Learn
how to maximize your quilting space so that even big quilts
are easy to finish on a domestic sewing machine
Quilting big quilts
on a domestic sewing machine has never been easy, but it's not impossible.
The biggest thing to keep in mind is your sewing machine set up.
Having your machine
set up on a flush surface is key. When you have different surfaces
this creates drag on the quilt. You're struggling to quilt because
both the weight of the quilt and gravity are against you.
So a flush surface
is key. Another important factor is size.
No, you don't
need 12 ft tables and a room the size of a warehouse! You do need
enough space for your quilt to rest on without it setting in your
lap. I personally prefer to create the right sized table by connecting
several different sizes and shapes together.
The
most important thing is not really the size, but how you set up the
tables.
You want to wedge
your tables in a left corner so that the whole left side and back
of your tables are flush with a wall. This will keep your quilt from
falling off the left side or back of the table and creating a serious
drag on your body.
If you can, add
a small table to the left of your body (See the diagram). Your quilt
will often end up to the left of your body, and you will definitely
appreciate having the extra space to hold it.
Finally, stock
your quilting station with the tools and supplies you will need:
Quitling
Gloves - Free motion quilting
is so much easier and less frustrating when you can increase the
grippability of the quilt. The only way to do this is to wear special
quitling gloves designed to be useful as well as comfortable.
The
Pin Place
- This is a small magnet with a suction cup on the back that holds
one single speed threading needle.
This will allow you to easily hide your threads while quilting.
Remember, judges look for people who just clip their threads. Hiding
them is definitely worth it!
Magnetic
Pincushion
- When quilting, you're going to be constantly removing basting
safety pins from the surface of your quilt. It's so much easier
to throw them at a magnetic pincushion and have them caught rather
than making a mess with a jar which can always spill.
Supreme
Slider
- Even with a flush surface, you will still experience friction
and drag working against you. To reduce this considerably, try this
special teflon coated sheet specially designed to make your quilt
slide effortlessly over your machine.
Scissors-
Every quilter needs a dedicated set of scissors at her quilting
station. I even tie a string to mine so they don't "walk"
away to other areas of the house!
Little
Genie Magic Bobbin Washers
- Most domestic sewing machines have great stitch quality until
you try to free motion quilt with them! Use these washers to help
your stitches stay smooth and evenly balanced with no thread nests
and much less breakage.
Watch
this video and see Leah's quilting station.
It may not be pretty, but it sure is functional!
The
most important thing is not really the size, but how you set up the
tables.