Back-to-School: Free Motion and Other Options

This post is part of the Sewing Back-to-School series, 30 days of helpful sewing articles by guest bloggers. Feel free to check out the original Sewing Back-to-School post for schedule and previous posts! 

Megan is over at Canoe Ridge Creations; my favorite thing about her blog is that she has a weekly link-up party for your finished projects, every single Monday! Stop by, say hello, and be sure to link up on Sew Modern Monday!


Hello Everyone!  I'm Megan and I blog over at Canoe Ridge Creations!  I am super excited that Sara asked me to guest post today (thanks Sara!).  Today it's all about quilting options!  Whether you consider yourself a quilting queen (which I, my friends, am not!) or a quilting novice, I have picked four of my favorite all over quilting patterns to share will all of you!

Now, a few things to start--because the prep work for quilting is just as important (if not more!) than the actually quilting itself.  There are a few basic guidelines I would suggest following, no matter what quilting design you choose...

• always start a quilting project with a new needle.  Plain and simple. 
• make sure you are using quality thread.  I like to use a cotton thread (like Aurifil!) as both my top and bobbin thread.
• stitch length is very important in quilting.  For straight-line quilting--or any quilting done with my walking foot, I prefer a stitch length of 3 (I normally piece with a stitch length of 2).  When it comes to FMQ it's all about getting a feel and controlling your speed and ultimately your stitch length.
• don't rush through basting your quilt.  Whether you like to use basting pins or spray basting, make sure your quilt is basted well.  Trust me, there's nothing more frustrating than having to rip out quilting because you didn't spend the amount of time needed to make sure everything was situated.
• if you machine has a needle down position, use it!
• when all else fails, grab a glass of wine. :)  ok, ok...I'm not saying you should go and mix some serious quilting with some serious drinking, but sometimes a few good swallows of wine can be the difference between smooth, fluid quilting and rough, jagged quilting (i'm talking fmq, folks!).  Trust me.  It's been proven. :)

Alright, here we go!  We are going to look at straight-line quilting, wavy (or organic) quilting, zig-zag quilting, and an all over meander (FMQ).

First up, Straight-line Quilting!

Straight-line quilting is a simple (and easy!) quilting option that adds a whole lot of punch to an over all quilt design.  And, it's as simple as the name suggests--quilting in straight lines.  I typically stitch my lines  1/4" or 1/2" or sometimes 1" apart, depending on the overall size of my project.  You can either use a chalk pencil (or something similar--just make sure it's washable) to mark every line, or you can use your walking foot (most come with attachment guides) as a quilting guide.

Quick guides:

• feed dogs up.
• straight stitch.
• walking foot.
• stitch length 3.
• mark fabric or use walking foot as a guide.
• slow and steady wins the race. :)

Next, Wavy (or Organic) Quilting!

This wavy quilting pattern is quickly becoming a new favorite of mine!  It's fun, it's fast, and it's totally modern!  Similar to the straight-line quilting, you are working your way back and forth your quilt in organic, free moving lines in a variety of widths.  And, my favorite part--there is no right or wrong!  Just have at it!

Quick guides:

• feed dogs up.
• straight stitch.
• walking foot.
• stitch length 3.
• use organic, free moving lines.
• there's no right or wrong! :)

Zig-Zag Quilting is another great option!

Not only is this great quilting option, but it's a fun way to incorporate some of your other sewing machine stitches into your quilts!  And it's super simple!  Using your zig-zag stitch (as wide as your machine allows) you stitch back and forth--just like with straight-line quilting.  I also recommend using this stitch as a fun alternative to machine stitched binding!

Quick guides:

• feed dogs up.
• zig-zag stitch (as wide as it will go).
• walking foot.
• stitch length 3.

And last but not least, Meander (FMQ)!
**Please note: this is where the wine really comes in handy! :)***

FMQ, like this all over meander, takes some time to master.  In fact, I myself am still slowly just becoming comfortable with it.  See those rough turns?  Yep, I tried skipping the wine--not a good idea.  Anyway, this quilting option is great for just about any quilt design!

Like I said, it's all about getting a smooth feel for this quilting option.  I have found that doodling with a paper and pen really helps you get the feel for FMQ!  Bottom line, it's all about practice makes perfect with FMQ.  It make take a few (or more!) tries to get your meander down--heck I'm still getting the feel for it--but once you have it down, you are going to love it!

Quick guides:

• feed dogs down.
• straight-stitch.
• FMQ foot.
• stitch length 3.

And there you have it!  I hope you all enjoyed these 4 fabulous quilting options.  If you have any questions or use any of these tips on a quilt of your own, I would love to hear about it!  Feel free to hop on over to my blog or send me an email!

xo, Megan