Traditional Machine Quilters are wanting to finish their UFO's

Today, two traditional machine quilters were in the studio wanting to learn how to machine quilt some of their smaller projects. One of them lamented that she just did not feel she could do a good job without lots of practice and taking many more classes...here was my suggestion.

You can do this. One of the most important things when you start machine quilting I think is the feed dogs. Try leaving them up for more control. Lower the pressure on the pressure foot to almost nothing and set the needle speed a little higher than you are used to. This will all help as you coordinate your foot pedal speed to the movement of your hands. If you have a constant speed control on your machine all the better to use it.

Next, put a small drop of liquid silicone on the needle plate to help your fabric glide.

And finally, learn the 5 Shapes of Quilting, called the "Language of Quilting"™. Remember there are only 5 shapes, an arc, s-curve, straight-line, loop and hook that you will have to make, now that is refreshing isn't. You will not need to master any other moves, and when you get those shapes down, small, medium and large, in  360°,  then you can use all the stencil and patterns you desire....there is no limit, and your UFO's are completed. And that is something to celebrate.

If you want to learn more about the Language of Quilting here is the link...http://www.sallyterry.com/utility/showProduct/index.cfm?productID=15

Hope this helps, yours in the love of quilting, sally