Tips to Jump Start Longarm Quilting

Quilting your first quilt can seem daunting to a longarm beginner. Here are 3 tips to jump start your longarm quilting and make you ready to tackle any quilt.

 1. Preparation is Key

Before you load that first real quilt, it is important to become familiar with your equipment and materials.

• Learn your machine. Read through the user guide. The manual for all the Handi Quilter machines can be found online here. Download the one for your machine and keep it on your computer or print it out for a handy reference.
• You’ll want to know where the controls are and what they can do for you.

• Knowing the correct threading path is essential.

• And you will want to know the tools available on your particular machine and become familiar with the settings options.

• Get to know how to move the machine to where you want it to go. Learn to dance with the machine.
• Learn about the different thread options. Superior Threads has a wealth of information on their website that will help you learn which threads will be best for your quilts.
• Familiarize yourself with the different kinds of batting available.
• Get good at loading your frame by loading a few practice pieces.

All of this will take some time but it will be time well spent.

2. Master a few basic designs

To be ready to quilt, it’s good to get confident with two or three basic edge-to-edge designs that will look good on almost any quilt. These will be your go-to’s that you will use over and over. Start with something simple like a meander or loops.  Experiment with different machine settings like Manual v.s. Regulated and Cruise v.s. Precision and stitch length until you find a look and a rhythm that feels comfortable for you. Practice until you can stitch the design with confidence. Once you’ve mastered that, (and used it on a few of your waiting tops), add another design that has a different feel. Maybe a straight line pattern that has a more masculine feel. Or, maybe you love florals, so learn a flowery pattern. There are countless free motion quilting designs to explore, so don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment. This is one of my go-to’s:

Having at least one design that you can quilt with ease prepares you to quilt your first quilt and really ANY quilt. It’s not a quilt til it’s quilted. Finish more quilts for a good feeling of accomplishment!

3. Embrace Imperfection

One of the beautiful things about free motion quilting is that it allows for a handmade, organic look. Embrace imperfections and don’t be too hard on yourself if your quilting lines aren’t perfect. You’ll be surprised how you won’t even be able to find the little bobbles once the quilt is finished and off the frame.

• Let Go of Perfectionism: Remember that quilting is a skill that takes time to develop, and it’s okay to make mistakes along the way. Each quilt you create is a reflection of your unique style and creativity, so embrace the quirks and imperfections that make it one-of-a-kind.
• Focus on Progress, Not Perfection: Instead of striving for perfection with each stitch, focus on making progress and improving your skills with each quilt you create. Celebrate the small victories along the way and enjoy the process of learning and growing as a quilter. As an experienced quilter, I think it’s fun to look back at my first longarm quilting attempts and remember the things I learned from each quilt. My friends and family use those quilts and enjoy them every day!

Bonus tip: Have fun

Mastering free motion quilting takes time, patience, and practice, but the results are well worth the effort. And you can have lots of fun along the way by finishing quilts for yourself, for loved ones, and for charities. By following these three secrets and embracing the journey, you’ll soon be creating beautiful quilts adorned with intricate designs and textures. So, grab your longarm machine and let your creativity soar!

Quilt Every Day!

by Mary Beth Krapil