I've done a lot of free motion quilting and I love how relaxing it can be. I also know how easy it can be to get in a rut. I challenged myself to get out of my box, so to speak and try some new-to-me, designs. I gave this squared off stippling pattern a try and it went pretty well! I had to slow down and think about where I was going from time to time, but it was fun! I could see doing this all over a whole quilt.
I also quilted a few swatches of different designs and I turned them into a set of coasters. Binding them was a little fiddly, but totally worth it! (I can say that now that they are done. Ha!) These are great because I not only used scraps of fabric, but scraps of batting as well. Hurray! I'm happy to count these as scrap project #94/101.
If you would like the chance to win an e-book copy of Free Motion Quilting for Beginners, please leave me a comment in this post. In your comment, I'd love to hear what your favorite go-to FMQ pattern is. Or, if you are new to FMQ, I'd like to hear what pattern you would like to master. I will pick winner in a few days!
356 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 201 – 356 of 356Made a crib quilt for my new granddaughter with big squares and used it to try out new Fmq patterns. Only problem is now it is with her in oregon so it isn't available for reference. Love the idea of coasters. Small and handy reminder. Thanks fOr so many scrappy ideas.
I have done the strippling on a table runner and it turned out surprisingly pretty well. I would love to be able to do more.
I am so new to machine quilting. I have done 2 small table runners with my walking foot but that is all. I think this book could be inspiring! Hugs,
MY favorite is meandering, just change the scale of it and you have a whole new look and feel to your quilt. Thank you for all of your inspiration.
MY favorite is meandering, just change the scale of it and you have a whole new look and feel to your quilt. Thank you for all of your inspiration.
MY favorite is meandering, just change the scale of it and you have a whole new look and feel to your quilt. Thank you for all of your inspiration.
MY favorite is meandering, just change the scale of it and you have a whole new look and feel to your quilt. Thank you for all of your inspiration.
HI Amanda,
Thanks for the chance to win an ebook.
I think that my favorite free motion design would have to be a swirl. They give so much movement to the quilt.
ruthq@rogers.com
I am new to FMQ. I've done one project and was totally frustrated the whole time. The top always looked great but then you turn it over lol!! Needless to say I think I ripped more thread out than what I acutally left in the quilt. Try, try again! One day I will conquer. Thanks for the opportunity to win and the intro to a new book.
I am determined to do concentric circles but I need to take the time to learn and practice!!! Looks like a great book!
I really want to learn how to FMQ! I've tried it years ago on my old machine but wasn't very successful. Now, with my new sewing machine, I'm feeling ready to try it again and would love to read Molly's new book.
The book (and practice) will be very useful!
I have only been free motion quilting for a couple of years and have only done a few small things. The largest being a baby quilt. Right now I have only used stippling and one I call water pipes, but would love to learn to do the swirls. Thanks for the chance to win. Phyllis
I don't have a favorite design yet. I have only tried it on scraps so far and it wasn't pretty. :)
I've never done any FMQ, just some straight line quilting with my walking foot. But I have 15 unquilted tops, so it might be time to learn how.
My favorite is the spiral circles, right now I'm working on a simple quilt and I'm stitching a "pansy" in each block, at least that is what is is suppose to be! I love to try new quilt designs!
I'm new to FMQ so I would love to learn a loopy stipple and wood grain!
I love feathers and have tried them a number of times. Not all projects are conducive to feathers, so I also like loopy loops.
New to fmq, but intend to overcome my fears and master the process. just love the swirls, pebbles, tree bark....amazing.
I'm a newbie, and my favorite FMQ is meandering--because I can do it. I just branched out to do a flower pattern but was too chicken to do it free hand, so I used a paper pattern (didn't want to mark the quilt). I'd like to master anything free hand because quilting through paper wasn't that much fun.
I am still a newbie at FMQ, but the loopy-loops and straight-line are my go toos.....I use my walking foot that has that measuring arm and I can get that diamond look of criss-rossing the straight lines, which is a cool look. I am hoping to get into some really intricate FMQ down the road. It can be soooo beautiful, truly an art within itself. The size of the project to be quilted always seems to designate the level of difficulty that I can attempt---the smaller the better of course. I need to change my space such that the weight of my larger projects doesn't inhibit my creative expressions!!!! :)
Would love to learn FMQ...been too scared to try. Guess I just need to jump right in. Thanks for the chance to win this book.
I haven't done any FMQ yet. I would really love to try it. Matsche.christine@yahoo.com
Good morning Amanda Jean,
Well I've practiced 10x over straight line quilting so next it's Stippling puzzle pieces. I'd love to master spirals w/FMQ. Still getting my rhythm down but your tutes inspire me & encourage me to slow down. I'd love Molly's book. She is so patient w/beginners too. Your coasters are great
Thank you .
bluestarof2@yahoo.com
I recently inherited my Mom's quilt stash and working up some of her unfinished projects into cot quilts and baby blankets to give to family members. I finished the first one and machine quilteda diamond grid on it. I would love to add free motion quilting to a quilt -- so you think a beginer could handle it?
I am scared to do FMQ!!!! I am worried that what I attempt will look silly and even though I have tested the waters on itty bitty pieces, I cannot bring myself to go all out and do it on a quilt I would want to use/gift to someone. I am just so chicken!!! I need serious help, stat!
i want to learn!!!
Oh Amanda, I think this book is for me. I usually just straight stitch, in the ditch or a 1/4" beside it. I have 7 big quilt tops ready for quilting and every time I look at them I shudder and walk away. I read your blog very carefully and it helped me to attempt more on little quilts. Maybe this book will give me that last shove to take a deep breath and 'jump' into doing one of my big quilts!!! Ahhhhhhhh!
I would love to free motion quilt as I so far have just pieced tops. Too afraid? I love just stippling on patchwork!
I've never had the courage to try FMQ. This book looks like it could be just the encouragement I need. I think at this point I'd be pretty proud of myself if I did any kind of pattern.
Nice work on your coasters! I love all the designs you made & of that's an example of what you learned from the book I'd love a copy of it. Thanks for the chance!
My go to fav FMQ pattern is meandering as it fits a lot of projects & I can do it okay.
I FMQ alot of loopy Ls and Es.
Why, stipple of course. I REALLY need to learn new patterns, I'm just afraid to. And I really want to get some of these quilts done and out of here! Can't afford to pay someone, so they just keep stacking up. Thanks for this wonderful opportunity.
Donna
I use my own version of a paisley shape. I like it because it's easy for me to change direction left or right with it.
I still send big quilts to a long armer. I have quilted small projects with stitch in the ditch.. I'm hoping to tackle stippling..
I just like to meander because I don't have enough confidence to try anything different. I would love to be able to do more of a pattern. Thanks for a chance to win this great teaching tool
I'm very new to fmq but have quilted small things like pot holders and table runners. I would love to get really good at fmq. I am working on learning to make circles and little squares. I am not verey good but I know that I need to practice and then practice some more!
Thank yu for the chance to win this book.
For me, next week is Operation: Figure out FMQ! I would love to do a simple figure eight pattern or a meadering loops. Wish me luck!
I have done some large stippling, but not very well. I would love to learn to do some swirls and feathers. Looks like a great book. Thanks for the giveaway!
I finally mastered meandering and loops. Trying to learn more with every quilt project.
The coasters are such a great idea for practice pieces. My go to FMQ pattern has to be swirls. They kind of fit anywhere.
I like larger quilting, like spread out bigger flowers or loopy circles. I need all the help I can get!
Very much a beginner here. I really like the paisleys and pebbles but am always afraid to do it on a real quilt so end up doing straight line quilting. Thanks!
I dream often that you will put ALL your Scrappy Projects in an ebook and make it available to all your blog fans...I am one of them. Love, love, love your blog and all the tips and tutorials you share. FMQ... only straight line quilting so far...but winning this book might be a big push to try...just saying. Judie
I've just started fmq, and my favorites so far all involve squares.
I am very new to fmq. Swirls seem to be my go to fmq. Oh and waves LOL
I mostly rely on the stipple. I like what I call a sharp-angled stipple for a more modern look. I'm always up for new FMQ ideas!
I have only done some large stippling. I need lots of practice.
Hi Amanda! Thanks for opportunity, I think this book is great just from what you've said. I have only just started FMQing, and I even bought myself a HQ Sweet 16 and I'm so intimidated! I would love to master swirls and feathers, and my intellectual self just says jump in! I hope that I can. I love you blog and really appreciate the time and effort you put into it.
I need anything that would get me past the fear of free-motion quilting. I know that I can't be sent to jail for doing something wrong so why is the fear level so high?
I seem to do ok with the small test blocks when trying to FMQ a design. It's when I have the real quilt in my domestic sewing machine and find it is difficult to maneuver the material that I revert back to meandering. It's rather frustrating. Thanks for the chance to win.
I'm relatively new to FMQ - would love to master spirals.
My favorite go to is the loopy loo and recently the swirl. I was surprised how easy the swirl was once I got the hang of it, it looks more tricky than it is.
Would love to read this book, thank you!
I am new to free motion quilting and would really love to learn how to do the spiral pattern. I was told though that square and straight line patterns are easier to learn. thanks for the chance to win this book and your information about it. Julie
I would love to win this! I'm terrified of fmq and I think it would maybe help me get over some of my fears!
The only FMQ I have done is stippling and love it! I would love to get over the fear of trying other patterns. This may help, thanks for the opportunity.
You continue to inspire in all areas, as this book will also. You are soooo close to 101! Have you decided what to do next?
This book looks great. I can use all the help I can get with FMQ as it's definitely NOT my favorite thing to do.
I keep telling myself I will try FMQ but I keep putting it off and go back to straight line quilting. Maybe this book would be the boost I need.
I would love to have this book! I'm in the rut of wanting so much to learn how to do it, but being afraid to take the first step. I even got a new sewing machine in anticipation of jumping in and learning how, but just need that final push.
I find that loops are the easiest pattern to do, it's impossible to box yourself into a corner and I need it to be easy!
Never saw my post so will try again. I would settle on learning any FMQ design, since I am too chicken to try as of yet. I keep talking to myself about this and telling myself I can do this, I haven't listened yet. Maybe in the new year I can start with a stippling pattern. We'll see.
I love using the practice pieces as mug rugs or coasters. What a great idea. Thanks for offering the giveaway.
yoyopattycakes@hotmail.com
I've taken a small class in free motion quilting and have quilted a few small things, but have not taken the plunge into a full quilt! I am terrible at stippling---I never know where to go! I end up with strange shapes.... Loops are what I have done with the most confidence.
I am pretty much stuck on circles, stippling large and small and straight line. I have done a few lollipops, fractured glass and a few others from Leah Day's FMQ blog. I always end up back at stippling, though because it is quick and easy.
I"m still trying to master FMQ, but would like to do a combination of maple leaves and poppies for a Remembrance Day quilt.
Your FMQ is absolutely beautiful! I love your blog and yesterday tried my first attempt at FMQ with a brand new FMQ foot. I made four burp pads as a gift for a friend's baby shower and tried something different on each one. My favourite was a combination of hearts and swirls. I've got a long way to go to get even half as good as you but I'm hooked and want to learn more. Thank you for all your wonderful lessons and tips.
I like to do water:-)
I tend to doodle with my fmq, just letting it decide where it wants to go.
I am new to FMQ and haven't had much success at all. I really like the maze pattern you have above on the green fabric-so geometric!
I definitely fall into the later category - those who think they can't.I even took my "big girl" machine to retreat to have my pals try it out. The verdict - it's me not the machine. I just need to practice more.
I really want to learn to free motion quilt. I'm a newbie quilter.
Feathers? Pebbles? Basically any good fillers!
Stippling and loops are my go-to FMQ designs, but I love trying new designs!
I am new to FMQ. I am always afraid of messing up my quilt top so I tend to go with straight line quilting. I want to learn! I would like to be able to do bubbles or swirls. Thanks for the chance to win!
I would love to be more adventurous with fmq, done very little to date, going to try something curvy (?!) on my next quilt.
I am new to FMQ, so this would be a great resource. still trying stippling. thanks for the giveaway.
I am new to quilting and haven't done any free motion quilting. I would love to learn though.
dawnm1993 at gmail dot com
I'm just getting ready to try free motion quilting...I'd love to do a spiral that starts out in the center & just keeps going. Thanks for the chance to win...sounds like I need this book!
Debbie
===^..^===
Would love to learn to do feathers.
I'm really trying to learn FMQ but it just doesn't come naturally to me. I am jealous of those who can do it so well!
I am new to FEW but love what was in the picture looking like tree bark!
Love the FMQ posts and love your blog. The book looks wonderful. I have done some FMQ, but not lots. I, also, need to get out of my blox!!
I've made 2 queen sized quilts so far and both of them were straight line quilted (going in different directions to match the quilt pattern). Would like to try my hand at the pebbles and wood grain patterns in small projects like you've done. I need to get my stitches even but I'm guessing that will happen with practice. I have had a bit of FMQ on fabric postcards. They are fast and fun and a way to use lots of scraps. Love you spiral circle quilting. I plan to do that sometime.
I like to do daisy loops, loose, free and easy. I just bought a new machine and hope to do some experimenting with swirls soon. My best tip is not to be overly critical of your skills. Just get it done, throw it in the washer/dryer and when you take it out, it will be perfectly ready to use!
I am new to FMQ, I did my first stippling and now I want more more more! Because I am a newbie I don't know the names of the patterns. I would like to learn the one bottom left on your picture :-)
I am still in the stippling stage and trying some circles; also getting the tension right and trying different threads - one day soon I will try something different and this book would be a great encouragement :)
I'm pretty new to free motion quilting, but spirals and swirly shapes have quickly become my go-to. I find straight lines really hard- I wouldn't have guessed that before starting. :)
I love to do an allover stipple but am always worried I'm going to get stuck! LOL! My new favorite is a u-shaped repeated pattern that looks like dragon scales or a thatched roof top. Fun.
Hello Amanda Jean I am totally new to FMQ - am at the moment just getting confident with straight line stuff but would love to try something like those flowers on your coasters.
Thanks
Alison
I would love to learn loops, any any one of the designs you used on your coasters! :) Those are so cute! Thanks for all the tutorials, Amanda Jean!
Any of these patterns would be fun to learn, especially loops! Thanks for all the tutorials!:)
I would love to start free motion quilting! But I am so scared to do it. I have a Janome MC 12000 and have barely started the quilting process. I run a home based business, which I hope will settle down soon so I can start doing my sewing again! :) :) :)
I have done ever little FMQ, so I need a book. But I am going to try your coasters.
Being fairly new to FMQ, I would like to master the pebble pattern.
I am just getting started with FMQ and am hoping to learn as much as I can...I've got quilt tops ready to be quilted:) Thanks!
hatlevig@integra.net
I've only FMQ a few quilts so far so I have no go-to favorite at this point. I'd like to be better at it, so I'd like to practice any of these patterns.
FMQ scares me!! I have tried it but something about moving your hands at a different pace from the machine stumps me. I would love to get over this hurdlle so that I can do some small projects.
Just got a free-motion foot and want to learn how to use it.
Thanks for the giveaway. So far I've only done a loop inside a loop free motion quilting.
Thanks for the chance at a fun giveaway! Looks like a great book, and I love your little coasters! My go-to FMQ pattern is a basic stipple. Lately, it's been great to branch out a little and get better at a few new designs.
I have only gotten my feet wet with FMQ and when I did, I wasn't too happy with my result! I want to master any simple swirly pattern. Please help!
I would love to learn to FMQ, just so I could do some loops, that actually look like loops
I am new to free motion quilting and would love to win this book. Thanks fir the giveaway!
I'm new to FMQ so this book is a must have. Thanks. kthurn@bektel.com
I usually go to my standby echoed teardrop, but would love to learn feathers someday!
I am fairly new just starting ten months ago. Bt I have found there are so many patterns every where I look. I have found that it is helpful to draw a pattern on paper or a dry erase board ( save on trees) before going to the machine. It seems to stick in my mind better that way! Thanks for sharing all your knowledge !
Looks like a great book!
I tried FMQ only once and got frustrated and should set aside at least 10 minutes to practice every time I sit down to sew.
Great idea to FMQ different designs on pieced coasters. I love FMQ spirals & hearts. I try to include a heart on each quilt.
I've shared this with my family on FB because it would make a great Christmas present (for me, of course!)
I've only done variations on straight line quilting & would love the master the basic stipple & loopy swirls. Thanks for the chance to win this great book.
I am very new to quilting and never have free motion quilted. I love any of the swirls and hearts and would love to master this. Thus I would love to win your ebook! Thank you! ozcarin01@gmail.com
I have tried hand stitch quilting on a few swatches but I would love to Lear fmq on my machine! Thank you for the chance!
I've never done anything but straight lines so I'd love to learn. I especially like the cobble stone pattern.
This is the year I challenge myself to embrace quilting of all kinds. I learned to use a longarm, I will start hand quilting, and I will explore FMQ. I love the square stippling you did!
I am not particular which free motion pattern I want to learn. I just want to be pleased with it when I am done. Obviously, I am not there yet! Thanks for offering a chance to receive this book. It may be just what I need.
The first FMQ I did was actually writing words, which is still easier for my brain than even stippling. Feathers intrigue but terrify me! Would love to learn more...
I've been afraid to try anything but the meandering patten! Love the coaster/samplers. Perhaps I'll try something small like that.
I have tried FMQ and I stil need a lot lot more practice. Thanks
I have numerous quilt tops that need to be quilted. I want to do it myself but am somewhat afraid to do it. I have done stitch-in-the-ditch but really need to try free-motion. I would be happy to just get started with big stippling. I love your coasters. That's a great idea to get me started. Thanks! Dawn
I would love to learn FMQ and get good at it. I have some quilt sandwiches next to my sewing machine thinking that whenever I sit down to sew I could practice a little. Practice makes perfect so I keep hearing.
Wow, I wish I could just learn to do that! I literally started sewing last August and now I'm totally hooked! I keep seeing all these beautiful things people can do and I want to learn to do them myself! I love all the patterns and it's a great idea to start on little things like coasters. Thanks so much for sharing.
I have never been successful with FMQ, although I have tried a few times. I rely upon the tried and true stitch in the ditch method. Maybe this book would give me more insight and confidence to try FMQ again.
I'm new to FMQ with one small project done. I would love to have patience to sit and practice for hours. I like the coasters idea. It is very practical. I turned my small project into a pot holder. I would love to learn how to make the circles.
I know this is a bit insane, but I am an absolute beginner with an aim: feathers! A whole quilt of differetn feathers!
I know...but I need lots of practice on the way and loved your coaster picture- the perfect canvas to practise on!
Hi, I love your work, you are so talented and am working hard to be able to get even half good at this free motion quilting. I read everything I can get my hands on. I would love to get a copy of your book. Thanks so much for sharing your talent.
I've only done a little FMQ but would love to try out orange peel quilting. It's simple yet elegant. Thanks for the chance to win!
I'm a newbie to FMQ, but I think I'd like to try the loops first. One of these day!
I have not tried machine quilting yet. Very nervous to try.
The only FMQ I have been able to do is a meander stitch on a baby quilt. I'd love to learn more.
The only FMQ I have been able to do is a meander stitch on a baby quilt. I'd love to learn more.
The only FMQ I have been able to do is a meander stitch on a baby quilt. I'd love to learn more.
The only FMQ I have been able to do is a meander stitch on a baby quilt. I'd love to learn more.
I'm trying to learn how to fmq. I can meander and do loopy things but that is about it for now.
I love to do loop di loops with stars! Easy Peary.
Thank you for the chance to win this book. Thank you for the review.
I would love to win this book as i need lots of help and guidance with FMQ. I just bought a longarm and am not very good. Need lots of practice.
I am always looking for ideas to finish off a quilt. The quilting can make or break a quilt. Would love some new ideas!
New to FMQ, but it seems that my brain is in auto mode to loopy loops.
I am just trying to learn. I have a few tops that need to be quilted. I liked your squared of stippling. The few times I have tried, I get myself stuck. Need to practice more.
I like your coaster idea. They are small, gives you practice and useful too. I am looking to broaden my free motion quilting skills. My favorite right now is a swirl but it needs a lot more practice. :)
I would love to own this book. I am terrified every time I attempt my own quilting.
I don't really have a go-to pattern I use for FMQ. I try different ones with each quilt.
I am a beginner at FMQ with only some practice in stippling and lots of straight lines. I would love to feel comfortable doing different designs, but so far I have not mastered any. I would love this book to help me get going with FMQ.
I am new to FMQ so I would love to master stippling but also one day like to do feathers!
I need this book! I have FMQ in a stipple design and that seems to be all I do. When I try something else I end up picking out the stitches and starting over with a stipple.
FMQ does intimidate me!! After looking at your coasters I feel inspired to try it and I would love to learn how to do the pattern that looks like rounded leaves. Very pretty!!
I think this book would be a great addition to my library.
I love all these designs, since I only straight line quilt currently, I would love to learn any of these, maybe starting with loops! Thanks for the many informative tutorials, Amanda Jean!
The subtitle of this book certainly describes me, because I am struggling to learn very basic FMQ.
I love your idea of making coasters out of practice sandwiches. Yours are beautiful.
I'm not exactly new to FMQ, but I would like to get better at straight line quilting (so much pulling of fabric!), and not so much a specific style but be better at choosing a good style based on the quilt.
I'd love to master those little petal type things that are on one of your coasters (bottom left), as well as feathers. Feathers look so elegant (so elegant in fact that they might actually look out of place on any of my quilts!).
Frankly, at this point I'd love to be able to do anything in FMQ. The few times I tried it, my brain shorted out and I couldn't think what pattern to do.
I think the tree bark pattern is very interesting.
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