Free Motion Quilting: An overview

Finally, I have taken my quilting to the next level by employing a method known as free motion quilting.  This method uses a free motion quilting foot to allow you to move your quilt freely under your machine needle to "free hand" designs as you quilt.

First, two props given.  One, Safiya, who is always 100 steps ahead of me, introduced me to this method. Two, The Free Motion Quilting Project by Leah Day provides the instructions and designs for free motion quilting. She also has a shop, Day Style Designs, where the free motion foot and other useful tools can be purchased.

My feeling is that free motion quilting gives quilts a stronger appearance, texture, quality, and individuality. The texture of the quilt is unmatched by any other method--even your dearest hand quilted heirlooms won't give you this kind of puffy, ribbon texture. The appearance of the quilt texture is also beautiful and gives the piece work you have done for your quilt top sturdiness and clarity.  I have an example.  Have a look at a quilt I am currently working on.

This is a section that has not yet been free motion quilted.

 
















This is a section that has been free motion quilted.

Do you see how the shapes appear more clearly?

 You may also enhance the appearance of sashing by using a thread the same color as the fabric of the sashing.  For example, in this same quilt I used a blue  thread so that the first strip around my  small patchwork appears more solid.

I just began using this method, so I cannot report on the strength it gives a quilt, but I would guess that the stitching will extend the life of the quilt because a tear would only open to the next seam--which in this method will be pretty close.

Furthermore, this method doesn't take very long! Believe it or not, once you have gotten into your rhythm and adjusted your machine appropriately, you can quilt a lap quilt in a few hours!

I did struggle a bit in the beginning to adjust my machine.  If you have a high shank machine, I highly suggest that you read my next post and save yourself some money (by not buying the wrong foot)!  I'll explain.
I'll leave you with some pictures of my first two quilts using this method.