Machine Quilting - Tips To Get Great Results
Quilts made using a sewing machine generally don’t have the same high quality repuation as handmade quilts. But machine quilting can actually make for a quilt which is more visually dramatic than those made by hand. The tension of the stitches enables a person to make more extreme peaks and valleys within the quilting than would be produced when doing it by hand. Plus it is actually a lot quicker to produce a quilt by machine.
The great thing about using a machine to make a quilt is that it is much easier to learn, however it will take some practice before you are producing high quality quilts. The best way to get started is to first do a few test runs on a piece of material before you actually start to stitch your quilt. By doing this it allows you to adjust the tension settings on your machine. You can also ensure that all your stitches are even and do not become puckered, and that there are no loose loops of thread to be seen.
Probably the easiest types of machine stitches to start with are long straight lines. Start at the center of your quilt and then radiate out. Whenever you are using any sort of pattern it is advisable that you start in the center of the quilt and then work towards the outside edge. Also plan the order in which you will be carrying out your stitching and this will then prevent the need for you to keep stopping and starting too many times.
As soon as you are ready to start sewing your quilt you should place it beside your machine and then roll the sides of the quilt in toward the center. Secure these rolls with pins or you may want to try bicycle clips instead. When sewing straight lines on your quilt it is best that you use an even feed walking foot whilst for more elaborate (freehand) stitching it is best if you use a darning foot. Plus you will also need to lower the feed dogs or else you may need to use a throat plate which will then cover the feed dogs.
By keeping these factors in mind you will be able to produce a beautifully finished piece of machine quilting. With practice, you can product quilts that some people may find difficult to recognize as coming from a machine and will instead think it has been produced by hand.
If you want to learn more about machine quilting, click over to Heather’s site at http://www.madaboutquilting.com Or click here to get 3 Free Reports about quilting.
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