Machine Quilting

Machine quilting is quite different than hand quilting. It does often make for a more dramatic quilt. Since the tension on the machine is usually tighter than hand stitching, you will have higher peaks and deeper valleys. Once you learn how to machine quilt, you will find it much faster than hand quilting. When setting the tension, have a practice piece like the quilt to see if the tension is going to be right for the fabric. If you are quilting a full size quilt or a large size piece of any kind, you will need to roll it toward the center, then fasten the roll in place. One very important thing to remember is that you always start at the center of the quilt and work out.

You will need to prepare your machine for quilting. You will probably need to pull it out from the wall in the back and be sure there is plenty of room on the left side of it so you can turn the quilt. Depending on your machine, you may need to purchase an even feed presser foot. This allows the quilt to smoothly slide under the needle.

You must always start in the center of the quilt no matter what your pattern is. Go to the starting point, make one stitch, and pull the top thread so the bottom thread starts up through the quilt. Pull it through and pull both threads toward the back. Make two stitches forward, reverse, and make two stitches backward. This will lock the stitches in place. From there, follow the pattern outward as far as you can. Then go back to the center and start in another direction. In no time, you will become a pro at machine quilting.