Today’s Topic: Do the Smooth Glide Test for Free Motion Quilting
Welcome to Week Nine of The Better Machine Quilt-a-long based on my book 25 Days to Better Machine Quilting.
Find all of the previous Lessons HERE.
Sign up for emails of the class HERE.
Good Morning, Quilters!
Today we are going to take off our superhero cloaks and don white laboratory coats to do an experiment!
The key to becoming a better free motion quilter is to find the techniques and supplies that work for you!
Here at LKQ, and in my books, I try to offer a variety of tools and techniques. I recommend things that work for me, but I also offer ideas that I don’t use, but seem reasonable to me. For example, I don’t like quilting gloves, but I don’t try to convince everyone to not use them. Instead, I try to offer options for every tool, technique and supply.
Everyone is different. We all work in different ways and we all use different sewing machines and accessories. Think of my suggestions as a starting point. I’ve tested these techniques and supplies and know they have merit. In additon, read the comment section of each post for more ideas–and post YOUR ideas! YOUR ideas are extremely valued and helpful!
Scientific Approach to Machine Quilting.
This week’s lessons are designed to help you create a smooth stitching line by reducing the forces of gravity and friction. Just being aware of friction and gravity is a good start to solving this quilting problem.
As you quilt, think about: ” In my sewing room, how can I reduce gravity while free motion quilting?”
and “How can I reduce friction while free motion quilting?”
Start with the suggestions from yesterday’s post: How to Create a Smooth Glide For Machine Quilting And read the comment section for more ideas.
Then set up a test like the Smooth Glide Test for Free Motion Quilting:
Example of a Quilt Experiment-Smooth Glide Test
Hypothesis
Starching and pressing quilt backing fabric will make the quilt move easier and make the quilted line smoother.
Test
Try it…Using the unfinished Square Flower Table Runner,(Do not starch or press) quilt the right side borders. Stitch Silly Spirals in the one inch section and The Twist in the larger border section. Make a mental note of how easily the quilt moved while you were stitching.
Starch the backing and press.
Quilt the left side borders, again taking note of the relative ease of moving the quilt.
Results
Does starching make quilting easier? Does the quilt move more easily?
Is your quilting line smoother?
Unsure?
If you’re not sure, then it’s probably not worth the time and effort!
Confounding factors–Is it possible the starched side was easier because you practiced on the first side?
Might need another trial!
Test Another Hypothesis
Hypothesis: Using a Supreme Slider (or baking sheet–or other product) will make moving the quilt easier.
Set up a quick quilt sandwich and test your new hypothesis.
YOUR Best Practices
This is how YOU determine the tools, techniques and supplies that work best for YOU!
YOUR Favorites?
Have you experimented with quilting tools, techniques and supplies?
What are YOUR favorite methods to fight Gravity and Friction?
Are there any items YOU don’t find useful?
We’d LOVE to hear!
YOUR Incredible Scientist,
Lori La-Mode
PS…All tutorials, images and information are the property of Lori Kennedy Quilts and are intended for personal use only. Feel free to re-blog, pin or share with attribution to LKQ. For all other purposes, please contact me at Lori@LoriKennedyQuilts.com. Thank you!
Visit my Etsy shop: LoriKennedyShop for all of my books! They are ALL bestsellers!
