Introduction to Freemotion Quilting
Have you always wanted to finish off your own quilts but have no confidence to do so and no idea where to begin?
In this workshop we will take away the fear and give you the confidence to develop your quilting skills which in turn offers so many more options for your quilt making.
You will need to bring along some quilt ‘sandwiches’ ready to work on – see below for how to prepare them *please note this needs to be done in advance of the workshop*
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What will we cover?
You will learn how to:
- Baste and pin your work for quilting
- Set the machine for free motion including lowering or covering the feed dogs, setting your stitch length, and changing the speed, if your machine allows
- Making sure you have ready wound bobbins
- Use an open toe/darning/embroidery sewing foot (you will need to bring along one to fit your machine)
- How to manoeuvre the fabric – use of gloves and placement of your hands
- A few basic shapes (including meander, stippling, simple flowers and leaves, pebbles, circles and swirls)
- How to develop muscle memory of a variety of designs to build your skills
- How to mark the fabric if you choose to do so
- Starting and stopping tips
How will I be taught?
You’ll be taught in our lovely studio by a friendly and experienced tutor, through demonstration and guidance as you work.
You’ll also be able to ask questions, making sure everything is clear and that you’re getting the best results you can.
Do I need any previous experience or skills?
This workshop is for anyone wanting to develop their quilting skills. Experience of using a sewing machine is needed.
Are materials provided? Is there anything I need to source myself?
You will need to bring along some quilt ‘sandwiches’ ready to work on – see below for how to prepare them *please note this needs to be done in advance of the workshop*
Please bring 10 quilt sandwiches to learn the techniques on.
How to prepare your quilt sandwich for free motion practice:
The quilt sandwich consists of a top layer, middle wadding layer and then a backing fabric
Choose a plain cotton where possible for the top layer, you can always use the reverse of a fabric you dislike – this is also a good chance to use up those random colours and chop up old tablecloths or sheeting.
Good sizes for practising are fat quarter size (46cm x 54cm) or about 60 x 60 cm. This is a good size to hold and work with as a beginner.
Press the fabric well before you start, and the wadding to remove creases and pleats, press with a fabric cover or use a cooler iron setting.
If you have scraps of wadding, 80/20 works well, then this is the time to use these, you can zigzag these together with a large zigzag stitch.
Cut these to be at least an inch bigger than your fabric for samples
Lay the backing fabric flat then add the batting, and smooth out, layer the top piece on this and smooth again. Add a few pins to keep these together and we can baste in the workshop
Once these are all set up you can bring these along to the class and we will learn how to baste these.
Remember to also bring along your embroidery sewing foot for free motion for your machine and about 10 pre wound bobbins. You will get through these really quickly.
You will also need a pad and pencil.
What will I take home with me?
You’ll leave with your quilted samples along with skills and confidence to take your quilting further.
Refreshments
Drinks and biscuits will be available but we recommend that you bring a packed lunch with you.
“I joined the machine quilting workshop and really enjoyed the whole day. I learnt so much about quilting and came away with confidence to carry on and practice, Debbie was an excellent teacher. The setting is very comfortable and the day was very easy going.”
Beverley
Photography
During all of our workshops photographs are taken for promotional purposes only. Please make us aware at the time of booking if you would prefer not to be included.
Tutor
