If you have been wanting to learn how to free-motion quilt with a regular home sewing machine, these tips may be helpful for you!
Today I’d like to share a video on how to set up your space for free motion quilting using a domestic machine and some of my favourite free-motion quilting tips in video format.
Previously, I have shared some of these tips on my blog (which you can find in the following top posts):
- Free Motion Quilting Foot
- Common Free Motion Quilting Problems and how to solve them
- How to Avoid Fold/Pleats/Tucks when quilting using a domestic machine
but for visual learners, a video might be much more helpful for you. So hopefully, this video will benefit you, and encourage you to start quilting your own quilt with your sewing machine!
If you are a beginner free motion quilter or haven’t yet got the hang of free motion quilting, I would like to invite you to join my FREE E-course on FREE MOTION QUILTING FOR BEGINNER HERE >> 
There are affiliate links within this post. Please find my full disclosure here.
Tools for successful Free Motion Quilting on the home sewing machine
Just to make it easy for you to find the things I have mentioned in this video, here are some of my favourite tools that i use to free motion quilt.
- I literally changed my mind about threads when I started using THIS very thread. They come in big cones, which means they don’t need to be replaced that often as they last a lot longer. I use an embroidery thread stand for it. You can get cheap thread stand like this one here which has great reviews.
2. Superior Thread Top Stitch Needles. I use this for all of my sewing and FMQ. Literally. In fact, I kind of find it a bit odd when I have to use a needle that is not coloured gold as these needles are.Not only that, they last pretty long and stays sharp even after lots of quilting.
3. My trusty sticky Glove. Any brand works for me, Any brand works for me, but I personally love the ones made of breathable cotton; like this one.
4. Spray Baste. I am not a fan of taking off safety pins. This makes it so much quicker and allows me to cruise without fear of getting onto a pin. I personally love this spray baste.
5. My large throat sewing machine of course! Here is the one I own. Totally worth every penny! I love it so much.
However, you don’t actually need all of these tools to start. I myself started with a very basic sewing machine and just a regular free motion quilting foot. Yet, I still managed to quilt a queen-sized quilt. So just upgrade gradually as you feel more confident and based on your needs and wants accordingly.
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.
You don’t need these, but they do help ease things a little, so don’t feel like you need to have all of these to start. Just start with what you already have.
Video : How to quilt with a regular sewing machine:
Diagram how to quilt in sections
So, are you ready to quilt with your sewing machine?
Let me know if you are stuck at any stage, and I’ll try to help at my best from here. You’ll get better with each try, so just start okay?
If you are a beginner free motion quilter or haven’t yet got the hang of free motion quilting, I would like to invite you to join my FREE E-course on FREE MOTION QUILTING FOR BEGINNERS HERE >>
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Check out other post related too:
- Free Motion Quilting Foot
- Common Free Motion Quilting Problems and how to solve them
- How to Avoid Fold/Pleats/Tucks when quilting using a domestic machine
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12 Comments
I just watched your video on quilting a large quilt on home machine. It was helpful to see. I have done a few on my machine that were basically line quilting. I was wondering if you have a stitch length regulator on your machine. For some reason, I am nervous about having to small a stitch. Maybe it is because I know how hard it would be to pick them out if needed. Ha ha. I must say that I love the material you use. It is so cheerful. Not heavy. Thank you.
Hi Kara,
I’m glad the video helped! I don’t have a stitch regulator with my machine. I was just like you when I started back then, I was so worried my stitches were uneven and too small. But, with time and practice, the stitches were quite uniform and in the end it didn’t bother at all that they are a little uneven.
If you move your hand slow, the stitches will be close together, but I think at the beginning you will have this. That is okay – just keep going! You’ll get your tune with practice.
Thank you for stopping by.
Have fun quilting!
When you’re quilting are you quilting all three layers of the sandwich?
Thank you,i have so many quilts sewn,but have not had the money to take to longarm quilter..i will try using the process described..wish me luck
Did you have some type of cover on the quilting table surface to make it more slippery? Your video was great.
It is difficult to see what you are sewing while using white thread on white fabric.
I have the same sewing machine as you! Unfortunately, I have had ongoing problems with stitching during free motion. I am switching over to your needles and will let you know if that helped. Any other recommendations? I already use the same thread
what kind of problems is it? I would play around with the top tension dial. Practice some motion and adjust the dial and try again. Repeat if it somehow looks better..Sometimes that does the trick.
I love your site. I have the same machine and have trouble with free motion quilting and stitching tension. Any suggestions?
Thank you for all your great advice! Really nice of you to take the time to share. I’m new to quilting and have a lot of practicing to do. Your encouragement is giving me the courage to try!
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Hi I am new to quilting and wondered if you need to put renforcing materiel between the material. And the padding do you do it on individual pieces then put your backing material on and sew all together?