Today’s Topic:FMQ and Stitch Regulators
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Good Morning, Quilters!
This week we’ve been considering the topic of stitch length for free motion quilting which brings us to the topic of stitch regulators.
I would like to offer a few thoughts on stitch regulators, but more importantly, I would LOVE to hear the collective wisdom of nearly 15,000 readers of LKQ. Please share YOUR experience and thoughts on stitch regulators.
What is a Stitch Regulator?
A stitch regulator, like BERNINA’s (BSR=BERNINA Stitch Regulator), detects the speed of the quilt moving under the needle and adjusts the speed of stitching to maintain a designated stitch length.
The quilter dials in the desired stitch length, then begins moving the quilt to create motifs. The BSR adjusts to regulate the stitch length. Even stitches every time. (Well, almost!)
Built-in v. Attached Regulators
Most longarm and midarm quilting machines on the market today offer a built-in stitch regulator. For example, both my Q20 sit-down BERNINA and my Q24 Longarm on a frame include a built-in stitch regulator which can be turned off (Manual Mode) if desired.
Many models of sewing machine (like my BERNINA 770QE) have an optional stitch regulator accessory which can be positioned on the machine like a presser foot.
Do I Use a Stitch Regulator?
One of the most frequently asked questions I receive is whether or not I use a stitch regulator.
When I am quilting on my sewing machine, I never use the stitch regulator. I learned to quilt before stitch regulators were available. Consequently, I had to develop my own sense of timing. With practice, I learned to create fairly even stitches–not perfect, but good enough. I tried the BSR once or twice, but never took the time to learn how to use it properly. It felt backwards–like adding training wheels to my bike after I’d been riding a two wheeler for ten years.
On the other hand, the built-in stitch regulator on the longarm quilting machines is easier to use and stitching flows more naturally, so I frequently use the stitch regulator on my Q20 and Q24. I use manual mode about half the time and the stitch regulator half the time.
Pros and Cons of Stitch Regulators
PRO-Beginner quilters and infrequent quilters can achieve even stitch length with little practice using a stitch regulator.
PRO-Quilters can concentrate on motif formation rather than moving the quilt at an even pace.
CON-Quilters do not develop their own sense of timing and don’t learn how to move the quilt smoothly when aided by a stitch regulator.
(See BERNINA We All Sew–How to Quilt Butterflies. Notice in the video–smooth movement and consistent quilt speed create even stitches!)
CON- The motor required for stitch regulating is fairly noisy (One of the reasons I often revert to manual mode even on my longarms)
CON-You can not do ruler work with an attached stitch regulator. Ruler work requires a special foot which does not attach to the BSR on sewing machines. (You can do ruler work with built-in regulators.)
Regulators Yea? or Nay?
A stitch regulator, especially a built-in type, is nice to have, but it’s not a “must-have”. Don’t let the lack of one prevent you from enjoying free motion quilting.
As a beginner, even stitches may seem impossible, but I think you’ll be surprised that your sense of timing will become second nature quicker than you think.
On the other hand, stitch regulators may give you the little boost you need….
As with most things, it’s a matter of personal preference.
What do YOU Say–Yea? or Nay?
I would love to hear your thoughts on stitch regulators!
Would YOU vote Yea? or Nay?
Are YOU a quilting teacher who recommends using or not using a stitch regulator?
Do YOU use a stitch regulator regularly? Is it built-in or attached?
Is YOUR stitch regulator still in the box?
Are YOU able to achieve even stitches without a regulator?
Please share!
YOUR Unregulated (or should I say Irregular?) Quilter,
Lori
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46 comments
Dale
I have had a Bernina 153, 820 and 770. I never used the BSR on the 820. Seemed too weird a presser foot. Never any confidence in my FMQ over 10 classes and 10 years. Then after purchasing the 770, I started using the BSR for FMQ. In 5 virtual FMQ classes, I have learned to relax and always use the BSR. It really has given me more confidence in FMQ and I will keep using it.
Diane Dashevsky
I am a totally self-taught quilter (reading, on-line videos, and practice). I was doing fairly well with FMQ on my Brother Quilt Club domestic machine even on King size quilts. But when I started having lots of skipped stitches when the feed dogs are dropped I became extremely frustrated. None of the “troubleshooting” solutions worked to fix the problem. I don’t live anywhere near a repair service ☹️. Soooo….a couple of weeks ago I purchased a used Gammill (22” throat) with a Qbot system. While I absolutely LOVE the computerized quilting and ability to do pantographs, I am still practicing FMQ the longarm. I find that I do better on motifs I’m comfortable with and have done a lot using the constant (unregulated) setting. I find the regulated stitching better for learning “new” motifs and building the muscle memory. Sure is quite a learning curve getting used to the longarm!
Lori Kennedy Quilts
Hi Diane, I recently purchased a long arm too. I’m experimenting with everything–from rulers to computerized quilting–but it seems I always come back to free motion! My first love…
Robert J Ignaszak
Fir that kind if stitching don’t use the BSR. For ruler work or flowing lines, by all means. In general, the tinier the stitching, like micro stipple ( my favorite), don’t use the bsr. For motifs try it!
Marilyn
I have a Bernina 820 and i am a free motion quilting lover….such freedom and fun. However, when I tried the stitch regulator all I could do was hold back the tears and frustration. Some of my free motion is in very small intricate places on raw edge appiique…adding detailed stitching, literally like sketching with my sewing machine. I couldn’t go as slowly as I mjght want…couldn’t get that free feeling with the regulator…so right back in the box never to be seen again. I don’t know what that had added to the cost of my machine but I bet it was plenty. No to stitch regulator No No No!
Amy S McBurnie
When I first tried FMQ “normally” I hated it. No matter what I did I could not get even stitches. I resigned myself to only using a walking foot to quilt or a check. Enter the BSR – it changed everything. I bought the 630, one of the first machines Bernina made BSR-capable. I was finally able to FMQ and it looked good. I tried quilting with rulers and once again, hated not getting even stitches. I now have a longarm and only use it in regulated mode (unless it’s running via computer). I know that I might be in the minority, but without the BSR I probably would have given up quilting years ago.
Linda Rodger
I have used the BSR a few times on my 770 but find it a little bit jerky. An expensive attachment that sits in a box!
Tess Golding
Interesting comments, I’ve never fhad a Bernina, they were always too dear; these days I use a Brother NV1100 for anything other than a straight stitch, and bought a Juki 2010TL for straight stitching – quilting and ruler work. I love the speed control on it and find I got good stitch lengths when I “listened” to the rhythm of the machine – reminds of when I ride my Spyder -and all the other motorbikes I’ve had – your ear becomes attuned to the motor and with practice I can produce a reasonable stitch. I don’t count myself as a ‘good’ quilter, but I like to think I’m getting better!!
Heartland Honey
I love the BSR on my Bernina, especially when I move the machine onto the quilt frame. I normally quilt with a blend of machine embroidered designs and use free motion quilting to “fill in the blanks.”
Roberta Jehn
I have a Bernina 440 QE with the BSR. I never liked it and learned to FMQ without it. It’s still in the box. I give beginner FMQ classes at my local quilt shop, Mouse Creek Quilts, in Howell, NJ. Students with a stitch regulator learn to FMQ faster and are happier with the training wheels. They seem to be the ones who continue to quilt more of their projects.
I bought a used HQ Avante and am learning to use it. A whole new set of skills to learn. I always use the stitch regulator on it. I am getting better with each quilt.
Ruller work was easy for me to learn because I quilted without a stitch regulator on my Bernina. I keep the rulers foot on when I do FMQ so I can easily switch from ruler work to FMQ.
So I can see pros and cons with a stitch regulator.
Lori Kennedy Quilts
Thank you for sharing your experience both for yourself and for students. Pros and cons
Terry Helms
I thought my BSR foot was broken, kept beeping at me, but the staff in the Bernina shop tested it, and suggested I put the speed dial on the front of my machine to the fastest setting. It stopped beeping so much, but I felt like the attachment foot was holding me back and added more drag to the quilting process. And I don’t really do fast FMQ, so no, I don’t use or like the stich regulator. Maybe it would be helpful someday it I try tiny micro-quilting.
Lori Kennedy Quilts
Thank you for sharing your experience..
Bob Ignaszak
I have been FMQ for 20 years, and learned without a stitch regulator. At shows and shops I would occasionally sit-down machine with a stitch regulator and found I was fighting it and the machine felt clumsy to me aster my older domestic Bernina. Then I tried a Bernina Q16 and took my time. I now own a Q16 and love the stitch regulator. I use it most of the time, except for small stippling and detail fills. It was an adjustment, but I am happy with the results.
Joan Varonka
Love, love, love my stitch regulators. I use the BSR on my 880 Bernina, and had the confidence to complete an art quilt I never dreamed I could do. The stitch regulator on my long-arm is always ON. Long-arming takes all the patience I have, so I’d never work without the stitch regulator.
susan Hilsenbeck
I love hearing everyone’s experience — I’ve only tried stitch regulation on a demonstrator model at a quilt show so have no real experience, although there is clearly a learning curve. Personally, I enjoy the zen of coordinating movement and machine speed, although I still have a lot of work to do.
It is interesting to note that the sewing machine was invented in 1790 but the feed-dog was not patented until 1846, so the earliest sewing machines did not have feed-dogs. Our fore-mothers must have been very adept at ‘free motion’ sewing of all sorts. 😉
susan Hilsenbeck
Errata — feed-dogs patented 1854.
Diana Lassahn
I have a stitch regulator on my Handi Quilter and used it at first a lot. Now prefer manual only and have found that I just need to adjust the speed. Usually higher than I think I need.
Maryln Nelson
I learned to fmq without BSR and became “good enough”. I then purchased an Artista 630 that came with BSR. I fought with that BSR for a couple of years, going back and forth with and without. I finally settled on Mode 2 and we became “kinda’ friends although I always felt I could do just as well without. Update: I recently purchased the 770 QE and absolutely love the BSR. I’m not sure I could fmq without one now.
Marly
I bought a Bernina 440 QE with BSR attachment about 9 years ago, and took a FMQ workshop about a year later because I didn’t get on to well with it. If the BSR made FMQ so easy, what would my quilting be like without it was my thought. This kept me using the BSR, because without it I would really make a mess. To my surprise the teacher told those of us with stitch regulators to use them, so I did.
And so I continued until this March. I decided to follow your course, because I thought using only the BSR was maybe like learning to drive a car in an automatic (forbidden in Europe), and never learning to use the gears, listen to the engine, and understand what you’re doing. Now my stitch length is uneven, but I understand the process better, and am working on it.
All I can add is that I drive a car far better than I free motion quilt!
Thank you Lori for broadening my horizons.
Rose
I learned to free motion quilt on my domestic machine. With practice, you learn to coordinate the speed of your hand movement with the speed of your foot pedal. You can also hear the sound of your machine when you find your sweet spot. When you coordinate speed and sound together it makes it easier to get your rhythm with practice. The movements with the sound of your machine makes it easier to get in sync once you become more comfortable with practice. I then bought a long arm and only used my stitch regulator for the past few years. Recently. I decided to try in manual mode and played with free motion quilting. Taking off the stitch regular training wheels made my movements much smoother. I was able to also hear the sound of my machine and coordinate my movements with the speed of the machine. I found it much easier to control my stitch length with the sound and consistent speed of the machine without my stitch regulator.
Michele R
I hated the whole quilting process when I first tried it many years ago. The BSR changed the quilting experience for me toward the better, but I was still not overly enthused. I bought my Q20 two years ago and that made all the difference. The Q20 with built-in BSR was a game changer for me. I invested the money in the Q20 and I’m using EVERY feature it offers! I will NOT stitch without the BSR on. I’m into simplifying life, which the Q20 BSR does in a huge way. Also, a BIG shout out to Lori for sharing her expertise with us…doodling every day is my other game changer!
Lynn Jarzombeck
I too started with the BSR on my Bernina 440QE. Loved the result. But I branched out for rulers. Not doing great at this yet but it caused me to work on stitch regulation. I just meandered a baby quilt manually so I am one who does both.
Mary J Honas
I learned to FM on my domestic machine–no stitch regulator. On my long arm I use it! However, I can still get better control on my domestic so for fine, small designs I use my D1. For big quilts, it’s the Gammill with a stitch regulator all the way. I don’t think I’ve every even tried the Gammill without it. And I certainly wouldn’t do ruler work without it.
Mrs. Plum
One of the reasons I bought my Bernina 830LE 9 years ago was because of the stitch regulator. I had learned to quilt without it, but thought it would help me get more even fm stitches. I used it a few times, but it felt jerky to me, so I have abandoned it. Of course, along came ruler work, and as you said, the stitch regulator does not work for that.
Janet Norman
I used a Brother sewing machine for 25 years, but the speed control was very eradicate. So when I decided to get a new machine, I was looking for two things, a larger neck space and a speed control. I didn’t know about stitch controls. I bought a Janome with speed controls and haven’t used my foot pedal since. When I started to learn FMQ, I was able to focus on the speed of my hands and not worry about the speed of the machine.
Sally MB
I have used my BSR but, like you, have a better result without it. It is likely due to my need to practice more with the BSR though.
Marilyn
I bought a Bernina 770 seven years ago because of the BSR and quilted happily with it for several years. Then when I got interested in ruler quilting, I had to learn how to fm the regular way in order to use the ruler foot. The BSR had given me good basic skills, so it didn’t take me too long to fm without it. That was good because last year my BSR stopped working. When I talked to the dealer from Bernina Canada, I was told that, even with a special BSR replacement program, it was going to cost me hundreds of dollars to get a new one. So don’t buy a machine just for the BSR, as it seems you will eventually have to replace it. And you don’t need it anyway.
Brian Rowbotham
Hi, firstly – I am not the sewing person, that would be my wife. I love gadgets and tinkering, so of course when ‘we’ upgraded to a Grace quilting frame and Nina machine, I immediately noticed that there would be an advantage with a stitch regulator. However, our exchange rate ($*15) makes them prohibitively expensive for us mere mortals. I’m experimenting with various technologies to engineer a more suitably priced unit. I have seen on various YouTube tutorials that it really creates a professional finish to the work – besides it looks like a fun project.
So from my technical point of view, it would be a great upgrade for any FMQ person, whether by hand or frame, if it was a more affordable product.
Lori Kennedy Quilts
Love to hear your expert technical advice! Can’t wait to see what you develop. Please keep us in the loop!
JoAnne
I used a BSR when I was learning. As you said, it can function as training wheels. After a time, I quit using the attachment and have been going manual on my sit-down machine as well as my domestic machine. I like being able to vary my stitch size, depending on the size of motif.
Lori Kennedy Quilts
Very similar to my thoughts! Yes and I agree that without the regulator you can control stitch length between motifs.
Sherry Southgate
I would be stretching things to even class my skills to be classed as “novice” but I bought a used Bernina 440 QE a couple years ago only because of the BSR. However, I don’t feel that I get even stitches with it so now I’ve basically learned FMQ without using the BSR. I wonder if it is the threads, the BSR, or me! However, with being locked down here in Ontario Canada due to Covid I can’t even go to the shop for instructions and to test it. I do love my Bernina machine though and it is the second one I’ve owned.
Lori Kennedy Quilts
You make a great point that even with a regulator there is a learning curve!
Jean E. Quick
I have an early model of the BSR I had little success in with it. For one, if I marked w chalk, the dust blocked the lense. Oops. Sooo, I learned to regulate my speed and have not touched the BSR in years.
Lori Kennedy Quilts
Good point that the regulator reduces visibility!
Gloria
I have no room for a big machine in my townhouse do my sit down sewing machines is what I use for FMQ and I’ve done many many quilts… if you can’t afford expensive machines no worries… you can do it all on a basic machine … throat space is more important
Lori Kennedy Quilts
Agreed!
Sandy Witham-Atkinson
My
My Handi Quilter Sweet Sixteen would make even stitches in regulation mode only if making straight lines going East, West, North, or South. So the “training wheels” came off pretty quickly. New we models have corrected that straight line problem. Sometimes I will use regulated mode for straight lines, but otherwise I use manual mode.
Lori Kennedy Quilts
Really interesting experience with directional sewing!
Robin Nelson Zarbo
I never could get comfortable with the attached BSR on my 770 but my Q20 sit down is a different story. I use the BSR 2 all the time for ruler work and BSR 1 if I am doing a free motion motif. Free motion meandering is always done without BSR.
Lori Kennedy Quilts
That is similar to my experience. Thank you for sharing!
Nancy Hershberger
BSR, no. Unnecessary.
If you can drive a car you can do FMQ.
Susan Geldmeier
I took my first basic quilting class 8-10 years ago. The teacher let me try a stitch regulator at the class, so I upgraded my sewing machine just so that I could have a stitch regulator.
I have never done free- motion sewing without one!!
I took my second free- motion sewing class this past fall. I wanted to also learn how to do rulerwork, so I couldn’t use the stitch regulator. I was pretty terrible at rulerwork on my domestic machine, but I found that I could do some free motion quilting without the stitch regulator , and it looked pretty decent.
Well, old habits die hard……… I got a Q16 in March, and I can use stitch regulation with rulers, which makes rulerwork much easier for me. And I have used a stitch regulator “ forever,” so I don’t know what the advantage would be for me to learn free motion in the manual mode. Maybe I should sew some small practice pieces in the manual mode to experience the difference and see what advantages there might be for me.
Lori Kennedy Quilts
ThNk you for sharing g your experience! I think if it’s not broke don’t fix it!! Keep doing what you are doing!
Lynn Lane
When I bought my Artista 730 I purchased the stitch regulator and have never not used it. I purchased a Bernina Q20 and have always used the stitch regulator. I will have to try manual and see how it goes.
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