The Generations Quilt Patterns'
Machine Quilting Forum

How much machine quilting do I need?  Question Should 12" squares be quilted within each square?

I have already stitched in the ditch, between each row of blocks.

Reply Yes, I would ...

How to machine quilt a king size quilt  Questions I made the top of my king size quilt a long time ago.

I have not finished it because I was told it is too difficult and to send it out....

Free motion quilting: Darning foot doesn't work  Question I just got a foot to do free arm quilting on my Janome sewing machine. I am having trouble getting it to work.

I have set it on the darning ...

How to adhere quilting paper to my quilt sandwich  Question I'm finding that when I use regular tape or double sided tape to adhere my quilting motif to the my block that the tape doesn't stick very well ...

Using soft quilt backing fabrics  Question I want to make a baby quilt for my niece and I want to piece the top with all cotton and then use a flannel or nice soft fabric for the back....

Monofilament thread tension adjustments  When using clear thread, do you use the same tension on the top and bottom tension wheels?

Reply This question was asked in the 'Comments' section ...

Beginner to quilting..frustration set in when sandwiching the quilt  When the quilt top looked good, I started putting it together with the batting and back. It looked like after two attempts I had it smooth and taut. I ...

Walking foot for a Singer Curvy 8763  Question Two years ago, I purchased a Singer Curvy 8763 sewing machine on line. I don't even remember the vendor.

I took a machine quilting class ...

Quilt design: I need inspiration!  Question I need an idea for a quilt for my daughter's 25th wedding anniversary.

She liked the one I made for her brother and I have included pictures ...

Machine quilting with monofilament thread  Question Should I use invisible thread as both top thread and bobbin thread to machine quilt?

Or should I only use it as the top thread?

Reply ...

Buttonhole applique on a Bernina  Question Which Bernina machines have the buttonhole stitch that can be used to machine applique? I know the Bernina 1130 has it, but not all machines ...

Free Motion Quilting: My feed dogs don't drop  Question My feed dogs do not drop.

What can you do to do free motion quilting without dropping the feed dogs?

Reply If there isn't a lever or ...

Quilt Backing Fabric and Basting Spray  Question I cannot believe that I forgot to tape my backing down...

I have made other quilts before and this time was the first time I used a spray ...

Husqvarna Long Arm Quilting Machine  Question I wondered if anyone is finding that the longarm machine is difficult to operate? I have heard good and bad and wondered what a current user ...

Thread breakage problem on a long arm quilting machine with multiple users  Question We have a long arm quilting machine that is being used by a group of people. Some of us have little or no problem with thread breakage while ...

Quilt Marking: Removing Chalk  Question Help!

What is the best way to remove stubborn chalk from fabric?

Reply I wish there was one, dynamite, go-to removal method that worked ...

Quilt as You Go Technique  Question I am very new to quilting, I have heard of a method called 'quilt as you go' which is to do with quilting each individual block as you do them ...

Cutting fabric for quilt borders  Question I have a pattern that instructs that I cut 12 strips of outer border fabric, each measuring 6 1/2" x WOF. I understand that WOF is Width of Fabric....

Paper Piecing a Storm at Sea Quilt  Question Now another question...

My quilt is a Storm at Sea block with a monochromatic theme. I have been over 3 years gathering over 100 fabrics....

Accurate piecing without paper piecing  Question I have trouble piecing nice points without paper piecing.

I am working on a large quilt with small pieces and blocks so making many copies ...

Quilting a Pineapple Quilt  Question How should I quilt a miniature pineapple quilt?

Reply It seems like great minds are thinking alike today! There've been a couple of questions ...

Need help choosing between two sewing machines!  Question Does anyone have an opinion on the quality of Brother vs. Janome sewing machines?

I am looking to purchase a second machine for free motion ...

Sewing Machine Tension Question  Question Underneath the quilt, my stitches are looped, but on the top the stitches are perfect. I've adjusted the bobbin tension but nothing has worked....

Quilting an Irish Chain Quilt  Question If I quilt the first few stabilizing stitches from either the center or the diagonal, I would be stitching through the white spaces that I plan ...

Hand Quilting Thimble Search  Question I have an elderly friend who has lost her favorite thimble and would be SO happy if I could find her another one. It was less than 1/4" and slipped ...

Customer wants payment for quilt   Question A client brought me her table topper to top stitch. She knew I only had a Janome 1000. She picked out the stitching pattern.

She stated she ...

Embroidery Sewing Machines for Quilting in a Hoop  Question What do you think is the most important feature that embroidery sewing machines MUST have. I only want the machine for quilting.

Reply ...

Bad Machine Quilting  I need advice... I sent two quilts to a long arm machine quilter who was recommended. I am heartbroken at the results - hard, stiff, threads pulling, quilting ...

Bernina Walking Foot #50: What's this extra piece?  Question My Bernina walking foot #50 came with a 3 sided metal attachment with a screw in the middle.

What do I do with it?

Reply I'm not a Bernina ...

Star Quilt Block Pattern  Question I have a photo of a star quilt block that I would love to identify.

I've tried searching for "Star" blocks, but nothing comes up that looks ...

Monofilament thread problem on a Bernina 820  Question I cannot get the monofilament thread to work in my new Bernina 820.

I am using the best thread and have tried setting the tension to looser ...

Looking for a quilt pattern - Native British Columbian theme  Question I'm looking for a very specific type of quilt pattern. I want to make a quilt with pictures relating to the British Columbia natives with orcas,...

Quilting with machine embroidery stabilizers  Question Do I need to cut out the excess backing once my design is complete or can I leave it all in place.

Reply I'm assuming you're talking about ...

Scottish Name for 'Quilt'  Question Is there a Scottish word for 'quilt' or 'quilter'?

Reply Okay. You had me stumped for a bit there! (big smile!)

So I asked my Brother,...

What color quilting thread should I use for piecing?  Question I have light and dark colors in my quilt blocks. What thread color do I use? Light or dark thread?

Reply I choose lighter rather than darker ...

Tension problems, I've tried EVERYTHING!  Question Ok, first of all, I have a very basic machine, it's just a sewing/mending machine, and has maybe 15 stitches, none of them decorative. The feed ...

Fabric overlay for tying quilts  Question We see that there was a question about the Quilters Companion--a fabric overlay with holes in it to mark where to tie quilts. We are looking ...

Calculations for Half Square Triangles  Question I am making half square triangles from squares cut 2-7/8".

What is the size of the triangles after being sewn. (i.e. like for square patches ...

Beginning Free Motion Quilting  Question I'm going to be machine quilting a 60 x 75 quilt, using the free motion - stippling technique. Your website has been so helpful!

One question ...

Machine Quilting Thread Shreds, Then Breaks  Question The top thread breaks. An inspection of the broken end of the thread shows that one of the thread strands have broken and bunched up while remaining ...

How do I control my quilt sandwich during quilting?  Question How do I keep the layers of my quilt taut when I use my home sewing machine to quilt?

Reply Keeping your layers held together and under control ...

My appliqued wall hanging does not lie flat - it appears to be stretched  Question: Is there a way to straighten the edges of a stretched appliqued wall hanging? It is quite intricate and I'm afraid I worked the fabric "too ...

Is a walking foot necessary?  Question Do you have to use a walking foot? I cannot find one that will fit my machine because it is so old.

Reply I'll break your question into two ...

Open Toe Walking Foot  Question What is an open toe walking foot?

Reply Luckily, I have kept my older, closed toe walking foot and I can show you a picture of the difference ...

Pyrotechnics Quilt Pattern  Question My Mother was a avid quilter and she had a magazine called Quilting Today (1989) featuring a KY quilter, Donna Duncan, of Eminence, KY. She made ...

Cutting Quilt Borders  I am working on my first quilt.

It is time to cut the strips of fabric to make the border. Is it necessary to cut the fabric selvedge to selvedge and ...

Remove Quilting Lines Left By Chalk Markers 
Question: I tested the pink chalk on my border sample before beginning. I have now marked and quilted a king sized quilt. The border is a natural color ...

Machine quilting with clear thread  Question I am trying to quilt with clear thread but it continues to get tangled up.

Is there a special type of monofilament thread or does this just ...

Bernina Walking Foot Problem  I bought a used Bernina 153QE and it came with a #50 WALKING foot--one sole for quilts and another for plaid matching.

I am not using it right or something....

Sewing Machine Tension Problems  Argh!! Thread Nests!!
How can I prevent the thread nests that form on the bottom of my quilt. They are formed with the upper thread not the bobbin ...

Quilt is bunching up when I machine quilt  I am currently machine quilting a baby quilt. I have used a cotton batting and have used a quilt gun to secure the three layers. My machine tension is ...

Quilting Pattern for Circles?  I have finished this top with circles and rounds.

Now I am absolutely clueless about how to quilt. I do not want to stitch in the ditch.

Is there ...

Quilting Applique Quilt Patterns  Once you have machine appliqued a design on a quilt do you quilt over the applique or just around it? Does it matter?

REPLY: It matters if it matters ...

Echo Quilting  If one is not to turn the quilt under the needle, how does one navigate around a large center motif?

REPLY: Echo quilting is generally stitched with ...

Self Healing Rotary Cutting Mat  How can I heal my OLFA Mat? I understand there is a way by soaking it in a bathtub. What is the solution you need to add to the water?

REPLY: I went ...

Cloth Leaders 
How can I straighten stretched leaders easily?

REPLY: Since I am not a long arm quilter and have no experience with quilting frames, I am putting ...

Sewing Machine Problems - Threading breaking  I have a Juki TL-98 QE and a GMQ pro frame. When I first started on a simple solid quilt sandwich, the quilting was fine and smooth.

I decided to quilt ...

Tips for Cutting with Rotary Cutter Blades  Do you have any tips for ACCURATE cutting? Is it better to cut all on the same day...I am assuming that if the pieces don't line up exactly the problem ...

Machine Quilting a Beginner Quilting Project  I am quilting a table runner and the first one I have made. I have gotten the appliques sewn on and I am now need to quilt the seams and I need to know ...

Free Motion Machine Quilting Tools  I tried to stipple a medium size blanket. I just couldn't get the quilt to glide over the machine bed, so the stitches were all different sizes. I know ...

Sewing Machine Tension Troubleshooting  I'm having a terrible time with tension while trying to free motion quilt.

The front of my work looks great, but the back is a mess. I get "eyelashes"...

Layering and Basting a Quilt  I've finished quilt tops for my sisters (3) Christmas gifts for 2010. I'm trying to machine quilt them...is there a secret to keeping your sandwich taunt ...

Free Motion Quilting: Sewing Machine Setup  I have some questions about setting up my sewing machine for free motion quilting.

What about needle choice?

And if you are free motion quilting,...

Problems installing my walking foot  Please help me to figure out why I cannot get my walking foot to work on the Singer machine I have.

I attached it but when I lower the lever on the ...

What else can I use my walking foot for besides ditch quilting? 
I have only been quilting for a short while and I only know how to "stitch in the ditch". What other types of stitching can I do on a machine to finish ...

Bamboo Quilt Batting for Hand Quilting  Question I recently have seen bamboo batting, it mentions machine quilting but not hand quilting, I do mainly hand quilting and would like to know if ...

Starting or stopping a line of machine quilting stitches  I'm about to start machine quilting my third quilt...

How do I start and end a line of quilting stitches. I'd like to do a large amount of echo quilting ...

Quilting Foot - Which one do I need?  Question: What is the best type of machine quilt presser foot to use for "stitch in the ditch"? I bought a "Big Foot" but couldn't figure out how to install ...

Quilt Backing Fabric Has Puckers  I have machine quilted my quilt. Some parts of the quilt backing fabric have puckered.

I pinned it correctly, or so I thought. I used a walking foot....

What size sewing machine needle do I need?  Question How do I know what size needle to use with what size thread.

New to the game!

Reply Welcome to the wonderful world of quilting! You are ...

Loose chalk for marking a quilt  Question I am considering using loose chalk with a sponge brush to mark my quilt for machine quilting. Is this a good idea?

Reply Test, test and ...

1/4 patchwork presser foot  Question I have a really hard time maintaining a 1/4 inch seam on my patchwork.

I'm looking at special feet for my machine that will help guide me,...

Paper piecing continuous stars  I am looking for a pattern, in probably paper piecing, of continuous stars. By this I mean the stars interlock with each other, not with diamond inserts....

Sewing Machine Tension: Small loops of thread  Question Sometimes when I am quilting I get small loops on the back that resemble small seeds from the top thread.

Cause and cure?

Reply Check ...

Thread for free motion quilting and embroidery  Question I want to do free motion stitching/quilting that will really stand out and add a design element to the piece.

I will not be stitching through ...

Sewing machine needle for flannel quilt fabric  Question What is the best needle for quilting flannel?

Reply My needle of choice, whether it be for piecing, invisible machine applique or quilting,...

Quilt Batting: How much extra do I need?  Question How do you determine how much batting you need for a square quilt, i.e. 88x88 inches?

Reply I like to have an extra 3-4 inches around each ...

Professional Quilter and Bad Workmanship  Question I gave my top to a professional quilter and paid $626 to have it quilted. I thought because she had done beautiful work before that she would ...

Favorite Quilt Marking Tools  Question What's the best marking tool for marking the quilt top for quilting?

Reply The simple answer is 'It depends on you!'

When will you mark ...

Quilt binding for a flannel quilt  Question I have made a pieced flannel quilt top with flannel backing and bamboo batting which I have machine quilted. I usually bind with double fold ...

Generic Walking Foot  Question I have a Singer Rocketeer Model 500A. I also have a Kenmore Model 17850. Does anyone know if there is a walking foot and a hem roller foot ...

Sewing machine needle for Americana Quilting Thread  Question What size machine needle should I use for Americana quilting thread?

Reply First, double check that you've got the machine quilting version ...

Adjusting walking foot height?  Question After attaching my walking foot to my machine, a White 1499, I find that there is not enough room beneath it to fit all three layers of my quilt....

Quilt batting by the roll  Question Where can I get the best price on batting by the roll?

Reply When I need batting by the roll (and I always buy my favorite, Hobbs Heirloom ...

Walking foot stitches aren't consistent  Question I am quilting using the walking foot (#50) on my Bernina 1260.

The top thread is a clear nylon and the bobbin is a cotton thread. The stitch ...

Calculations for Setting and Corner Triangles  Question Good Evening!

If I have 8.5" finished blocks, what size do I cut the setting and corner triangles?

Thanks in advance,

Lesley

Reply ...

Bobbin Thread Problems  Question My bobbin thread gets tangled on the bottom, and then snaps. It is the first time I've used monofilament thread.

What can I do to stop the ...

Cotton fabric for quilting  Question I have bought some pretty pink 100% cotton fabric to make a baby quilt.

I have two questions please. As it is 100% cotton, it creases when ...

Beginning and ending the quilting stitch  Question Should I back stitch the beginning and end of the quilting stitch?

Reply There are usually many ways to anything in quilting, and starting ...

Using an Olfa Ergonomic Rotary Cutter: Left handed quilter  Question Do you change the side that the blade is on for a left handed quilter who want to use an Olfa Ergonomic Rotary Cutter?

Reply Since I'm not ...

Best thread for free motion quilting  Question What is the best thread to use for free motion quilting?


Reply A lot will depend on where you are in your free motion quilting journey ...

Janome 9500   Question I just purchased this machine used and would like to talk to someone that may own one of these machines. I have questions regarding importing ...

Thread for Hand Quilting  Question If I have regular thread the color I need. Can I use to hand quilt?

Reply If it is a good quality thread, one that won't shred or break on ...

Which iron for quilting?  Question What is the best iron recommended for piecing?

I would like something heavy and that does not automatically turn off.

And must it be ...

Skipped stitches and tension problems  Question Can anyone help me with skipped stitches and thread loops on the back of the quilt as I free motion quilt with the Bernina 820 on the Bernina ...

Finding the best mid arm quilting machines  Question I'm considering getting a mid arm machine.

I'm wondering what you like and why.

Reply Readers, I'm going to need your help on this one....

Machine Washing a Quilt with Orvus  Question How much Orvus does it take to wash a quilt in the washing machine?

Any tips?

Reply This is something where less is more.

This particular ...

Batting showing under quilting stitches  Question When quilting my piece with transparent thread the batting is being pulled through on the back side of the quilt (dark batik fabric) and so there ...

Stitch Length for Quilting with a Walking Foot  Question What type of stitch and stitch length do I use with the walking foot?

Reply The purpose of the walking foot (aka even feed foot, IDT on a ...

Quilting Stores in Sudberry, Ontario, Canada  Question Where are the quilting stores in the Sudbury, Ontario region?

Thank you.

Reply Happy to help where I can. I've added the following stores ...

Free Motion Quilting - Bobbin Thread  Question Why do you need to bring up the bobbin thread in free motion quilting?

I just purchased a straight stitch high speed machine and wonder ...

Free Motion Quilting Raw Edge Applique for Baby Quilt  Question I have put together my baby quilt and appliqued it and am wanting a raw edge to be on the appliques after washing, so what type of quilting can ...

Appearance of quilting on the backing fabric   Question I've completed two children's quilts.

I'd like to stitch in the ditch around the large squares, stipple in the white background surrounding ...

Prewashing Quilt Fabric  Question Is it really necessary to prewash 100% cotton material?

Thank you very much,

Rosimar

Reply In a word, no.

Do I? Yes, always.

Because ...

Vanish Water Soluble Thread  Question Where in the UK can I buy water soluble thread - Superior Threads' "Vanish" or YLI's Wash-A-Way?

Reply Barnyards has it listed on their website....

Fair price for quilting and applique  Question I was wondering what is a fair price to Hand Applique pre-1920 Dresden plate circles onto 14-1/2 inch background.

There will be 2 twin quilts....

Cotton batting is bunched up after washing  Question I made the mistake of washing my new quilt and the cotton batting inside of it is bunched up and bulky in some places and there is no cotton ...

Stitch in the Ditch Problems  Question Why does my quilt backing fabric keep gathering when I am trying to stitch in the ditch?

Reply Since you mention only problems with the ...

Outline quilting for machine applique  I have machine appliqued a baby quilt (Noah's ark). I want to outline quilt around each animal.

How far out from the applique stitch should I do the ...

Sewing Machines with Plastic Parts - Will they last?  I love my machine, a Brother C6000, but wonder how many years it will last.

My old Singer, straight stitch from the 1950's is still running smooth ...

Hand quilting thread: Can I use embroidery floss? 
Question Is it OK to use embroidery floss for hand quilting thread?

It is easier to match thread to fabric.

Reply I have to admit that I've ...

Machine Quilting Flannel Quilts  Question I have made a flannel quilt and I am at the stage of quilting. What is the best way to quilt flannel? Free motion or ditch stitching?

Reply ...

Free-motion Quilting Problem: Skipped stitches on curves  Question When I free-motion quilt the stitches are skipping, especially when I am going around a curve.

It's almost like the bobbin thread is not ...

Quilt borders won't lay flat  Question Somehow the wide borders on my quilt tops don't lay flat when I layer the top to the batting and backing. Am I stretching it somehow in handling ...

Add a quilt backing to hide stitches?  Question On the front of the quilt I used several different shades of thread to quilt the various blocks; also using different techniques like stippling,...

Hand Quilting Thread Tangles  Question I need some help, please.

Is there anyway to keep the thread from twisting while hand quilting? I have to stop and let the thread dangle before ...

How close do I need to machine quilt this baby quilt?  Question I am making a baby quilt that has a star, moon and dog pattern on it. I sewed around the blocks of each dog which are probably 9 inches by 9 ...

Can I use felt for quilt batting?  Question Is it possible to use felt as quilt batting?

Reply Simply put—yes...and no.

Personally, I wouldn't use felt for batting. Most felts ...

Machine quilting stitches: Stopping, traveling, and starting  Question I have seen demos where a quilter is quilting, say outline quilting.

She/he will get to a point where she wants to stop and "hop" to the next ...

Free Motion Quilting Tension Problems  Question How do I know which tension—needle or bobbin—is out of sync? I can see the top thread on the bottom of my quilt sandwich. A trace ...

Quilt marking for hand quilting with difficult fabric  Question What product would you recommend to mark hand quilting lines/patterns when you do not want to wash the quilt or iron it?

I have a red fabric ...

Learning to Quilt - Beginning Quilting Lessons  Question I am trying to teach myself how to quilt and I don't think I am being very successful at it. I have done needle and paper crafting practically ...

Problems machine quilting with decorative stitches  Question Since I was a teenager I have made many quilts on my first very basic machine. Using it I quilted along the seams of the top.

Recently, I ...

Machine quilting causes tucks!  Question I am quilting my very first quilt. It is a very simple block with some sashing. No matter how much I pin or baste, I still get a little tuck ...

Which walking foot should I buy?  Question I'm very new for quilting and sewing and I just bought a Brother BM2600.

I want to buy some feet and learn more about quilting but I'm not ...

Walking feet for Bernina  Question I have two walking feet that came with couple of my Bernina's. I don't think they fit either machine.

Where can I find information on what ...

When is a quilt overdue?  Question I offered to make a relative a quilt for their wedding and asked that they specify colors at least eight months prior to the wedding since I ...

Travel Irons for Quilting  Question Hello! I am taking my first quilting class and would like to know what mini iron should I get for using in my class?

Reply If this is a ...

Who does commercial long arm machine quilting in Charlottetown and/or area?  Question I have a quilt top I would like to have machine quilted and am looking for someone who does this as a business. Can you recommend someone? Thanks....

How do I secure machine quilting stitches?  Question I am using the internet as an information source to learn how to machine quilt. All instructions begin by saying, "Pull up the bobbin thread ...

Quilt Sandwich Sticks to Machine  Question What can I use to make the quilt move more evenly when free-motion quilting?

Reply The best way to ensure even movement of the quilt when ...

Half Square Triangle Formula  Question I want finished 2 1/2" half-square triangles. How big should I cut the beginning square piece?

Reply To make half square triangles the ...

Piecing Quilt Borders  Question Am ready to add my quilt borders and wondered if it is plausible to sew the three borders together first then add them as a set to the main body?...

Keeping my quilting stitches even using my walking foot...  Question I'm having trouble keeping my stitches the same size when I'm quilting using my walking foot. I'm quilting straight lines, but it's really hard ...

Seam allowance in my quilt blocks comes undone  Question I have sewn my quilt blocks squares together and the squares are pulling apart because I didn't lock in my stitches.

I tried to do a zigzag ...

Sewing Machine Survey Results 
Question Did you publish the results of your sewing machine questions? I'd love to see them.

Reply Yes! The results are updated pretty much on ...

Grace Pro Quilting Frame  Question I have a new Elna machine with an 11" throat, and am thinking about getting the Grace Pro Quilting frame, as a long arm quilting machine is out ...

Walking foot is off centre...  Question Hi! I have assembled my walking foot and everything seems OK except for one annoying problem. My sewing needle is just off centre. Is there ...

Table of Contents for Beginning Machine Quilting 101  Oh No!! I'm currently reading your Beginning Machine Quilting 101 and the following topics don't have a working link!!

*Machine Quilting Supplies
...

Stitch length setting for quilting with a walking foot  Question What is the usual stitch length for machine quilting with walking foot?

Reply It is generally suggested to use a stitch length between 2....

Machine quilting threads keep breaking  Question I have made several quilts, however, on this one the machine quilting threads keep breaking.

This is very frustrating to me.

What can ...

Sewing machine needle problems  Question I have some assorted sewing machine needles, some with colour on them. Is there any way to know if they are different sizes and for different ...

Machine quilting tension problems  Question I am a rather new quilter. I have been doing this for about 5 years but little at a time. Every time I machine quilt the bottom is messy. I tried ...

Machine Quilting without a quilt backing  Question I wish to quilt the top side of my project before I attach the back. I will be doing a meandering stitch.

It seems, however, that the stitches ...

Use a certified quilt appraiser to determine Fair Market Value 
Question I have a beautiful 104" by 88" quilt I am interested in selling. I also have the antique bed dated back to 1880's that this quilt was made ...

Which quilting machine...?  Question Which long arm machine on a frame is the easiest to quilt with?

Reply Fortunately or unfortunately, there is no one size fits all for sewing ...

Machine Piecing - Seam is puckered  Question I did the tension test - needle thread doesn't show on the bottom and bobbin thread doesn't show on the top - but I'm getting a line of puckering ...

Quilt backing has creases quilted into it  Question I just finished quilting my friends quilt.

The entire quilt was perfectly quilted on the front, but the back of the quilt had an area about ...

Problem Removing Quilt Markings  Question I marked the white parts of my quilt with blue chalk to use as quilting markings. The chalk will not come out. I have tried to rub it out,...

Top and botton threads are not connecting correctly...  Question When I quilt freestyle (or free motion) the two threads are not meeting correctly.

The top thread is coming out through the bottom layer ...

Free motion quilting - skipped stitches  Question How do I avoid skipped stitches during free motion quilting?

This does not happen on my simple straight stitch machine. However, I prefer ...

Washing Quilts  Question How much Orvus Paste should I use to wash a king size quilt?

Reply Even when Orvus is sold in your local quilt store as "Quilt Soap", this ...

Quilt Backing Problems  Question: How do you keep your quilt backing fabric taut during the quilting process?

Even though I pin and/or thread baste, and try to gently "stretch"...

Quilting Techniques for Accurate Piecing  Question: How do you get log cabin blocks to come out nicely. I take care but mine are never square.

Reply: I use several quilting techniques to get ...

Beginner Quilting Tips: Sewing Straight Stitches  Question I have just started quilting and very much loving it. It is my new hobby. Just not liking sewing up the squares since my sewing machine won't ...

Sewing Machine Needle Stops Up  Question I purchased a new sewing machine before I got into quilting. My question is I have been practicing free motion quilting but when I stop, my needle ...

Which Machine Quilting Thread  Question I am a new long arm quilter. I have just started my first quilt and the big mistake I made was not using the best thread. Luckily I noticed ...

Machine Quilting  Question What is machine quilting used for?

Reply Machine quilting produces the stitches that hold your quilt's layers together.

A little history....

Is There a Substitute for Wool Batting? 
Question: I love how the quilting looks when using a wool batt. However, I'm allergic to wool (big time).

Is there any batting out there that I ...

Bohin Marker Removal  Question: I am using the Bohin Marking Pen with a pink lead. How do I get it off my top after I have marked it incorrectly?

Reply: I believe that ...

Free Motion Quilting Railroad Tracks Problem  Question: Why do my stitches look like railroad tracks on the back of my quilt and not single stitches when I am doing free motion quilting?

Reply:...

Hand Quilting  Question: Can quilting paper be used for hand quilting?

Reply: First, I should qualify my answer. I have hand quilted only one wallhanging in my ...

Quilt Stencil Arrows  Question: What do the arrows on quilting stencils mean?

Reply: Arrows on quilt stencils generally refer to the direction of the quilting stitches....

Long Arm Quilting Services for a Beginning Quilt  Question: I have finished my front, purchased batting and backing; but am looking for someone to quilt it with their big long arm quilting machine. I ...

Best Sewing Machine for Quilt Class  What machine is a good machine to take to quilt classes?

Reply: It really depends upon the kind of quilting classes you are taking.

Machine Quilting ...

How to Quilt a Quilt Pattern  I have completed a 'Steps to the Altar' quilt and don't know how to quilt it. Any ideas?

REPLY: There is a quilt pattern known as "Steps to the Altar"...

Bernina Walking Foot Problem  My needle won't stay in with my walking foot attachment. I have an older Bernina--is there something I am doing "wrong" in the set up?

REPLY: Not knowing ...

Hand Written Quilting Pattern circa 1840  I have an old hand written quilting pattern (circa 1840) and would like to find out more about it.

Reply: You are so lucky! To have a piece of quilting ...

Machine Quilting Circles  Question I'm trying to quilt my "sandwich", and I want to make circles, but I don't know if I'm supposed to use the darning foot to do that, or just a ...

Free Motion Quilting Thread Problem  I have a very basic sewing machine (Singer) and when I attempt to do free motion quilting the upper thread rips. I have a free motion foot, I set my stitch ...

Antique Singer Sewing Machine - Walking Foot  I have a vintage/antique Singer sewing machine that I have dated from around 1948.

Since I got it in 1969, I have sewed miles on it and would now like ...

How to Remove Pencil Quilt Markings from Quilt Blocks  I am doing the "quilt as you go" method and have all my blocks quilted.

I used a No. 2 pencil to mark the quilt lines and used 80/20 batting. Can I ...

Getting a Quilt PC DISK for a Viking Designer 1  Know anyone or anywhere I can purchase a PC DISK for my Husqvarna Designer 1 - the one I would like is Quilt Embroidery 101?

Reply: Obviously your ...

Combining Hand and Machine Quilting  Is it okay to combine machine quilting and hand quilting on the same quilt? (i.e. stitch in the ditch along seam lines with machine, then hand quilting ...

Where to start free motion quilting? 
Question: Where do you start when you free motion quilt. In the center? At a corner?

Reply: You would start in different places depending on the ...

Beginning Machine Quilting  Question Can I quilt with a domestic sewing machine?

Reply Yes, absolutely, positively, you can quilt on a domestic sewing machine!

If the only ...

Machine Quilting: I get puckers  I pinned my quilt top but it still puckered badly when I got to the bottom as I did my "stitch in the ditch" quilting. What was wrong?

REPLY: Nothing ...

Quality Cotton Quilting Fabric  What, in your opinion, is the best quality white fabric...is there one manufacturer that is better than another? What would be the ideal weight? Is 220 ...

What is an open toe darning foot?  What does the open toe darning foot do?

REPLY: The darning or hopping foot is used for free motion quilting. The "open toe" version of this foot is ...

Liberty Tana Lawn Cotton Quilting Fabric  Do you have any suggestions on what thread, needle size, pins, you would use for Liberty Tana Lawn fabric?

I have heard that because it is very fine ...

Stitch in the Ditch with Water Soluble Thread  I am in the planning stages of making a 9ft square wedding quilt for my son and his fiance.

This is quite a feat for me as a newbie to machine quilting ...

Cutting Triangles from Rectangles  I, too, am a new quilter and know that this should be easy to find...I just can't.

When cutting triangles from a square, you add 7/8" to insure that ...

My Thread Keeps Breaking  I have just finished my first quilt...a lap size Bento Box.

I am trying to quilt it. I am using a walking foot, sewing straight diagonal lines. When ...

Quilt Batting  I am interested to know your opinion and how you feel about 100 % wool, 50% cotton/50% bamboo batting compared to 100% cotton from a feel and hand point ...

Machine Quilting with Multiple Threads  I want a heavier look to the machine quilting. Can you have 2 threads go through one needle? If not, what kind of thread will give a heavier look to ...

Machine Quilting Over the Same Place Twice?  I would like to machine quilt between the applique butterfly wings and it would be easier to go over a section more than once...I have been out of quilting ...

Darning foot for echo quilting...  Your site is great, and I'm wondering if you can help a desperate quilter!

When sewing, there is always a spot on my presser foot that I can use as ...

Quilt Batting and Machine Quilting Distances  When quilting your quilt, what is the maximum area of your quilt that you can leave untouched.

For example can you leave 2" square not stitched or ...

Quilt block is too small...  I'm a relatively new quilter. I've made a couple of table runners and wall hangings.

This is my first real bed quilt. The pattern is fairly simple....