Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Free Motion Quilting on your home machine - a tip for less friction!

Tried and true, this is just the best!


I've read a lot about ways to make FMQ on ones home machine easier and the use of silicone on the sewing machine bed, or tools like the Supreme Slider. Despite really wanting to try the Supreme Slider, I didn't feel I could justify the purchase of something so expensive right now that I didn't know if it'd actually make a big difference for me or not. So I decided to try and find silicone spray that was safe for use on fabric instead. Just to see if it would make a difference - no luck. This is Malta and no one had heard of such a thing and looked at me like I was crazy when I asked around XD

So while ironing down some appliqué shapes, I realized I had a Teflon sheet in my hand and yes, it was super slippery of course! The light went on and I decided to try and use it to make my own Teflon slider! I just made a small hole for the needle with my paper scissors and taped it down with some painters tape (leaves no residue, really easy to lift to change bobbin and cheap) and I gave it a go. Really wish I'd known what a difference it would make from day one! It sooo much easier to FMQ when the quilt doesn't drag or snag! I've used this sheet for my last two quilts and I'll never FMQ without it again that's for sure!


So I really recommend trying this if you FMQ on your home machine, it really made a world of difference, not just in result, but also in how tired my arms, neck and back got. When I get a chance I'll probably buy a supreme slider but for now, this sheet is my best friend! =D

46 comments:

  1. Vilket kanontips!!!! det ska provas..........

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  2. Det verkar ju KANONBRA! Måste testas!
    Betyder det att du vill bakplåtspapper i julklapp?*fniss*
    Kramisar

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  3. Det är verkligen fantastiskt vilken skillnad det gör! Lite drygt att hålla på och tejpa men det är det lätt värt! =)

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  4. Oh, what a great idea! Thanks because I could not afford a Slider either!! I am so glad that you commented today so that I could come visit. There is no way that I could visit everyone that has found me since the hop right away.

    You are absolutely beautiful by the way and I cannot wait to get to know you. I will start by looking through your blog this evening (later after the little guy goes to bed.)

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  5. What a great idea, will have to try it next time I do some quilting. Thanks for the tip.

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  6. Great idea, and it can still be used for appliques, if you don't want to buy a new one. Thanks! This will be helpful with the free motion challenge. Coming from longarming, I need every tip I can find!

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  7. Hi Maria: I've never tried FMQ and am afraid to try? Can you tell me if the clear plexi plateform around your sewing machine came with the machine, or is it something you purchased later? Can you tell me the name? My machine sits on a desk, and so doesn't have a flat surface around it. Also, I haven't done any applique...can you tell me about the teflon sheet you used, is there a brand name?
    Sorry for all the questions! I find you blog so informative. Thanks for your help!

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    Replies
    1. Maria, I would like to know same things please :)

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    2. This comment has been removed by the author.

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    3. As you're a no reply blogger I can't reply to you in an email so I'll reply here and hope you'll see it =)

      The "extension table" (plastic platform) came included with my Janome Horizon, however, you can buy them as an accessory for most modern machines. I'd say it's quite important to have either that or a table which you can lower your machine into for a bigger surface if you want to try FMQ.
      The Teflon sheet is just a normal teflon baking sheet you use between the appliqué and your iron for ironing down appliqués without fear of getting glue on your iron. I also use this sheet for FMQ quilting as explained here: http://www.notonlyquilts.com/2011/12/free-motion-quilting-on-your-home.html

      Best of luck with the FMQ, it's a bit tricky to begin with but so much fun!! You'll never want to do anything else once you start =)

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  8. Thanks for the tip! I'm going to try this! :)

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  9. That is a super idea! Thanks for thinking of it! I will be trying this for sure. Thanks so much!

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  10. My feed dogs don't drop on my machine.. do you think this could work as a way to cover them so I CAN FMQ on my machine?

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    Replies
    1. I saw where you put stitch length to 0 to account for feed dogs not dropping. I assume that might work and is worth trying

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  11. Is it teflon sheet for bakery? I can't understand, sorry..

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  12. My feed dogs don't drop either, but my machine (Brother XN1700) came with a clip-on plastic cover that hides them. Check your accessories!
    I just ordered a sheet of teflon (which is listed as 'heavy duty teflon sheet' and is produced to lay in the bottom of your oven to keep it clean.) The Slider I was looking at was £55. I got mine on eBay - 30cm x 50cm, 3 sheets - £7!!

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    Replies
    1. My machine does lower the feed dogs, however, it runs better and more evenly with them up =)

      Oh that's such a great idea, I'll look for one myself now as I've gone through quite a few of these thinner sheets, thank you! =D

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  13. I live in Western Australia out in the country and would love to try the baking sheet made from teflon. Where would one buy one? Cannot justify the Supreme Slider prices and if this really works ..... well my dreams would be answered.

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    Replies
    1. Oz Quilts in Australia have June Tailor Teflon Pressing Sheet 18" x 18" for around $20, they also carry a cheaper alternative to Supreme Slider called SewSlip II for free motion quilting 12" x 18". Hope that helps

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  14. Hi Jane, you where unfortunately a "no-reply comment blogger" so I couldn't email you an answer. In Sweden I find them both in the hardware store ironically enough, and sometimes also in the baking ile I'm a bigger supermarket. hope this helps!

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