Machine Quilting Question

Are you using a walking foot? Some machines have them built in (my Pfaff ones do) -- These help move the fabric on the top at the same rate the feed dogs are pulling the fabric on the bottom -- which helps eliminate the uneven feeding (assuming you have adequate basting).

Share with people your machine -- your set up (how you basted -- how close together... etc).

The more information you provide -- the more helpful responses you will get.

First answer: yes, you do need a special foot (or two).

If you are quilting straight (-ish) lines or gentle curved, you can use the walking foot. If your machine doesn't have one already, you can buy one for your machine specifically. I believe there are generic feet (!), but I don't know anything about them. Sorry.

If you want to do very curly and random quilting, you will need a 'quilting foot'. These are known as 'darning foot', 'hopping foot' (perhaps more I don't know of?). They can also be bought for your machine.

If you were using a polyester batting, your layers will move slightly using an ordinary presser foot - probably with cotton or a cotton mix too, but not as much. Spray basting would reduce this even further, but many people do not like to use 'chemicals' on a quilt.

You also need to reduce the top tension. Can't give you the numbers as they vary from machine to machine in the way they are calibrated. . In message , Brenda J. writes

If you are doing free motion with the feed dogs dropped, you need to remember to engage the top tension. (IE: Lower the needle bar to sewing position.) HTH. PAT

I have a Kenmore machine and used just a regular sewing foot. No free motion. So I need a walking foot?

Brenda J.

A walking foot makes it sooooo much easier! It moves all the layers at the same time and it will feed the quilt sandwich so smoothly. You'll love it- but most of them are a bit noisy- it's just how they work. So don't be concerned unless it should make a terrible racket. Then get concerned! LOL

Leslie & The Furbabies in MO.

On Wed, 2 Sep 2009 13:05:09 -0500, Brenda J. wrote (in article ):

I'd say most definitely yes! It will prevent that shifting. You can probably find a generic one at some place like Nancy's Notions that will fit your machine.

Maureen

How close should my basting be?

Brenda J.

Well, as close as you like! ;-) But a 'standard' suggestion is the width of your hand- across your palm. That's an easy measurement without needing a ruler beside you.

Leslie & The Furbabies in MO.

I've read that basting should be no further apart than the width of your fist, which is about the same thing.