Next time I will definitely plan ahead before making a video tutorial, this is a first for me. I guess I was so excited to show you, that I did not think it through properly, and oh boy, the state of my gloves, shame on me, very dirty..
I use a Bernina Artista 180. I bought it second hand little over a year go. I don't know how old is, if anyone knows which year it came out I am curious to know, I use it for both piecing and free motion quilting, and it runs beautifully.
Here is the way I set up my sewing machine for free motion quilting, and a few preferences I have that I've learnt along the way. By no means set in stone, but thus far, I know it works for me...
- Stitch length set at ZERO.
- Feed dogs are UP / engaged.
- Presser foot no 24 called a "Free Motion Embroidery Foot"
- I prefer to use Schmetz Quilting or -Embroidery needles. If I know the quilt I'm working on calls for a lot of travel stitching, like I've done on my Goddess quilt, I use embroidery needles.
- I am using Little Genie Bobbin Washers. Instead of dropping the washer inside the bobbin casing, I place the washer inside the bobbin housing. I have written a blog post explaining why I could not use it the conventional way, you can find it HERE.
- Lastly I use machingers quilting gloves.
One thing I've recently played around with, is tension. I have always used the standard setting which is automatically set at 4, but I noticed that I got even better top and bottom stitches when it is set at 6.
So without further a due, here is the video tutorial. My Son helped taking the video, I think he got a bit mesmerized by the swirling motion and as he held the camera he started moving it as I quilted, LOL. I've added text to the video hoping it would make up for the lack of planning on my part.
Happy quilting.
One thing I've recently played around with, is tension. I have always used the standard setting which is automatically set at 4, but I noticed that I got even better top and bottom stitches when it is set at 6.
So without further a due, here is the video tutorial. My Son helped taking the video, I think he got a bit mesmerized by the swirling motion and as he held the camera he started moving it as I quilted, LOL. I've added text to the video hoping it would make up for the lack of planning on my part.
Sew now
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It's
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Happy quilting.
Great tutorial Marelize! So enjoyed watching it! Where did you get your gloves from, do you find they make a big difference! I have taken the plunge and hubby has bought me a demo model Pfaff Quilt Expressions 4.0, I hope it makes quilting my quilts a more pleasurable experience. I have to wait until Sunday the 21st though :( that's when it's my birthday!
ReplyDeleteHi Rene, unfortunately you're a 'no-reply' blogger, so I hope you'll come back to see my response. The two online quilt shops here in SA that I know sells them are: http://www.thequiltingbug.co.za/ and http://www.piedpiper.co.za/catalog/
DeleteFrom the moment I bought my first pair, I refuse to quilt without them, especially when quilting large quilts. The do make a huge difference and I would definitely recommend them. I bet you cant wait for your machine, I'm sure you're going to have a lot of fun!
Thank you so much for the video. I've just started to try and improve my free motion quilting by practising on a daily basis at the moment, so this will be very useful
ReplyDeleteGreat little video and if you think your machingers are dirty then you really don't want to see mine! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sharing your process! I do a lot of the same things although I haven't tried genie washers and I keep my feed dogs down. I really enjoy seeing your quilting on IG, it's just fabulous! I have found that using my spool on a spool holder (but propped up on another spool so the thread is clear of the pin) has helped with tension, probably doing the same thing as I think it is dropping the top tension. Thanks again! Looking forward to seeing this quilt finished :) so pretty!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for posting this Marelize! I just love those and can't wait to try them. I didn't realize that you drew the circles on which I'm sure makes it much more accurate. I have a BabyLock Symphony and unfortunately it doesn't let you switch your stitch length down to zero otherwise I'd try it with the feed dogs up. I think the lowest setting I can do is .2 or .5. I'm afraid I'd mess up my machine trying to move my fabric around if it's not at zero.
ReplyDeleteHi Marelize
ReplyDeleteThe man who serviced my Bernina told me that you can tell the age of your machine from the serial number, so I googled and this is how:
The first 2 numbers of the Bernina serial number are code for the year it was manufactured. A machine that starts with 42 so it was manufactured in 2002. 30's - 1990's, 20's - 1980's. I'm not sure how far back it goes, though.
Apparently mine was made in 1974!
xx
I just love watching people quilt, it is mesmerizing! My gloves look the same. Have you washed them before? I am going to, but wonder if they are not meant to be machine washed...
ReplyDeleteI wash mine all the time! Eventually, some of the stretch in the wrists will wear out. I think I'm on my third pair!
DeleteYour tutorial was great! It's so nice to see other quilters work and I can tell that your stitches are very consistent. Did you use any special video equipment? Your "assistant" did a fantastic job!
ReplyDeleteJulie @ The Crafty Quilter
Just curious why you keep your feed dogs engaged (up) when FMQ?
ReplyDeleteThanks for that...enjoyed watching it. Ha,ha...finally a person with the same worn gloves. I have chucked mine several time through the washing machine already but they just look dirty even when they are clean. Also saw that you marked the circles...apart from the feathers I have not done that and am now wondering...yes,why not..
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your quilting with us. While I have moved to long arm quilting, I can still appreciate the wonderful work you do with your Bernina. I started out quilting on my Pfaff and learned quite a bit about free motion.
ReplyDeleteI find my self doodling circle loops everywhere!! :)
ReplyDeleteI am so impressed with your quilting. This part of the process positively intimidates me so I truly admire the work of those of you who are so good at it.
ReplyDelete