Free Motion Quilt Along ~ Quilt Along Sampler Quilt

❤️ Free motion quilt along ~ Quilt along sampler quilt ❤️Make a gorgeous FREE MOTION SAMPLER QUILT with me. Fast, easy, fun free motion sampler quilt sew along! I will take you step by step and show you how to quilt as you go on a free motion sampler quilt. Quilt along with me 💜
Q: My stitches are skipping BIG?
A: Could be many things. Here are some major culprits.
1. Try a new needle.
2. Is needle sitting up "snug" where it should be?
3. I use a topstitch 80/12 needle(good % of quilters use this but it's not the only option of course).
4. Thread -try a dif thread (thread does go bad).
5. A lot of quilters use cotton thread but I personally use "Superior Polyester Thread" (cotton "drags" in my machine).
6. Adjust your foot height- you don't want it smashing your fabric/but you don't want it too high either....just hover over fabric.
7. Your hand speed and foot pedal speed should be in balance....slowing your hands to meet your foot speed could be the problem.
8. If your fabrics are really thick then this could cause skipping...try going at a "snail pace" for a minute and see if the skipping stops..if so then that is the reason.
Find links to everything I used to make this free motion sampler quilt down below🤓
Amazon Affiliates:
My cordless iron here: amzn.to/3m3d1Ji
2.5" x 18" ruler here: amzn.to/3F4Qrsu
12.5" square ruler here: amzn.to/3m0Rm4l
Riley Blake White Quilting cotton here: amzn.to/3o7V1A7
Gorgeous Floral Fabric here: amzn.to/3APoT7O
Floral quilting cotton here: amzn.to/3lZI8FE
Superior white "so fine" thread here: amzn.to/3ofMMSJ
Superior topstitching needles 80/12 here: amzn.to/2XSHWzC
Disappearing marking tool here: amzn.to/39C0pmC
White cotton batting here: amzn.to/3AQMIvS
#freemotionsamplerquilt
#thesewingchannel
#quiltalong

[@ceceliaprice1735]

I am SO grateful that I stumbled across your channel. I have been begging ones to teach me FMQ, with no success. I've checked fabric stores in my area and they didn't have any classes. I've tried going solo with not much success. THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! For these videos that teach me how to do and start and even continue my progress. THANK you!!!

[@sharonframpton1887]

Goodmorning! Boy do i need these videos! Thanks Tracy!

[@leneprior9392]

Cannot wait to try this method! Love the way you explain each step and especially the butting of the batting Blessings to you and your projects

[@esperansaloughran693]

Great idea, to do a free motion quilt along!

[@JudithBrummett]

I saved this series till I got my machine that I plan to use3 for just quilting. So NOW! I have it and im starting. Woohoo!!!!

[@TheSewingChannel]

Well Judith...lucky you💛 I've been waiting on fabric to be delivered to finish this quilt....so it's not done yet...Hopefully we will get it finished by this summer✅ more to come✅

[@nyateal7820]

i want to thank you....everytime im discouraged...i replay you videos.... you're an awesome support for quilters.... you're in my top six of quilter supporters ❤️👍

[@TheSewingChannel]

Thank you so much for the encouragement. I appreciate your support❤️

[@esperansaloughran693]

Looks so nice and flat!

[@BlackbearyForest]

Tracy, you may have just saved my last hairs from being pulled out of my head. lol You may not remember but I emailed you at the end of last year about the Juki 150. I used your affiliate link to make my purchase. I love this machine for piecing. BUT....I'm trying to learn FMQ and she and I have words every time. lol I've listened to quite a few videos about FMQ and not one of them gave me the nugget of information you gave me in this video that may solve my problem. I am constantly breaking and shredding thread. I have changed needles, changed thread, re-threaded the machine over and over. I have to walk away at times from the sheer frustration I have felt. lol I was watching your current video and thought hmmm maybe Tracy talks about FMQ so I found your FMQ quilt along videos. Thank you so much for talking about this issue so soon in the series. I practiced briefly and tried not moving my fabric in too many directions and not one shred or break. I will give it a better test tomorrow when I am fresh. If this solves my problem I will be forever grateful to you!!! Thank you again!!! Laurie

[@esperansaloughran693]

Well done, great video!

[@debmetheral6596]

Just found you and I’m going to do this I love white quilts. I hate meandering but I will do it. Thank you

[@suetwarowski9176]

Leah Day has a great instructional video on meandering. I recommend it highly.

[@TheSewingChannel]

*_I'll check it out! Thank you for the info Sue💛_*

[@crissiecook2207]

When I FMQ I turn on some music and the music helps me keep my rhythm and speed consistent. No fast music or rap music just something that I enjoy. I tried your bump back method for feathers and it came out gorgeous, on paper anyway. No I need to try it on a fabric block!😊

[@esperansaloughran693]

Great idea!

[@kimlhelzy]

Both blocks are beautiful.

[@TheSewingChannel]

*_Thanks so much Kim💛_*

[@maureenmartin6341]

That's beautiful, thank you for sharing.

[@TheSewingChannel]

*_Thanks for watching!❤️_*

[@priyanarayan8682]

Beautiful! Wonderful tutorial.

[@TheSewingChannel]

*_Thank for the kind feedback Priya 💜_*

[@esperansaloughran693]

Wow! Lots of little steps for adding strips.

[@ppy235]

A wonderful tutorial. I am inspired.

[@SewAndTellwithDori]

This is a GREAT tutorial to review! The info re: thread shredding/breakage is VERY helpful. Also, how to put together the quilt sandwiches is very helpful also. Not come across any other tutorials that cover this part. Since I plan on stitching on a purple applique' heart onto the backs of each of my PL quilts, this tutorial also gave me the idea to FMQ a few hearts into the quilts as well, especially the girls' quilts. Thanks for the inspiration!!! BTW: Your meandering quilt block was spot on! Looked perfect to me. No spacing issues that I could see. 👍🏻 These will be where I start FMQing - and make a really classy, white quilt for myself! 😊

[@TheSewingChannel]

You can do it Dori! 🌸

[@glendacrouch1877]

It’s me again! I am on a Tracy Day!

[@TheSewingChannel]

Awesome Glenda!!! I’ve been tending to Josie all day❤️ in my sewing room now trying to get some stuff done✅

[@marleneo2581]

This is going to be a fun project. Thanks for explaining my thread shredding issue, too.

[@TheSewingChannel]

*_You're welcome Marlene💛 For the longest time my thread kept busting and shredding and It made me want to give up! Just think ...the whole time it was self inflicted LOL😂_*

[@AGWalker-nc1mo]

You make machine quilting with such easy and complete explanations, I think that I might be able to do that also. I have never tried it. It has always seemed to hard.

[@charlotteroig9567]

Love this way of sashing, oh how wonderful to attach a large quilt, block by block. Thank you so much.

[@TheSewingChannel]

*_You are absolutely welcome Charlotte✅💜This way of attaching is the easiest way that I know of✅_*

[@gailacook5102]

I enjoyed learning the sashing method for this qayg

[@TheSewingChannel]

*_More to come!✅_*

[@jeanielipskey1272]

So pretty, I always had trouble with this, it seems backward to me to move the fabric, maybe I should try again. But I do have a longarm, and it seems more natural to me to move the machine. My longarm is not computerized, so I only do free motion on it. I might try this though on my new sewing machine. Thanks for the video, I will be following.

[@TheSewingChannel]

*_I know what you mean about "seems backward"...✅_*

[@jamiemcdaniel8155]

Great video I have been wanting to learn free motion quilting. I hope to try this starting in January 2022 👍 thank you so much for the tips and video 👍😊

[@TheSewingChannel]

You’re welcome!💛

[@juliatepe5760]

Oh my that's a lot of quilting! The blocks are lovely. I will be watching for sure, and maybe get enough courage to try it. Thank you!

[@TheSewingChannel]

*_It looks like it's a lot but it's really not✅ Thanks for coming along with me 💜_*

[@sherrilrendon8330]

Thank you. I hope to try it soon. I have been wanting to for years.

[@diannecarter5942]

You do awesome work!! Love your channel!

[@TheSewingChannel]

Thanks for the kind words Dianne💛

[@gloriaelswood8762]

I really want to try this AFTER I finish my sampler quilt. I have made a goal to get it finished. I just learned (from my mistakes) that if your 1/4 inch seam is off by a single needle width that a 12.5 inch star block can be off by 1.25 to 1.5 inches! Needless to say some of mine are off by half an inch. What a mess but I am determined! Thank you for this class!

[@TheSewingChannel]

*_I know Gloria...it's crazy how exact everything has to be in quilting🤷🏻‍♀️_*

[@elaineadair]

Oh goodness - finish that quilt - it's totally charming! The print is very pretty, and the whole thing shows your enthusiasm. It's a keeper!

[@joburkham8890]

I use this technique as well to join. It's the best and easiest ever ! Your white quilt is gorgeous ! I can do stipling very well ,funny ,I might not be able to do your hearts well though. I just subscribed to your channel also . Love your work . I teach scrappy quilt as you go and love to watch others as well . Scrappy quilts are my favorite . Something about using my scraps, doing what love and saving money too .! Have a nice day 😊😊

[@TheSewingChannel]

*_Yes you are right about how to connect the blocks Jo! The easiest for sure!✅You can totally do the hearts!❤️_*

[@gramapama7636]

Love this! Amazing tutorial. Very clear instructions ... Thank you. 😊

[@TheSewingChannel]

*_You're welcome Gramapama✅💛Thanks for watching💜_*

[@claudiawarren6053]

Hi Tracy! I want to do this too. I may get behind because I have a grandson to watch and I am never sure how much time I can spend in the sewing room. I'm going to go through my stash, I know I have plenty of fabric that needs to be used. I have a LOT of Kaffe Fassett and Tula Pink fat quarters. Maybe I will do a "mish mash" of different fat quarters with solid fabric for the sashings. Sounds like fun, I can't wait to get started!!!

[@TheSewingChannel]

*_YAY🥳 Just follow along at your own speed....I watch my granddaughter too so I understand the balancing act of sewing and our precious grandchildren❤️_*

[@helenpeddycord2241]

Beautiful!!

[@TheSewingChannel]

*_Thank you Helen💜_*

[@jennym007]

I’ve been practicing on mini quilts I make for my cats, made out of scraps and (ugly) free material I’ve collected. They’re not the prettiest but I’ve had fun and they’re only for the fireplace where my 3 cats gather. Thank you for this video. FMQ is still difficult for me and I want to learn as much as I can to help me improve. 💕🌸🌷🌺✅

[@TheSewingChannel]

*_So glad you want to keep learning...we are always learning and practicing..that's the only way to master it 💜_*

[@joannehochstein5503]

#freemotionquiltalong. This is great!

[@TheSewingChannel]

*_Awesome! The best part is that you can quilt along at your own speed💛_*

[@mackieonthemove943]

#freemotionquiltaling ... This will be my first. I'm excited 😁 I have been quilting for years but usually only do simple utility quilts. I think this will be my gig.

[@TheSewingChannel]

*_Wonderful! I'm excited for you to get started. Let me know how you did on these blocks✅_*

[@mackieonthemove943]

@@TheSewingChannel I have to wait a CPL weeks bc we are leaving for AZ for winter. I am bringing my 1917 WE machine that I can use electric or hand crank. Lol. Camp quilting is challenging but doable!

[@TheSewingChannel]

Wow. Camp quilting! You are on the move Mackie! 😂 way to go!💜

[@mollysmith6055]

What an interesting sewalong! I won't be able to do it right away because I'm trying to get quilts done for Christmas gifts but this is something that would be very helpful. I haven't done sampler blocks for years and have gotten into what I think is the lazy habit of only doing meander and stippling on my quilts. I still have samples from a free motion class and need to get out of this quilting rut. Thank you for taking the time to make this sewalong.

[@TheSewingChannel]

*_Thanks for posting Molly...The best way to get out of a quilting rut is to do something different....You are welcome to jump in whenever you want✅Have fun finishing up your Christmas quilts 🎄_*

[@pamelahill7164]

Oh my word. I have just started quilting but scared to death of free motion until now. I’m so excited to make this quilt with you! Love you but don’t go too fast for me to keep up

[@TheSewingChannel]

*_LOL no worries...go at your own pace ✅It takes less than hour each for most blocks...so you'll be fine💜_*

[@flameshakk670]

I remember that BEAUTIFUL quilt you started three years ago!! I love your quilting!!🤗

[@TheSewingChannel]

Thanks Flame Shakk ♥️💛💜🧡 yes -it needs finished 😂 lol!

[@ginettelefebvre8817]

#free motion quilting thank you

[@TheSewingChannel]

You’re welcome 💛

[@dianejohanson98]

Beautiful. I’ve made several quilt as you go quilts (with strips) and I understand the procedure for sashing the blocks together. I’ve just never thought of quilting the blocks with free motion before. I think that would be a lot easier and less intimidating to try on a block vs. a whole quilt. I love the white with the floral sashing too. Thanks for the great tutorial!

[@TheSewingChannel]

*_Thanks for the kind feedback Diane💛 You are right-1 block is way less intimidating than a whole quilt✅_*

[@annolsen8276]

Nicely done. Your Meandering quilting looks perfect, and I love the hearts, these are easy and fun to do. I also love the fabric you are using for the sashing... Now, to go find some fabric in my sewing room to start this project with you. Thank you again for all your videos, very informative and you make it fun.

[@TheSewingChannel]

*_So glad you are quilting along💛 Free motion quilting is sooooo much fun!_*

[@esperansaloughran693]

I have never seen this method of adding strips

[@SewAndTellwithDori]

Hey Tracy! This project has YOU excited??? I’m ecstatic about this project you’ve come up with! I’ve been wanting a good sew along project for quite some time, and having this combined with a free-motion quilting project is such a bonus! While watching this video I was mentally going through my fabric and batting stash. I’ve got at least 5 yards of white Kona cotton fabric and a twin-size package of batting that was just waiting to be put to good use. Just have to figure out what printed fabric in my stash to use for the sashing. Oh, I just can’t wait to get started!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for creating this project, Tracy! 😂

[@TheSewingChannel]

*_Oh how awesome Dori🥳....you will need approximately 5 yards for front and 5 yards for back✅(if you want to make the size I'm making ). It sounds like alot of fabric but it will cover both front and back✅ I'm so excited that you're excited too LOL😂💜 At least I know someone is following along🤓_*

[@SewAndTellwithDori]

@@TheSewingChannel 👍🏻 Absolutely with you on this, Tracy! This project is just what I need to get started with free-motion quilting. It's like you are my answer to my quilting prayers, in more ways than one. ✝ 🙏🏻

[@TheSewingChannel]

*_Happy to help....❤️_*

[@slug500]

I love this! I’m following along. Thank you

[@TheSewingChannel]

*_Yay....🥳It's going to be fun and pretty!_*

[@donnacolegrove4113]

Tracy, this is beautiful! You do such a lovely job.

[@TheSewingChannel]

*_Thank you so much Donna...thanks for watching 💜_*

[@glynisreynolds446]

This is going to a great way to use up some of my wadding pieces. Absolutely love this idea 🥰 Thank you so much for taking the time to post this video 👏👏 It’s so well explained and if I get stuck I know I can watch it again and again 👍👍

[@TheSewingChannel]

*_Yes Glynis.....use up those excess wadding pieces!!!!✅_*

[@debbieholst3720]

I hate the meander! I am in the same situation, it doesn’t make sense in my head. I have only been doing this for the past year and half. It’s tough but I tell myself I am no expert and it’s my quilt.

[@karenraabis5296]

#freemotionquiltingalong

[@TheSewingChannel]

*_Awesome Karen🥳 YAY!_*

[@esperansaloughran693]

Where did you learn this method of adding the blocks or is it your method, seems doable! Thank you so much!

[@lifehappens587]

Wish you’d do some cute Christmas craft/gifts….not everyone is into this

[@TheSewingChannel]

Any ideas Moe? I love projects and crafts🧡

[@terribishop5313]

OMG those gloves are adorable!! Gardening?

[@TheSewingChannel]

*_Yes Terri...they are gardening gloves from the Dollar Tree (last year). They probably still have them ...they are light weight and don't make my hands sweat at all!✅_*

[@diannecarter5942]

Hey! Did you get your ruler foot yet? I’m using the exact same machine as yours, and was wondering if a low shank ruler will fit and what brand? I’m very new to quilting just made my second quilt and thank God for u tube videos! Lol!!

[@TheSewingChannel]

Oh yes I got it. And it takes a low shank ruler foot✅ I purchased a generic brand off eBay. It works great!✅

[@cornbreadfedkirkpatrick9647]

My great-niece is going to have twins I went EEEEEE with excitement at first I thought they'd punk'd me but nope, but I've been having some fun :D though I didn't resist Lm b o

[@TheSewingChannel]

Wow. How exciting! You better start quilting 💛

[@cornbreadfedkirkpatrick9647]

@@TheSewingChannel yes I just got the 2 yr olds things together oh my lol

[@mandeerobin]

Hi Tracy! I love watching your videos. I’m still learning to free motion quilt. Your tips are very helpful. Thank you!! By the way where did you get your gloves?

[@TheSewingChannel]

*_Thanks for watching Mandee💛 My gloves are from the Dollar Tree (last year) but they probably still have them✅_*

[@conqueringmountscrapmorewi2509]

A fun and interesting chat to listen to and watch while I hand quilt! Thank you for sharing this!

[@TheSewingChannel]

*_Glad you enjoyed it!💛_*

[@abeullah03]

How do you keep your stitches so nice. Mine are all different sizes

[@TheSewingChannel]

*_I practice a ton...this quilt along has really helped me get more consistant with my stitches✅_*

[@vickijeanne9958]

You do gorgeous work!! What kind of sewing machine is that?

[@TheSewingChannel]

*_Thank you for your kind feedback Vicki💜 My sewing machine is a Brother Quilt Club Series BQ1350✅_*

[@pamelaleitman9200]

How big is this quilt when finished? I have a full size bed that it would get used on.

[@TheSewingChannel]

Haven't got that figured out yet....Not sure if I'm going to add borders or not....but you can just add up the size block you want to do according to the size you need✅

[@charlotteroig9567]

Tracy, if I decided I wanted a wider sashing, what would be my strip dimension for the back strip if my front sash went to 2” or wider for the front. Thank you.

[@TheSewingChannel]

Great question- well as it stands right now- the front is 2” folded and the back is 1” not folded. So if you want 2” more ….hmmmm I’m not so sure it would work out like that without the blocks looking off center. I am absolutely terrible at quilt math…. Maybe someone can chime in with an answer 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@martinaryan5051]

@@TheSewingChannel would it be 4" folded front strip with 2" back strip?

[@TheSewingChannel]

I don’t think it would work because you are only using a 1/4” seam so if you sew down the first seam to front then when you flip/fold it over to meet the other front- it would extend too far over into the front of next block. I hope I am making sense lol😂 I think you would have to compensate the extra inches somewhere 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@martinaryan5051]

@@TheSewingChannel I knew it couldn't be that easy lol

[@TheSewingChannel]

Lol Martina! That’s why I don’t do quilting math 😂