Introduction to Free Motion, Following the Lines & Meandering Quilting Class - 3 Part Class

Introduction to Free Motion Lecture/Demo
Part 1:

The definition of Free Motion Quilting is stitching layers of a quilt together using a sewing or sit-down machine with feed dogs lowered and a darning foot installed while moving a quilt under the needle of the machine in all directions. In free motion you are in complete control of the fabric and the stitching. With the correct needle, thread, and open toe darning foot every sewing machine can be used for free motion quilting AND with practice everyone can achieve success once you learn to match quilt movement to the speed of your machine.

Sewing machine set up, needles, proper presser foot, thread, and other accessories will be discussed during the Lecture/Demo with an opportunity for questions. In addition, the class samples will be explained along with the basics of pulling threads to the top, starting and stopping plus how to test for proper tension. 

A small “Homework Project” will be demonstrated to get you started on your free motion journey!

This Lecture/Demo is a prerequisite for the Lines and Meander quilting classes.

Part 2

INTRODUCTION TO FREE MOTION QUILTING

FOLLOWING LINES CLASS

The Following Lines Class will begin stitching in all directions following line and shapes drawn on your sample and progress through loops and swirls to feathers while learning to control the size of stitches with your hands. Our goal will be to train your eyes to look where you are going ahead of the needle using a light touch to move the quilt and to develop a smooth rhythm.

Part 3:

INTRODUCTION TO FREE MOTION

MEANDER CLASS

The Meander Class will build on the shapes stitched in the Following Lines Class but now be quilted without markings. Quilters have adapted meander stitching as a design element, allover quilting design (think pantograph), background filler and border designs. Lines, loops, swirls, E’s and O’s, pebbles, wishbones, ribbon candy and basic stipple will be covered.  In time these movements will become part of your muscle memory and easy to create.

With practice these designs will become all your own, just like your handwriting is uniquely yours. The possibilities are limited only by your imagination. Best of all this is fun!

Instructor:
Donna Hamill

vthamill@gmail.com

802-899-1995 (cell)