After teaching class at Sew Expo in Puyallup, Washington I found there are many new free motion quilters out there looking to have more information. So, as promised here are a few best practices when setting your machine up for free motion.
- Drop Feed Dogs- if you have an older machine or straight stitch you may need to cover your feed dogs. Some machine do not have feed dogs, it would be a free motion only machine.
- If available using a straight stitch plate with stitch width safety gives your best quality stitch.
- Select needle stop down if your computer has this option.
- When starting out learning free motion it may be easier to set your speed at a medium level.
- Change your foot to a free motion foot. There are a variety of feet to choose from. You will find one that works best for your and the technique you are doing.
- New needle is best with every quilt. My preference for needles is MicroTex 90/14.
- Lower your foot pressure to 0 and stitch length to 0. If your machine sets everything up for you these items may be adjusted for you.
Denise
