Leah, I primarily quilt with my walking foot but I increased my stitch length. You're so right that it shows if I stray out of the ditch so I will switch to a shorter stitch length. Also your idea of lifting the needle and moving the fabric an inch or so before you use the thread cutter is genius. I have a new Bernette b77 and the auto cut thread from the bobbin is too short to bury. Thanks for the very helpful tips.
Leah, your videos give me confidence. I am doing a stitch in the ditch quilt for my granddaughter, and it is coming out nice. I think one of the most important things you have shown me is to slow down and enjoy the process. Having raised a big family, had a job, went to school, etc, I am always in the habit of rushing. Now I am retired and I need to learn to slow down and enjoy the creative process. Of course, the techniques you show have helped me a great deal as well. Thank you for sharing so much info with us all!! I also enjoy your Craftsy classes.
I'm so glad you're enjoying the videos and learning how to slow down as you make your quilt. Your granddaughter will likely learn everything from your example so please slow down and enjoy every stitch!
Thank you. I have made a point of doing this quilt slowly and enjoying it. It is almost done and I am very happy with how it is turning out. Now she can sit on the couch in her dorm room, study, and wrap herself up in it to remind her that her family loves her. I think I am going to embroider a sign for my sewing room that says, "Slow down and enjoy!"
I have been piecing tops for about 1.5 years and taking some things to the long armer. What a great video for me to start quilting my own quilts. Thank you Leah!!
GREAT walking foot tips, Leah, thank you. Having tried the "line up with the edge of the foot" quilting with my recently-completed second quilt, I agree wholeheartedly with your caution about losing your place and not remembering which foot edge I was supposed to be following. In future I will always mark my quilt lines!! (And loving this design: Marking four of these rainbow stars and then joining with a quilt-as-you-go method will make me a very nice sized throw quilt, in my favourite colour combination. I'm sure it will look stunning, and yet the quilting itself will be manageable on my very small-throated Pfaff 1019 Tiptronic from 1985. THANKS for all the videos Leah! (I may have to buy myself one of your affordable sewing tables to save me from the pulling on my needle when I try to quilt with my domestic machine too). ~Diana
I'm so glad you enjoyed the video Diana! Your quilt idea sounds great. I have just shared a video with a bigger version of this quilt that you can find here: leahday.com/pages/mega-pinwheel-star-free-quilt-pattern The table definitely helps make quilting feel smoother and easier. I honestly couldn't quilt another way!
Your amazing Leah. I am an experienced patchwork Quilter in the UK, but am learning to use my new Bernina and am a newby for free motion work. Your videos are a great help, keep them coming and I will be checking out your others on RUclips. 🤗
Wonderful! Congratulations on your new machine and I'm delighted you're finding my videos helpful. Let me know if there's ever a video you wish I'd create. I'm always interested in suggestions to try new things!
I just purchased an Elna 730 Pro that has the Upper Feed Foot (replaces the walking foot. This looks like this would be a great test for this machine and with your information.
Yes, many machines have new types of built in feet, but essentially they work the same as a walking foot, evenly feeding the layers through the machine. Any of my walking foot videos would be a great place to start learning how to use that foot on your machine.
what machine are you quilting on? have you ever tried stitch in the ditch using 100 weight thread (silk or invisifil thread)? i bought my grand daughter a juki and I was wondering what kind of walking foot to get her. she loves to sew. thanks for all your wonderful tutorials.
I'm quilting on a Juki F600. I'm not a big fan of invisible thread simply because I like to see my stitches, and I think most invisible thread is sort of scratchy. That's just my opinion though! I'm sure your grand daughter is going to have a wonderful time!
Leah Day, yes. I was also wondering what make and model of machine you are quilting on; I am always curious about the machine a quilter is working on and I suspect that I am not the only one who would appreciate seeing the machine, and getting a little info on it. I often rewind videos because I am interested in the sewing machine...and I love listening to how it sounds. (Am I weird?) LOL!!!
I'm now the proud owner of two Juki machines and find that they do everything I want in a sewing machine and at an affordable price. I was so happy to read that you use a Juki also. Now I know I made the right decision.
Thanks so much for a great tutorial! I am attempting to machine quilt my very first quilt and I have a question that I can’t find the answer to. And that is-you talked about free-motion quilting the inside of the triangles. Could you not do any quilting in those spaces? Or would that be too large an area to not be quilted? (I’m working on the Book Nerd quilt and wanted to quilt around the book covers and spine, but not inside the book covers. I’m not sure if that’s a good idea.) I hope my question makes sense.
That depends entirely on your batting. Somewhere on the batting package it will say "quilting up to xx inches" If your triangles are smaller than that amount listed on your batting, then yes, you can leave that space open. But if your batting recommendation say a smaller size than the triangles, you should quilt inside them, even with just straight lines to prevent the batting from shifting. Quilting stitches do 2 things - secure the batting and add texture to make the quilt pretty. If you don't quilt enough, the batting may shift and result in a lumpy quilt.
Hi Leah, I found your channel and I'm so glad I did because I'm a very beginner quilter and you've already taught me so much! I'm wondering though, if you have any tips for the problem I'm having with my walking foot: I know it’s supposed to help move all layers of fabric through the machine evenly. However, I am having a heck of time with it; my top layer seems to be going through more slowly so when I have long seems, it starts to ripple when I get to each pin--or, if I don’t fight with it so much, I just end with way more top layer fabric at the end than I should (it was even when I pinned, I swear!) :) I think part of the problem is that I have a hard time controlling my speed with the foot pedal--wondering if when I go to fast it makes the problem worse? And tips for fixing this problem? Thanks!
Hi Andi! I'm sorry I was delayed getting to your question. This sounds like a presser foot pressure issue to me. See if you have a knob on your machine to reduce the pressure of your presser foot on the fabric. Some machines have this ability and some don't. If you don't have that capability, consider switching to a thinner batting like Quilter's Dream Polyester batting in the request thickness. It might not be your favorite batting, but it will enable you to quilt with your walking foot on that machine.
I'm a beginner quilter. I'm working on a crazy patch. Would it be okay to quilt from the bottom side of the quilt. I would like to do the Baptist Fan design on my machine. I'm guessing that the walking foot is just for straight lines?
When you are doing the straight stitch with your walking foot on the lines, do you change the length of your stitch? Or do you keep it the same length as when you are sewing in the ditch?
I know you knot and bury your tails. How often do you stop and do this? At the end of each line of stitching? Or more periodically as long as you don't cross over the loose ends?
I try to avoid breaking thread unless I have to because it does take a bit of time to tie off and bury thread tails. Mostly I just look at my path and try to plan the most logical path, but accept that I'll have to break thread probably a few times to quilt the entire thing. Does that make sense?
Great tutorial Leah. I'm a total newbie and my top thread keep breaking. I've tried changing the thread and needle and reducing the machine tension. Is there something really obvious I'm not trying? Many thanks x
You need to stop changing everything and just change one thing at a time. So switch back to piecing and piece some scraps together first. If the thread doesn't break, then switch back to machine quilting by just changing your foot. Nothing else has changed - are you breaking thread? If not, change one small thing until you're back to your normal machine quilting setup. Something is messing up the system so you just have to take your time changing one thing until you figure out what it is.
Hi Leah, I am very new at trying to machine quilting. In fact I am still waiting for my walking foot to get here so I can begin. You mentioned using a Queen Size Supreme Slider, I found them on the internet but looks like you have to have a flat surface. I have a portable machine and it sets on the dinning room table and does not give me a large flat space. What can I use for easy movement of my quilt as I do machine quilting?? Thanks for any suggestions you can give me.
Great questions! For your setup, I wouldn't recommend using a slider. You probably don't have enough space to the left side of the machine to set up the slider, especially when doing walking foot quilting (you don't want the slider to cover the feed dogs. My best advice is to invest in a flatbed table. That really will make it feel much easier to quilt and it's one of the best investments you can make into your quilting hobby. If it's still too soon to think about something like that, consider suspending your quilt around the machine with clamps and bungee cords to reduce the weight. You can see a video on this here: ruclips.net/video/1x0eneryvOg/видео.html
That is an Island Batik blender that is unfortunately no longer available. I would search for Island Batik and see what you can find available. It is very nice fabric.
Hello Leah, How do you mark up your quilt, I assume it will wash out.... Do you have a tutorial on this or just put a ruler down and Mark your lines where you want? Sorry, another question, do you do one pieced fabric at a time for marking? Newbie. Thanks 💖
These are all great questions! My best advice would be to join one of my online quilting workshops so you can see the entire process in much more detail. I have a great beginner project here: leahday.com/products/mega-star-walking-foot-workshop
I just have a machine that's sits on a table I got from Walmart, so can't use the mat. In another video on free motion, you were saying to turn a know to zero, which knob was that? Thought I saved video but can't find. I'm a beginner at sewing anything, lol Thanks, I wish I did have a flat bed for machine, but will do what I can
You can use the supreme slider, but I would tape it down on all four corners. For me, I turn the stitch length dial to 0 so the feed dogs barely move under the quilt. As for a flatbed table, I offer a very inexpensive table with custom cut insert to fit around your machine here: leahday.com/products/affordable-sewing-table
Leah Day thank you so much, I would love to have to table but I'm a widow on SS, can barely keep up with house needs, and fabric, lol I love your videos, thanks for your help, I was thinking the stitch dial❤️
thanks Leah. I just started your bom quilt. I purchased blk 1 and then blk 8 released. Is any discount pricing available so I can to catch up? Sorry in advance if u have already responded to others for this same request.
Great question! We always run a discount for the first 5 days of the month so you can get all the patterns for $4.99 each. This August we're celebrating our 7th business anniversary so we're keeping the discount going all through the month so it's a great time to catch up!
Just nabbed the needle/magnet combo! Thanks sew much! Also picked up the crib sheet pattern as my daughter just became a foster mom to an infant and had nothing! Guess what I'll be doing this week???
This is wonderful but wished. You did it on a smaller quilt like a baby quilt looks scary with that quilt. Also wondering i know i am bit late 3 years right can you show us the curve quilting i think you might have but don’t remember love the quilt Mar 7 2020 sorry catching up on videos
I am having trouble. I am using my presser foot with an embroidery needle to applique my pieces on. I started having trouble with the thread skipping on top and bunching on the bottom. I am a novice machine quilter. is there something I can do differently? I am afraid to mess up since this is a graduation gift.
I would shift off the real quilt to a practice sandwich with the same materials. Then start testing - is it your foot? Do you need to use an applique foot? Have you tested the thread? Are you using the same thread in the bobbin as the top. Mismatching thread can cause lots of problems so I'd try using the same thread in the top and bobbin. If you run all your tests on a practice block then you won't risk your special quilt and you won't waste any time having to rip out stitches. I hope that helps!
No, I don't drop the feed dogs because I set the stitch length to 0 - that is when free motion quilting. This tutorial is on walking foot quilting - leave your feed dogs alone, set the stitch length to 1.5 - 3 and don't cover them with a slider or it will be the last thing it ever does!
This has more to do with your basting than with the walking foot quilting. It is a common issue for quilts quilted on a home machine. I have a basting workshop here - leahday.com/products/basting-basics-workshop
Hi Leah, My machine has a digital dual feed foot. I'm told that it is the "best thing in the world" for quilting, however, I am having issues with skipped stitches, top and bottom. I changed the needle, thread and cleaned the plate. Any ideas?? This is the first quilt I've tried to machine quilt and I'm SO frustrated! Lol. 😳😡
I would switch to a quilt sandwich, something smaller so you have more control over the block and I'd start changing just one thing at a time. So first would be a new needle and make sure it's fully inserted into the machine. I once had terrible skipped stitches and it was because the needle wasn't inserted fully into the machine. If that doesn't show improvement, then try changing thread. Try every type of thread and double and triple check your threading on your machine to be sure you're not missing a single guide. If that still doesn't fix it, double check you are putting the foot in the right position. Some newer machines are really complicated with several height settings which can also cause thread issues. If that still doesn't work, I'd take it in and get some advice where you purchased the machine. I hope that helps!
Great question! I've shifted the slider so it's totally off the feed dogs, so the edge is next to the needle plate about 1/2 inch from where the walking foot comes down. So it's far from the needle and will not get stitched through or squished by the walking foot. Does that make sense?
It depends where you're at in your quilt. So if you have a quilt top, you'll need to layer it with batting and backing fabric and then pin it together so it doesn't move, then you can begin stitching in the ditch. Does that make sense?
I baste my quilts together using straight pins and Pinmoors because they're easy to insert and remove as I'm quilting. You can read more about them here: leahday.com/products/baste-your-quilt-kit
I am new to machine quilting - what size stitch width to you use - also I have a number of "puckers" at the back of my quilt as I have quilted....does that mean I have not basted it together properly yet? It is a small quilt and I was using pins to just baste it together instead of tacking it If there are puckers on the back should I pull out the beginnings of the quilting that I have started and re baste? Does it mean if I don't that the puckering will only get worse? Please help me - am really wanting to get the hang of machine quilting. thanks for your help.
Great question Sheryl! I don't adjust the width of my stitch because it's a straight stitch. You only mess with width when you are zigzagging. My guess on the puckers would be basting. That's usually the place where many quilters struggle to get the backing tight enough and the layers even. I wouldn't pull or rip anything, but instead just plan to add a new back to the quilt when it's done. After you're completely finished quilting it, pick up another piece of fabric and stretch it tight to a table, layer the finished quilt on top, pin it really close and tight together with pins every 3 inches, then only quilt in the ditch or outline some shapes. Then bind and your quilt will be done and the back will look great!
Hi Leah. I am a brand new quilter, and am now quilting my first quilt. I have your Craftsy class on free motion quilting a sampler, but I confess that I chickened out, and decided to quilt with straight lines. I don't have a walking foot. My machine is a Pfaff Ambition 1.0 so it uses the IDT system. Something is wrong but I don't know what. I am getting very ugly puckering where my lines cross. What is the cause? What can I do to repair this?
Most likely this is an issue from basting and the layers just aren't holding securely together. Can you place your quilt on a table and pull the back tight and rebaste it? If not, I'd keep quilting and ignore the issues on the back, then when it's done cover the back with another piece of fabric. This is called a false back and it will hide the issues on the quilt. You will need to baste it properly, stretch the back really tight, layer the quilt on top and pin, then stitch in the ditch to secure the new back in place, then bind.
Thanks! I was not very happy with the basting process. Went to a patchwork course, but after watching several RUclips videos, I could see we hadn't done it as properly as in the videos. The safety pins were further apart then recommended. I have puckering on both front and back unfortunately. It is my first quilt and I am learning a lot through my various mistakes.
Just accept it as it is Karin! Quiltmaking is a process and I still make mistakes on my quilts. Just keep working at it and your next quilt will be even better.
Thanks for your help 😊. It has been so much fun so I will definitely make more quilts! And I will follow your lessons on the Craftsy platform and try fmq next time 😊
It's a process of manipulation and working with the quilt and your sewing machine setup to make it possible. Is it easy? No. But quilting any quilt of any size is a process that takes time and patience. You can learn a lot more about quilting large quilts on smaller machines in this workshop: leahday.com/products/quilting-a-king-on-your-home-machine
I'm working on a New Home machine with a nice mending foot I got on Amazon. My problem is that all of a sudden the upper thread keeps breaking! Any ideas?
Hmm...in that case try switching your thread to a spool stand off the machine. That way the thread is feeding up, then over into your machine. I find that fixes 99% of thread issues, especially when it's fraying / splitting around the needle.
You have a great voice, very calm and well modulated. You also calm me, when I'm panicking about how to use my new walking foot! Thanks
Hi Susan, how's your day going with you?
Leah, I primarily quilt with my walking foot but I increased my stitch length. You're so right that it shows if I stray out of the ditch so I will switch to a shorter stitch length. Also your idea of lifting the needle and moving the fabric an inch or so before you use the thread cutter is genius. I have a new Bernette b77 and the auto cut thread from the bobbin is too short to bury. Thanks for the very helpful tips.
You're welcome Nancy!
Leah, your videos give me confidence. I am doing a stitch in the ditch quilt for my granddaughter, and it is coming out nice. I think one of the most important things you have shown me is to slow down and enjoy the process. Having raised a big family, had a job, went to school, etc, I am always in the habit of rushing. Now I am retired and I need to learn to slow down and enjoy the creative process. Of course, the techniques you show have helped me a great deal as well. Thank you for sharing so much info with us all!! I also enjoy your Craftsy classes.
I'm so glad you're enjoying the videos and learning how to slow down as you make your quilt. Your granddaughter will likely learn everything from your example so please slow down and enjoy every stitch!
Thank you. I have made a point of doing this quilt slowly and enjoying it. It is almost done and I am very happy with how it is turning out. Now she can sit on the couch in her dorm room, study, and wrap herself up in it to remind her that her family loves her. I think I am going to embroider a sign for my sewing room that says, "Slow down and enjoy!"
Your quilt is gorgeous!
I have been piecing tops for about 1.5 years and taking some things to the long armer. What a great video for me to start quilting my own quilts. Thank you Leah!!
Yes! I'm so happy to hear this!
GREAT walking foot tips, Leah, thank you. Having tried the "line up with the edge of the foot" quilting with my recently-completed second quilt, I agree wholeheartedly with your caution about losing your place and not remembering which foot edge I was supposed to be following. In future I will always mark my quilt lines!! (And loving this design: Marking four of these rainbow stars and then joining with a quilt-as-you-go method will make me a very nice sized throw quilt, in my favourite colour combination. I'm sure it will look stunning, and yet the quilting itself will be manageable on my very small-throated Pfaff 1019 Tiptronic from 1985. THANKS for all the videos Leah! (I may have to buy myself one of your affordable sewing tables to save me from the pulling on my needle when I try to quilt with my domestic machine too). ~Diana
I'm so glad you enjoyed the video Diana! Your quilt idea sounds great. I have just shared a video with a bigger version of this quilt that you can find here: leahday.com/pages/mega-pinwheel-star-free-quilt-pattern
The table definitely helps make quilting feel smoother and easier. I honestly couldn't quilt another way!
Your amazing Leah. I am an experienced patchwork Quilter in the UK, but am learning to use my new Bernina and am a newby for free motion work. Your videos are a great help, keep them coming and I will be checking out your others on RUclips. 🤗
Wonderful! Congratulations on your new machine and I'm delighted you're finding my videos helpful. Let me know if there's ever a video you wish I'd create. I'm always interested in suggestions to try new things!
Hi Nicola, how's your day going with you?
HIHEARD ABOUT STITCH IN THE DITCH BUT I REALLY DID NOT USE MY WALING FOOT AMAZING THANK YOU
I just purchased an Elna 730 Pro that has the Upper Feed Foot (replaces the walking foot. This looks like this would be a great test for this machine and with your information.
Yes, many machines have new types of built in feet, but essentially they work the same as a walking foot, evenly feeding the layers through the machine. Any of my walking foot videos would be a great place to start learning how to use that foot on your machine.
Great tutorial! It helps a lot and at least now I know I haven't been quilting wrong all my yes! lol
Is there a wrong way to quilt? I don't think so!
Leah Day j
instablaster
what machine are you quilting on? have you ever tried stitch in the ditch using 100 weight thread (silk or invisifil thread)? i bought my grand daughter a juki and I was wondering what kind of walking foot to get her. she loves to sew. thanks for all your wonderful tutorials.
I'm quilting on a Juki F600. I'm not a big fan of invisible thread simply because I like to see my stitches, and I think most invisible thread is sort of scratchy. That's just my opinion though! I'm sure your grand daughter is going to have a wonderful time!
Leah Day, yes. I was also wondering what make and model of machine you are quilting on; I am always curious about the machine a quilter is working on and I suspect that I am not the only one who would appreciate seeing the machine, and getting a little info on it. I often rewind videos because I am interested in the sewing machine...and I love listening to how it sounds. (Am I weird?) LOL!!!
I'm now the proud owner of two Juki machines and find that they do everything I want in a sewing machine and at an affordable price. I was so happy to read that you use a Juki also. Now I know I made the right decision.
Great tutorial
Thank you for watching Jill!
Great as always!
Aw! Thank you Patricia!
Very informative
Thank you for watching Janie!
Cool instructions 👌😇
Thank you Joyce!
Thanks so much for a great tutorial! I am attempting to machine quilt my very first quilt and I have a question that I can’t find the answer to. And that is-you talked about free-motion quilting the inside of the triangles. Could you not do any quilting in those spaces? Or would that be too large an area to not be quilted? (I’m working on the Book Nerd quilt and wanted to quilt around the book covers and spine, but not inside the book covers. I’m not sure if that’s a good idea.) I hope my question makes sense.
That depends entirely on your batting. Somewhere on the batting package it will say "quilting up to xx inches" If your triangles are smaller than that amount listed on your batting, then yes, you can leave that space open. But if your batting recommendation say a smaller size than the triangles, you should quilt inside them, even with just straight lines to prevent the batting from shifting. Quilting stitches do 2 things - secure the batting and add texture to make the quilt pretty. If you don't quilt enough, the batting may shift and result in a lumpy quilt.
Hi Leah, I found your channel and I'm so glad I did because I'm a very beginner quilter and you've already taught me so much! I'm wondering though, if you have any tips for the problem I'm having with my walking foot: I know it’s supposed to help move all layers of fabric through the machine evenly. However, I am having a heck of time with it; my top layer seems to be going through more slowly so when I have long seems, it starts to ripple when I get to each pin--or, if I don’t fight with it so much, I just end with way more top layer fabric at the end than I should (it was even when I pinned, I swear!) :) I think part of the problem is that I have a hard time controlling my speed with the foot pedal--wondering if when I go to fast it makes the problem worse? And tips for fixing this problem? Thanks!
Hi Andi! I'm sorry I was delayed getting to your question. This sounds like a presser foot pressure issue to me. See if you have a knob on your machine to reduce the pressure of your presser foot on the fabric. Some machines have this ability and some don't. If you don't have that capability, consider switching to a thinner batting like Quilter's Dream Polyester batting in the request thickness. It might not be your favorite batting, but it will enable you to quilt with your walking foot on that machine.
I'm a beginner quilter. I'm working on a crazy patch. Would it be okay to quilt from the bottom side of the quilt. I would like to do the Baptist Fan design on my machine. I'm guessing that the walking foot is just for straight lines?
When you are doing the straight stitch with your walking foot on the lines, do you change the length of your stitch? Or do you keep it the same length as when you are sewing in the ditch?
I keep my stitches the same length for both - 1.5 - 1.6 mm for ditching and walking foot style quilting.
I know you knot and bury your tails. How often do you stop and do this? At the end of each line of stitching? Or more periodically as long as you don't cross over the loose ends?
I try to avoid breaking thread unless I have to because it does take a bit of time to tie off and bury thread tails. Mostly I just look at my path and try to plan the most logical path, but accept that I'll have to break thread probably a few times to quilt the entire thing. Does that make sense?
Great tutorial Leah. I'm a total newbie and my top thread keep breaking. I've tried changing the thread and needle and reducing the machine tension. Is there something really obvious I'm not trying? Many thanks x
You need to stop changing everything and just change one thing at a time. So switch back to piecing and piece some scraps together first. If the thread doesn't break, then switch back to machine quilting by just changing your foot. Nothing else has changed - are you breaking thread? If not, change one small thing until you're back to your normal machine quilting setup. Something is messing up the system so you just have to take your time changing one thing until you figure out what it is.
What color thread do you use when you have differant color blocks.
Hey Leah I'm new to your subscription. I love your videos! What do you mark your lines with!
Great question! You can find my favorite marking tools here - leahday.com/products/mark-your-quilt-kit
Hi Leah,
I am very new at trying to machine quilting. In fact I am still waiting for my walking foot to get here so I can begin. You mentioned using a Queen Size Supreme Slider, I found them on the internet but looks like you have to have a flat surface. I have a portable machine and it sets on the dinning room table and does not give me a large flat space. What can I use for easy movement of my quilt as I do machine quilting?? Thanks for any suggestions you can give me.
Great questions! For your setup, I wouldn't recommend using a slider. You probably don't have enough space to the left side of the machine to set up the slider, especially when doing walking foot quilting (you don't want the slider to cover the feed dogs.
My best advice is to invest in a flatbed table. That really will make it feel much easier to quilt and it's one of the best investments you can make into your quilting hobby. If it's still too soon to think about something like that, consider suspending your quilt around the machine with clamps and bungee cords to reduce the weight. You can see a video on this here: ruclips.net/video/1x0eneryvOg/видео.html
Hi Martee, how's your day going with you?
Where do I get those pins?!?!?
Leah, that fabric on the back of your quilt is gorgeous. Where can I find this fabric?
That is an Island Batik blender that is unfortunately no longer available. I would search for Island Batik and see what you can find available. It is very nice fabric.
Hello Leah,
How do you mark up your quilt, I assume it will wash out.... Do you have a tutorial on this or just put a ruler down and Mark your lines where you want? Sorry, another question, do you do one pieced fabric at a time for marking? Newbie. Thanks 💖
These are all great questions! My best advice would be to join one of my online quilting workshops so you can see the entire process in much more detail. I have a great beginner project here: leahday.com/products/mega-star-walking-foot-workshop
Fabulous--thank you!!
I just have a machine that's sits on a table I got from Walmart, so can't use the mat. In another video on free motion, you were saying to turn a know to zero, which knob was that? Thought I saved video but can't find. I'm a beginner at sewing anything, lol Thanks, I wish I did have a flat bed for machine, but will do what I can
You can use the supreme slider, but I would tape it down on all four corners. For me, I turn the stitch length dial to 0 so the feed dogs barely move under the quilt. As for a flatbed table, I offer a very inexpensive table with custom cut insert to fit around your machine here: leahday.com/products/affordable-sewing-table
Leah Day thank you so much, I would love to have to table but I'm a widow on SS, can barely keep up with house needs, and fabric, lol I love your videos, thanks for your help, I was thinking the stitch dial❤️
thanks Leah. I just started your bom quilt. I purchased blk 1 and then blk 8 released. Is any discount pricing available so I can to catch up? Sorry in advance if u have already responded to others for this same request.
Great question! We always run a discount for the first 5 days of the month so you can get all the patterns for $4.99 each. This August we're celebrating our 7th business anniversary so we're keeping the discount going all through the month so it's a great time to catch up!
Oh great! ! Thanks
I've been looking for the "cheater" needle; but, haven't been able to find one. Do you have a place you recommend or is it called something else?
It's often called Self Threading Needles too. You can find them in my quilt shop here: leahday.com/products/cheater-needles
Just nabbed the needle/magnet combo! Thanks sew much! Also picked up the crib sheet pattern as my daughter just became a foster mom to an infant and had nothing! Guess what I'll be doing this week???
This is wonderful but wished. You did it on a smaller quilt like a baby quilt looks scary with that quilt. Also wondering i know i am bit late 3 years right can you show us the curve quilting i think you might have but don’t remember love the quilt Mar 7 2020 sorry catching up on videos
Where do I purchase the needle point protectors?
These are Pinmoors, you may still be able to purchase them from the manufacturer.
I am having trouble. I am using my presser foot with an embroidery needle to applique my pieces on. I started having trouble with the thread skipping on top and bunching on the bottom. I am a novice machine quilter. is there something I can do differently? I am afraid to mess up since this is a graduation gift.
I would shift off the real quilt to a practice sandwich with the same materials. Then start testing - is it your foot? Do you need to use an applique foot? Have you tested the thread? Are you using the same thread in the bobbin as the top. Mismatching thread can cause lots of problems so I'd try using the same thread in the top and bobbin. If you run all your tests on a practice block then you won't risk your special quilt and you won't waste any time having to rip out stitches. I hope that helps!
So, did you drop the feed dogs since you have that slippy sheet there?
No, I don't drop the feed dogs because I set the stitch length to 0 - that is when free motion quilting. This tutorial is on walking foot quilting - leave your feed dogs alone, set the stitch length to 1.5 - 3 and don't cover them with a slider or it will be the last thing it ever does!
How do you keep the backing from puckering in back while you are quilting?
This has more to do with your basting than with the walking foot quilting. It is a common issue for quilts quilted on a home machine. I have a basting workshop here - leahday.com/products/basting-basics-workshop
Hi Leah, My machine has a digital dual feed foot. I'm told that it is the "best thing in the world" for quilting, however, I am having issues with skipped stitches, top and bottom. I changed the needle, thread and cleaned the plate. Any ideas?? This is the first quilt I've tried to machine quilt and I'm SO frustrated! Lol. 😳😡
I would switch to a quilt sandwich, something smaller so you have more control over the block and I'd start changing just one thing at a time. So first would be a new needle and make sure it's fully inserted into the machine. I once had terrible skipped stitches and it was because the needle wasn't inserted fully into the machine.
If that doesn't show improvement, then try changing thread. Try every type of thread and double and triple check your threading on your machine to be sure you're not missing a single guide.
If that still doesn't fix it, double check you are putting the foot in the right position. Some newer machines are really complicated with several height settings which can also cause thread issues.
If that still doesn't work, I'd take it in and get some advice where you purchased the machine. I hope that helps!
Thank you so much for the reply. I will check all these things and hopefully find a solution nod again!! I love your videos!!
What kind of straight pins did you use for the basting?
They are Flower Head pins - you can find them here: leahday.com/products/clover-flower-pins
what kind of thread are you using?
I pretty much always use Isacord polyester embroidery thread for machine quilting. It's thin, strong, and very affordable!
thanks, will look into that
Hi am first time seeing u--great!t shirt qlt. with sashing around blocks just want X in center -can u do or show how too
That's a bit beyond the scope of this project. I do have some videos on a t-shirt quilt here: leahday.com/pages/walking-foot-quilting-basics
Hi Janie, how's your day going with you?
Can you show the slider top without the quilt over it?
What are the foam pieces on the end of the pin called?
Those were Pinmoors. Unfortunately we aren't able to sell them anymore, but you may still find them available from the manufacturer.
Are your straight pins curved?
They are bent. I take the straight pin and put a little bend in it so it's easier to insert inside the quilt.
Thanks, just did that and it works, excited to use them in a baby quilt.
Where do you get those pin caps?
Unfortunately they're no longer available.
Hi Vivian, how's your day going with you?
When I use my walking foot, it's pushing the fabric. I notice that your fabric isn't moving at all, what other adjustments do I need to make?
See if you have a foot pressure knob on the top of your machine. If you do, you can lower the pressure of the foot pressing on the quilt.
If you move the Supreme slider isn't your needle going to go through it?
Great question! I've shifted the slider so it's totally off the feed dogs, so the edge is next to the needle plate about 1/2 inch from where the walking foot comes down. So it's far from the needle and will not get stitched through or squished by the walking foot. Does that make sense?
@@LeahDay thanks, I wondered about that.
please what and what do I need before I can stitch in a ditch
It depends where you're at in your quilt. So if you have a quilt top, you'll need to layer it with batting and backing fabric and then pin it together so it doesn't move, then you can begin stitching in the ditch. Does that make sense?
Are you sewing with the foot not lowered?
Nope. The foot is definitely in the down position Debra.
I seen 2 walking foot a 5mm & 7mm what would I need?
Check with your machine manufacturer website to double check. The wider foot will be for machines with the feed dogs built wider apart.
depends on what your machine takes I bought a manufacturer s foot not a cheap one works fab
What are you pinning your quilts with, looks different than other quilters have used?
I baste my quilts together using straight pins and Pinmoors because they're easy to insert and remove as I'm quilting. You can read more about them here: leahday.com/products/baste-your-quilt-kit
barb kempen o
Why does my walking foot cause puckering in my seam when I stitch in the ditch?
Hi McCavallier, how's your day going with you?
I am new to machine quilting - what size stitch width to you use - also I have a number of "puckers" at the back of my quilt as I have quilted....does that mean I have not basted it together properly yet? It is a small quilt and I was using pins to just baste it together instead of tacking it If there are puckers on the back should I pull out the beginnings of the quilting that I have started and re baste? Does it mean if I don't that the puckering will only get worse? Please help me - am really wanting to get the hang of machine quilting. thanks for your help.
Great question Sheryl! I don't adjust the width of my stitch because it's a straight stitch. You only mess with width when you are zigzagging. My guess on the puckers would be basting. That's usually the place where many quilters struggle to get the backing tight enough and the layers even.
I wouldn't pull or rip anything, but instead just plan to add a new back to the quilt when it's done. After you're completely finished quilting it, pick up another piece of fabric and stretch it tight to a table, layer the finished quilt on top, pin it really close and tight together with pins every 3 inches, then only quilt in the ditch or outline some shapes. Then bind and your quilt will be done and the back will look great!
Hi Leah. I am a brand new quilter, and am now quilting my first quilt. I have your Craftsy class on free motion quilting a sampler, but I confess that I chickened out, and decided to quilt with straight lines. I don't have a walking foot. My machine is a Pfaff Ambition 1.0 so it uses the IDT system. Something is wrong but I don't know what. I am getting very ugly puckering where my lines cross. What is the cause? What can I do to repair this?
Most likely this is an issue from basting and the layers just aren't holding securely together. Can you place your quilt on a table and pull the back tight and rebaste it? If not, I'd keep quilting and ignore the issues on the back, then when it's done cover the back with another piece of fabric. This is called a false back and it will hide the issues on the quilt. You will need to baste it properly, stretch the back really tight, layer the quilt on top and pin, then stitch in the ditch to secure the new back in place, then bind.
Thanks! I was not very happy with the basting process. Went to a patchwork course, but after watching several RUclips videos, I could see we hadn't done it as properly as in the videos. The safety pins were further apart then recommended. I have puckering on both front and back unfortunately. It is my first quilt and I am learning a lot through my various mistakes.
Just accept it as it is Karin! Quiltmaking is a process and I still make mistakes on my quilts. Just keep working at it and your next quilt will be even better.
Thanks for your help 😊. It has been so much fun so I will definitely make more quilts! And I will follow your lessons on the Craftsy platform and try fmq next time 😊
How are you able to do a full size or queen size quilt with a machine like this
It's a process of manipulation and working with the quilt and your sewing machine setup to make it possible. Is it easy? No. But quilting any quilt of any size is a process that takes time and patience. You can learn a lot more about quilting large quilts on smaller machines in this workshop: leahday.com/products/quilting-a-king-on-your-home-machine
Can you say what pins you use plz
I use straight flower pins and Pinmoors. You can find them both here: leahday.com/products/baste-your-quilt-kit
I'm working on a New Home machine with a nice mending foot I got on Amazon. My problem is that all of a sudden the upper thread keeps breaking! Any ideas?
It could be the way your thread is feeding into the machine. Does the thread look frayed / split where it breaks or is it a clean break?
frayed
Hmm...in that case try switching your thread to a spool stand off the machine. That way the thread is feeding up, then over into your machine. I find that fixes 99% of thread issues, especially when it's fraying / splitting around the needle.
There could be a burr on your needle, even if it's new. Try changing the needle and rethreading.