Tips on Machine Quilting

Machine quilting can be as simple or as intricate as you'd prefer. The first tip is to remove all the basting pins. Using the machine to sew over the pins is a serious mistake. You could break the needle on the machine which could end up flying into your eye. When you are sewing a project that is large and heavy (36 inches by 36 inches), such as a bed quilt, make sure that your machine is on a table that has ample room at the back and to the left.

Lay the basted quilt on the floor. Roll each side up except for 12 inches in the middle. This is where you’ll begin machine quilting. In order to keep the sides rolled up, secure them with safety clips or bicycle clips. The easiest way to machine quilt is straight line quilting. If you don’t have an even-feed foot, then buy one. You’ll have more success than with a regular foot because the material won’t pucker.

To start machine quilting, thread the top of the machine with the thread. If you want the stitches to be invisible, then use a nylon monofilament thread. Thread the bobbin with an all purpose thread that will match the backside of the quilt. Set the stitch length to six or ten stitches. Place the unrolled section of the quilt in the machine and make one stitch. With the needle up, stop and raise the presser foot. Pull the top thread tail so that the bobbin thread tail comes up through the hole in the stitch you just made. Put the machine in reverse and make two stitches this secures the machine. Do this step when you need to stop the machine.