Beginner's Guide to Quilting - UK (2020-02)

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Who says you always need to sew in a straight line?

FREE-MOTION

QUILTING

Sometimes stitching in the ditch just
doesn’t offer you that extra finishing
touch you’re after. Here, we’ll talk you
through how to get started with
freehand quilting. This simply means

you’re no longer working straight lines,

and have more freedom to ‘doodle’ with

your machine and work the stitch in any

direction. This is ideal for sewing

appliqué shapes and quilting interesting

patterns. You’ll need a darning (or

free-motion) foot for your sewing

machine. To start, drop your machine’s

feed dogs, to allow your fabric to move

freely, and set your stitch length to zero.

STEP ONE

Prepare a small quilt sandwich to

practise with. Use similar fabrics,

batting and thread to the quilt you’ll be

quilting. It’s always good to test out

your sewing machine settings each time.

STEP THREE

Begin moving the quilt sandwich around,

playing with different designs. You’re

regulating your stitch length so try to

keep your movement and foot pedal speed

regular to keep your stitches even.

STEP TWO

Take advantage of the needle down

function (if your machine has it) as this

keeps the quilt from shifting when you

start and stop. To start, stitch in place

for a few seconds to secure your thread.

STEP FOUR

Make sure you have plenty of room to

spread out, so your quilt doesn’t hang

over the table edge. See page 2 8 for

sewing machine extras, like an extension

table. And remember to have fun!