Develop YOUR Quilting Rhythm with this Exercise

July 30, 2020
Craftsy Free Motion Quilting

Today’s Topic: Develop YOUR Quilting Rhythm

Welcome to Week Seven!

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.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/LoriKennedyShop
Good Morning Quilters!

Today, I would like to walk you through a short exercise that will help you develop your own quilting rhythm.

Everyone has a natural quilting rhythm-a comfortable speed for moving the quilt while quilting.  Just like handwriting, some people write fast, others write slowly. Everyone varies their speed depending on what they are writing–quick notes or filling out a form.

It is the same for quilting. As you become more fluent with the overall quilting process, you will find a quilting speed that works best for you. You will notice your quilting flows freely. When YOU are in YOUR rhythm, your stitches will look their best.

The Fast/Slow Exercise

PREP

Mark a two inch grid on a sheet of paper or on your Boogie Board.

Create a quick quilt sandwich marked with a two inch grid.

Set up your sewing machine for quilting with your thread of choice.

DOODLE

Set a timer for 2 minutes:

Doodle wavy lines in each of the grid sections.  Change direction from horizontal to vertical in each square.  Your doodle should resemble a basket weave.

QUILT

(Do not use a stitch regulator for this exercise!)

Begin sewing in any square in the grid. Stitch several squares and adjust the tension.

Set a timer for 1 minute:

Stitch at your normal speed for 1 minute, filling in each of the squares with horizontal and vertical wavy lines.

Set a timer for 1 minute:

Stitch as fast as you can for 1 minute, filling in each of the squares with horizontal and vertical wavy lines.  Really push yourself to stitch FAST–beyond your comfort level.

Set a timer for 1 minute:

Stitch as slow as you can for 1 minute, filling in the squares.  Stitch really s-l-o-w!

Set a time for 1 minute:

Stitch at your comfortable speed, filling in the squares.

EVALUATE

Which was easier fast or slow?

Did you find a “new normal” for sewing speed?

Review

Most beginner quilters assume slow is better, but this exercise clearly demonstrates that slow quilting is difficult.  Extremely fast quilting isn’t easy either. So like Goldilocks, we must find the speed that is “just right”-somewhere in between fast and slow.

In general, if you are struggling, force yourself to stitch a little faster.  Usually your stitching line will be smoother. Stitching a little faster forces us to concentrate more and creates a less tortured stitching path.

Eventually you will find your own rhythm, your own natural pace. It will vary day to day depending on the quilt, the motif, your mood…

But when you are in the “flow” you will know it and your stitching line will be “sweet”!

Take a Walk

Are YOU a fast walker or do you prefer to stroll?

Do YOU talk fast or do you ramble?

What’s YOUR natural pace?

Do YOU have a natural quilting rhythm?

We’d LOVE to hear!

Your Rhythmic Quilter,

Lori La Bomba

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!

PPS…This post contains Amazon Affiliate links.  If you choose to purchase–at no additional cost to you–I may receive a little “pin-money”.  Thank you for supporting LKQ in this small way!

PPS...More Free Motion Machine Quilting 1-2-3 has a Troubleshooting Guide on page 36

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