Best tips for starting free motion quilting on domestic machine successfully

Here are my best tips for starting free motion quilting with a domestic sewing machine. If you want to start free motion quilting your own quilt this year, make sure you read these tips to start your free motion quilting journey.

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How to get better at free motion quilting?

I think it is so easy to think that in order to start your quilting, we should get straight to do the machine and start right? However, with free-motion quilting, the best way to get started is to do some work away from the machine first. What do I mean by that?

1. Practice away from the machine

Start with practice doodling. Pen and paper are the best way to practice and strengthen the memory muscle for the free motion pathway.

If you start straight on the machine, it will be hard to say whether the issue is with the machine or the way the motion is done.

Take it step-by-step. If you can’t imagine where the path is, it would be harder to stitch that path right?

Learning the pathway through doodling with pen and paper with help you build the memory of that motion. This will then make it easier to drive your hand when moving the quilt at your sewing machine.

I like to practice my doodling when I am on the phone, in a meeting, or just when my head wanders around. It can be very therapeutic trying not to lift the pen as we doddle the pattern.

Don’t know how to doodle? Try tracing over free motion quilting template. You can download 3 easy free design here to start with.

2. Starting free motion quilting by practicing small

Small is good. I know that feeling of eagerness to get straight to finishing off that quilt top you have had for so long straight away with this new skill that you’re about to try out. But, it is very important that you start small. It will save you from a lot of frustration.

It can even cause you to ruin that quilt top or even worse, made you regret even trying out free motion quilting.

I have heard many give up before time and say that free motion quilting is not for them, only after struggling with the first quilt that they jump straight into before doing any real practices with small projects.

I practiced a ton of paisley on this small wallhanging before I was confident or sure about taking it to a big quilt. And it has lots of mistakes. Lots of lessons learned though, so surely it was worth it.

It is also a great way to gauge the timing of how long it will take for me to quilt if it was a larger piece.

Struggling quilting large quilts?

Real big quilts will have their own challenges whether you free motion quilt or not. Hence, by mastering one thing at a time, you will be progressing more positively and make fewer mistakes along the way. Therefore, always start small. Practice with different tools, practice different designs and just build up your confidence from these small practices.

Don’t worry you can surely make use of those little practices. Don’t see them as waste.

I almost use all of my practice pieces.

Here are examples of things you can make and use with small practice pieces.

You can also watch this video to make a boxy pouch from your practice piece.

3. Starting free motion quilting by investing in a few good tools

Don’t have to have all the fancy things, but these items are a must-have for me when free motion quilting on a domestic machine.

What do you need to free-motion quilt with a home sewing machine?

Free Motion Quilting Foot. You can actually free-motion quilt without a foot but having a foot makes it so much easier! If your machine doesn’t come with one, it doesn’t mean your machine can’t free motion quilt. If you are looking for a generic free motion quilting foot that suits a regular domestic machine, HERE is one with a great 5-Star review.
The right thread. I literally changed my mind about threads, when I started using this thread. Just read what other people has to say about it too HERE. And they come in big cones. which means they last longer before I have to change the thread. I use an embroidery thread stand for it. You can get a cheap thread stand like this one here.
Superior Threads Top Stitch Needles. You’ll need larger eye needles for free motion quilting to avoid thread breaking due to friction. I use this for all my sewing and FMQ. Really. In fact, I kind of find it a bit off when I have to use a needle that is not colored gold as these needles are. Try out different sizes with this pack. What size needle to use for free motion quilting? I use a 90/14 but it can change depending on the thread you’ll use. Generally, 19/14 is great.
Sticky Glove. Any brand works for me, but I personally love the one that is breathable cotton like this one. If I don’t feel like wearing gloves, I make sure I have my Supreme Slider on the machine. Works like a charm and reduces tiring my shoulder.

Do you need a large machine to quilt?

The answer to that is no. I have quilted many quilts before I invested to upgrade to a larger quilt. It is totally doable. Harder but doable.

Queen size quilt under the standard size sewing machine is very doable. Put in the right mindset that it will take time, and you will need lots of breaks, but it is possible.

However, I do recommend getting a larger machine once you feel like you are surely going to be quilting a lot or if you have the budget. I did so and it was one of the best decisions I made for my quilting hobby.

The larger harp or machine throat area will help ease motion for quilting. It will surely help to get the big quilts moving smoothly and easily.

You can check out this post to see my top best-recommended sewing machine for quilting and free motion quilting.

Well, I hope these tips help you get started on the right foot. The free motion quilting foot. See what I did there.. hehe. pun intended.

Free motion quilting is a lovely journey with the right mindset. It does require practice, but having to fully quilted your own quilts with a beautiful design will be worth it.

If you want a more detailed step-by-step tutorial on what to practice and how to get started quilting large quilts with your machine, check out Free Motion Quilting Bootcamp. the course will take you step-by-step and I break it all down in video lessons.