

[@KarenMcTavish]

The Karen’s!!!!!

[@teralee4987]

I met you years ago at a quilt fair in Abbotsford BC that I tagged along too with my quilter mom - I had never sewn before and had zero interest in quilting at the time, but wanted to spend some time with my mom. Fast forward 5 or 6 years, and I'm finally just getting into quilting, and all my inspiration I find online of what I'd like to learn to do has lead me back to you! Thank you for the superb tutorial and the constant inspiration

[@sandrastitt527]

R U still using a Gammill or did U get a new machine?What brand ?

[@sandrastitt527]

What kind of thread do U use for your McTasvising ?

[@KarenMcTavish]

@@sandrastitt527 I use Silk (Allure) and Glide by Hab & Dash.

[@KarenMcTavish]

I have been an APQS owner & representative since 2001. Love my Millie & Freddie.

[@sandrastitt527]

@@KarenMcTavish oh I didn’t know. Like the arms

[@terismith9924]

Love this Karen. So you have Millie in unregulated or glide mode?

[@KarenMcTavish]

No stitch regulation. Try it! It’s much easier to control your designs!

[@terismith9924]

@@KarenMcTavish thanks! I will as soon as customer quilts are out the door for holidays. Taking 6 weeks off to play with my own stuff and this is great inspiration. Thanks again for great video!

[@sandrastitt527]

Where did U say I got that 100 silk thread ?

[@KarenMcTavish]

Hab & Dash!! It’s called Allure.

[@sandrastitt527]

@@KarenMcTavish How large R your spools!

[@KarenMcTavish]

@@sandrastitt527 I use the large cones - but you can buy spools

[@carmenbailey1560]

👍❤️😊

[@галинанагорская-д7г]

Сколько же стоит такая машинка

[@РаисаБублик-х8с]

Как красиво