Quiltmaker - July/August 2017 - 62

Machine Quilting:
for the First Time
with

Tricia Patterson

Tricia continues her exploration of quilting on a domestic machine by learning
the decisions she needs to make about
equipment and materials before she
begins.
Tricia is an Associate Editor for
Quiltmaker.

Part 2: Take Time to Prepare
Sewing machine manufacturers often include an option
to purchase a table for their machine, or an extension
table that slides up to the machine like the one shown.
I've used my table for piecing and can already testify
that having a large flat surface really helps to support
the weight of a quilt top, particularly making it easier to
manage while I'm sewing on borders, fighting to keep
the quilt center collected near my machine so I'm not
sewing crooked, while everything wants to slide to my
lap and onto the floor.
"Layer and baste together the backing, batting and
quilt top." We use these words, or similar ones, in every
Quiltmaker pattern. There is a whole lot of action that
goes into this direction, more than these mere ten words
convey. As the next step in my journey to learn how
to quilt on a domestic sewing machine I spent some
time learning all that is involved to follow this simple
direction-which is extremely important to achieve the
desired quality and beauty of a finished quilt. In parts 2
and 3 of this series I'm going to share some key points
I've learned about quilting tools, those I need to consider first: my sewing machine and selecting needles,
thread and batting. I'll also share my notes about the
quilt sandwich of backing, batting and quilt top, and the
process of getting it ready before I start quilting. I'll continue to share my notes in the next part of the series to
talk about basting.

Sewing Machine, Table Top and Presser Feet
Any domestic sewing machine can be used for straightline quilting. For free-motion quilting it's helpful to
have a straight-stitch throat plate that helps the thread
move easier through the three layers of the quilt. It's
also helpful to have a stitch regulator, although not necessary. A regulator controls the sewing speed and helps
regulate the stitches as the sandwich moves across the
sewing surface while quilting.

62

Quiltmaker * July/August '17

Most types of quilting can be easily accomplished with
two presser feet, a walking foot to handle straight-line
stitching and an open-toe foot (a.k.a. darning foot) for
free-motion quilting. A walking foot moves the fabric
more smoothly under the needle, stabilizing it for more
control of precise stitches. A free-motion foot, with feed
dogs lowered, moves the quilt layer more freely under
the needle, providing the freedom to make freeform
shapes like curves and circles.



Quiltmaker - July/August 2017

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Quiltmaker - July/August 2017

Table of Contents
Quiltmaker - July/August 2017 - Cover1
Quiltmaker - July/August 2017 - Cover2
Quiltmaker - July/August 2017 - 1
Quiltmaker - July/August 2017 - 2
Quiltmaker - July/August 2017 - 3
Quiltmaker - July/August 2017 - Table of Contents
Quiltmaker - July/August 2017 - 5
Quiltmaker - July/August 2017 - 6
Quiltmaker - July/August 2017 - 7
Quiltmaker - July/August 2017 - 8
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Quiltmaker - July/August 2017 - Cover3
Quiltmaker - July/August 2017 - Cover4
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/newtrack/qm_20170708
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