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Tutorials: Machine Quilting

Tips and Tricks 1

Get comfy!

For good machine quilting results, you need to get you and the quilt comfortable.

1 Set up your work area

The desk/tabletop and the machine work area (table) ideally should be level. If you have an extension table for your machine, use it. If you are lucky enough to have one of those drop in machine tables, then you are ready to roll. If you don't have one, then you can improvise. Your handy person can build you an extension area, or you can buy one from a sewing machine shop.

The quilt needs to supported at the left side if it is a large quilt. To improvise, use an adjustable ironing board, set to the height of your work surface. My friend covers hers with plastic garbage bags to make it slippery and eliminate 'drag'

2 Your chair needs to be at the correct height

When seated, your forearms should be at right angles to your body and sit on top of the work surface comfortably. If you have a gas operated office chair, you can adjust it to suit.

If you don't have such a chair, use cushions to adjust the seat height.

3 Make sure that the lighting is sufficient in the room

Avoid eyestrain by having your workspace well-lit.

4 Wear gloves

There are many brands and types of machine quilting gloves and you will find what suits you best. They are made especially to help hang on to the fabric without gripping it so you can easily guide the quilt under the foot.

My favourite brand is Machingers™ because the latex tips give me control, the wrist band supports my wrist well, and the gloves are very comfy, even in summer.

5 Put on some rhythmic music

No Metallica! Something with a waltz-like rhythm so that you can move your hands to the music, instead of in fits and starts.

Next time, I'll talk about the machine set up.

 

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