Quilting 101
Listing of Topics Covered when we deliver and install a machine
These headings formed the basis of a course presented by Lori at the Wellington Symposium in 2009.
- Squaring and size of backing relative to top.
- Centering of backing
- Pinning on (backing upside down)
- Threading path
- Needles (135x5 – 20/18/16/14)
- Bobbin winding – thumbnail test
- Seating bobbin in bobbin case
- Bobbin tension – drop test
- Top tension – fishing line, pokies, eyelashes
- Starting, stopping, restarting – direction of movement
- Use of controls – regulated, unregulated
- Meander/stipple
- Patterns – lining up laser, repeats, suppliers
- Winding on – height of rear roller, use of pony clamps
- Use of templates
- Backgrounds
- Freehand
- PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE
Scrap fabrics. Alternate threads. Aim for control
Practice Programme
a. Meander – smooth, even stitch length. Vary stitch length
Regulated/ unregulated. Practice stopping and starting
b. Continuous Line patterns – relax, guide – do not force
- follow pattern until comfortable
- Repeat, repeat, repeat
- nb. Interlocking, R to L movement (stitch formation)
- suggested patterns
- use reg. until comfortable, and then change to unreg
- Continuous Line plus accuracy. Reality check
- Continuous Line extension – front of machine embellishment
- Using plastic over panto
c. Templates – Straight – square, oblong, triangle, diamond, SID
- Curve – applique, circle, oval
- Special effects
d. Freehand – direction changes
- Terry’s twist – straight, arc, loop, s-curve, hook.
- Practice movement, then movement plus accuracy.
- Straight
- Arc
- Loop
- S-curve
- Hook
Feathers, leaves, swirls, etc. – become features, background
- require practice so you don’t get lost
- use reg. stitch, then try in unreg - Silicone – thread, material, tracks
- Morning routine – warming up, wiping of tracks and wheels
- Evening routine – cleaning and oiling
- Needle changing
- Transformer – turn off
References:
Keryn Emmerson pattern packs.
I’ve Got a Longarm. DVD by Mindy Casperson.
Longarm Machine Quilting by Carol Thelan.
Ultimate Guide to Longarm Quilting by Linda Taylor.