Happy Saturday everyone. I'm sure you're like me and have several quilts to finish before the holidays. Here are some fast and easy patterns to just get it done. Grab your coffee and let's get quilting
Thanks to you I found that my old Pfaff -inherited from my Mom- has a built in walking foot. On one of my small practice quilts I found it DID eliminate the fabric creep! Instant improvement. Thanks for all the tips and gentle teaching.
As a perfectionist, I have trouble letting go and just being free with my quilting. I think we all see such intimidatingly perfect quilting in show quilts but they are often done by a computerised machine or by a quilting expert who has several years of practice. It is foolish for us to compare our quilting with those, but it's a natural inclination. I tell myself that the purpose of quilting is to hold the layers together. As long as it stays together, it's good enough. Thanks for all your wonderful videos.
Oh so right. After about 2 yrs of playing quiltmaking, I was at a guild where a mate was showing off her FIRST quilt. It REALLY was perfect. Turned out to be a good thing. I never fret bc I know it's not my forte and also it's highly unlikely I'll live long enough to make it mine. So I make quilts w themes like 50th anniv of Apollo and Woodstock and nobody looks for matched corners !😁
I used to consider myself a perfectionist, but now I believe I’m simply conscientious. I care about how my work looks, and if my name is on it, I want it to be right.
Sorry! I accidentally hit the thumbs down. I changed it to thumbs up. 👍 This was exactly what I needed to decide what quilting pattern I need to choose for my first ever quilt. The top is done, now on to the sandwich and quilting. Thank you so much!!!! ❤ Loved the video.
Thank you! I’ve named my quilt “Picking Up the Pieces of My Sweet Shattered Dream” the opening line of Carefree Highway by Gordon Lightfoot-shattered glass will be perfect! Totally out of my organized comfort zone but 100% right! Thanks for the idea!
Love your videos Karen! I am a beginner quilter (been sewing garments for decades) and I’m drawn to the very dense free motion quilting styles. Now that I have 3 smallish quilt tops pieced I’m kinda unsure about how to quilt them. This video gives me inspiration to “just get it done”!! 😍 I check my subscription button frequently for all your new content; so thank you for sharing your talents! ❤️
I love the quilting part best even though it's hard on my body due to osteoporosis. I can't free motion or do ruler work but I have machines w hundreds of stitches & I just got an embroidery machine so I make patterns w decorative stitches,, add embroidery and applique. It's all so fun and my quilts are always interesting to see even though they aren't perfectly put together. Thanks for the vids. I learn a lot, esp since I don't know all the right ways before I start and bc you always say why things dont work.
Greetings from Tasmania Australia, I've just finished a table runner ,my first quilting attempt. With a few faults its made with love !Next to finish my baby quilt sandwich!
Thanks for this timely video! After 16 years of making quilts, I'm finally venturing into the actual quilting on my domestic machine. Great tips and suggestions for patterns!
What a breath of fresh air!!! I've been watching lots of videos on machine quilting, but when I tried, it wasn't good! Your ideas for quilt patterns look like a great in between: between regular sewing and free-range quilting (I like to call it that!) I've sewn for years so am really tied to a presser foot and the feed dogs! I think I can actually do what you do in your first several designs (I think in the walking foot section; I've used a walking foot quite a lot). Thank you for making this seem so doable!!!
The timing of this video is perfect as I have quite a few quilt tops to finish...The one I have been pondering how to finish is a crumb/scrap large lap sized quilt with no lines to follow/ditch to stitch! Thanks! This is great!
Oh how funny, DH, me too! I just finished my first crumb quilt and got stuck on how I should quilt it. I think I’ll try the shattered glass idea. Good luck with yours!
Thanks for these ideas and tips. I love "organic" wavy lines roughly parallel, and with varying spacing. I tried this on a quilt last year, which was the first time I did my own machine quilting, and it turned out great. I used fairly close spacing, 1/4" to 1" and was really happy with how it turned out.
As always such a great video Karen. I’ve quilted a few of my own quilts when I started a few years ago, all but one of them were queen sized quilts. Realized that this step was my least favourite in the process. I then moved onto having a long arm artist take over that step for me. This past week I finished up a baby quilt that I quilted myself and actually really enjoyed the process. My new plan moving forward, quilt small quilts myself to build my skill level and have a long armer continue to quilt my large quilts until (if ever) I feel ready for that challenge again. The techniques in the video will be added to the growing list of Karen Lessons I’ve been applying to my quilting obsession🌸
I have two sandwiches I've been putting off quilting, but you've inspired me! Especially love the wave idea. Time to get stitching. Thank you and Happy Quilting!
Thank you so much for this wonderful video. I just finished my first quilt top for a grandchild I’m expecting in a month and I was totally at a loss as to how to finish it. Now I know what to do. I love that your video is short to the point, nothing is more frustrating than trying to find a solution to a problem on RU-vid wasting 30 minutes watching a video that is no help at all.
Thank you Karen for another great video. You always have such great tips but your "it doesn't have to be perfect" resonates the most. I have one questIon - when using 40 weight thread do you use it in the bobbin as well?
Will definitely save this to watch a few times and begin to experiment. For the life of me, I cannot manage to FMQ! And I worry so much about ruining my quilt tops, as they turn out so nice. Just will have to take the time and practice, practice, PRACTICE! Thanks for the simpler technique ideas until I get better! You're the BEST! 😊💕
Thank you so much. I was the beginner who tried quilting in the ditch! I abandoned machine quilting and hand quilted instead! It is so difficult to find the information you gave in this video. You have now given me the courage to try again! A million thank yous!
I'm working on completing my first quilt ever (inspired by your stash buster videos) and this video was great! Thanks for all the inspiration going into my first quilt!
thanks so much Karen… I learn a multitude of good ideas for my quilting ..every time I come over here.. your good old common sense approach to everything is so inspiring, because it looks easy enough that I think I might be able to do that also !! BEST… CHERYL🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦
What fun! I think the hardest part is just getting the quilting started. I’ve been waiting for a few months to finish two quilts for my granddaughters and VOILA! I’m starting right now. THANK YOU!! Please keep these fun and encouraging tutorials coming! You are terrific!
Thank you so much for your videos & helpful info! I'm new to quilting although I have sewn for years. I've got a table runner sewn & am trying to quilt it, ugh! I've taped the bottom snugly, made the sandwich, tried hand basting, straight pins & the bent safety pins. Still have puckering on the bottom!! I do have an older machine, a Kenmore 385.11607. Tried the "regular" presser foot & just recently bought a walking foot. It seems with the walking foot the bottom material is pulled faster than the top. Any suggestions? Thank you so much!
Karen, I’m about to quilt my second quilt and I have no idea where to start. It’s a queen size and has a V pattern starting at the edge and going toward the center. It’s 32 squares long and 24 wide. Any suggestions? By the way your videos have been extremely helpful. Thank you.
Karen - me again! I’ve watched so many of your videos, but I can’t recall if you said why you don’t pin your quilt sandwich? Is this because you use spray adhesive?
Just completed my first "shattered glass" quilting project. It was so easy -- I used painter's tape to make my lines straight. Thanks for the great tutorial and tips!
Oh my goodness I have usually done stitch in the ditch than I did quarter inch to half inch size of the seams. But I have found that doing diagonal lines is better for me. My quilt doesn’t come out as wrinkly or punchy. When I use straight lines, it doesn’t look as nice. I’m not going for perfection. I just want to get it done! I like the options you have shown me here. Why have I not seen you before?
Any recommendations for machine setting while using the walker foot? I seem to not be able to find the "holy grail" settings with my machine. Even using the settings from the manual just doesn't seem to work.
Thank you for all your great ideas and tips! I was wondering, do you listen to music to help with the quilting? I mean for relaxing and to help with the groove or flow or your design.
Thank you Karen for such wonderful tutorials on quilting! It’s been many years since I have quilted and your videos have peaked my interest again and I’m so excited to try all your ideas and get back in the game!
I HAVE TRYING TO GET MY QUEEN SIZE QUILT FINISHED AND WHAT I HAVE DONE IS EMBROIDERED WILD LIFE IN MY BLOCKS, WHAT KIND OF FINISHING STITCH WOULD BE GOOD FOR THIS?
I’ve found a lovely way to use batik fabrics. I’m presently making a quick quilt with 10 inch squares. So some are batik and some are white and some are a pale coloured linen. I find batik next to batik can either be too much or they actually look dull. I’m putting my 10 inch squares in a diagonal pattern going down. Ive noticed that using white and pale linen makes the batik (and I’m using different ones) really sing out. Each batik square looks like a jewel! Of course it’s all a matter of preference! I haven’t decided on the back or after quilt yet!
You are the best, it honestly made me not want to sew anymore, now it's all done and given away by an admiring recipients. Many thanks from me in wintery Auckland New Zealand xxxxxx
Thank you so much for this video - I have been extremely nervous about tackling the actual quilting side of constructing my first Quilt. I have taken your advice on board & I will be tackling this job as soon as my family (who have just relocated closer to my house) find a new house to rent. My almost 2 year old granddaughter is keeping me pretty busy right now out in the garden & building things with her Baby Lego Blocks (amongst other things). Anyways, thank you for your tips & hints, they are invaluable & I think we should nominate you for some kind of "National Treasure Award" coz I've learned more from watching your videos, than I would ever hope to learn in a Quilting Class situation🙂. PS - maybe I will be able to pass on my love of Quilting to my granddaughter when she gets older🌞
I use a modified binding technique. Trim up the edges nice and straight, sew together with a single fold binding strip that will end up on the back. Trim out as much batting bulk and from the seam as I can without going nuts, maybe even trim out some of the fabric. Press flat. Pull the binding flap across the seam and hand stitch closed. I kind of love how it adds some architecture to the back of the quilt without being as lumpy as you might think.
I struggle with the weight of the quilt and being unable to move it around smoothly like I see you doing. My quilts do not glide across my machine. haha I get shoulder fatigue really easily. Help! Thanks!
Karen I Love your quilt videos. I especially rewatch the ones on layering, machine quilting and binding every time I get ready to finish a quilt top. It just reminds me and makes it so much easier to finish. Thanks again.😊
I found your website and videos in March -you got me through the lockdown here in Uk and showed me so much about quilting!! I have wanted to quilt for many years but have never had the time or found the teacher. And i have to say the title 'Just Get It done' was what drew me to you -patience is not my strong point. Many thanks ad keep up the good work!
Love all your straight line ideas. I think I can do straight sewing! LOL! The free motion really intimidates me, though years ago, I gave it a go and did fine...must build up confidence.
thank you. I am a beginner quilter So many ways to quilt are so appealing to me. when I made a baby quilt with teddy bears on it. I just made squares around the bears. It turned out cute and made the bears pop up. Loved that.
Thank you for your calm reassurance in this video. With your video and Lori Kennedy's 25 Days to Better Machine Quilting, I know I can finally make these quilt tops into FINISHED quilts. 😊
Karen...I tried to select the notification bell, but it wouldn't allow me too...I get this message from RU-vid..."This action is turned off for content made for kids." It must be a settings change on your side? LOVE your video's!
You mentioned 40 weight thread and 70 needle. Do you always go up to 40wt for piecing and quilting. Is there a difference between quilting needle and topstitch needle? I always use Topstitch for all my sewing & piecing. I use 50 wt thread all the time . Generally use cream or light gray cotton thread for everything. Should I be doing something different?
Hi my name is Norma. I really like your channel. I’m new to quilting. I’m began my first quilt. A jelly roll quilt, and sewed it together. I sandwiched it together and sewed the edges first. Need I say more..... I ‘m just about finished taking it a part. I’ve made so many mistakes , learned so much. I’m determined to finish it. And began another one. My question is this. For a beginner whats works better to secure the quilt before quilting it. Pins, safety pins or adhesive spray ?
Hello Karen Brown.. thank you for taking time to help us the beginners to quilting.. the only question i have to ask is.. Can I use the batting for quilting batton?? the old fashioned one.. like roll of cotton.. I dont know if I am making my mistake I have made 2 quilts already and they both have that kind.. Thanks for listening.. Sharon Nissen from Ontario, Canada..
Thanks for these ideas. I have done a few pram/basinnet quilts but need to do free motion as I put a flange binding 3/4 way in on my quilt. duh. so i will try my hand with your small loops on the outside border and maybe try the similar larger loops in the middle. ps. Wondering also what's with the headphones???? Is that music that you quilt to, to keep a rhythm perhaps? pps. That woman from your dollar store video is right - your voice is very soothing and gives assurance we can all just get it done! lol. Here goes... ppps. if it fails - it's your fault lol.
binding is my kryptonite...I have such anxiety over it I self sabotage b4 I even begin. I just cant get it right. I think so many beautiful things I make or I just dont finish them. I'm pitiful... I know...lol. any suggestions...please
Morning, thank you for this tutorial....I am about to start quilting for the first time. All the blankets I've ever made have been the old way my grandma used to make with the yarn and needle poking it through throughout the quilt. Tie one side after you sew the yarn through. My question is obviously if a person is free motion quilting they cannot use the walking foot right? I will look up more videos before I start.....thank you...
Q? Hi Karen, Can you speak to the trends in quilting fabric, solids vs prints. I find I buy for my stash and it looks dated even within the year or two because of colour or pattern . Everybody speaks about building stash, but I am beginning to think I should buy by the project going forward. Thanks
Thanks so much for this. I've been using the wavy, semi-parallel lines for awhile now. It has helped me get things finished during the pandemic, and I particularly like the look on kids' quilts. I'd love to call it "wavy gravy", but I think Ben and Jerry's already owns that name. I'd love be able to do the loopy, meander-ish things you're doing. I've tried and tried...I'm actually OK with the technique, but I can't get my machine to cooperate. Specifically, I must be doing something wrong with my needle. I can stich along for awhile, and I'm fine as long as I'm moving basically forward. But, when I try to move the quilt backwards, the thread "skins" and eventually breaks. I've tried mixing up different types of needles and weights of thread, but no luck. You mention using a "topstitching" needle, and I've read that elsewhere. I haven't tried that. Any other thoughts?
Thanks for this, like others love your videos and have been so helpful. I am finishing a quilt with a top (flimsy) made 5 yrs ago. With your guidance have made an afterquilt for the back and will use your wide binding tips. Had lots of problems with the quilting, uneven stitch length as well as wonky. Realised it is due to the thread not Rolling off my large cone. I have tried in a cup, a can, with and without the separate spool holder , using a safety pin on the machine spool. The only thing that works is stopping regularly and pulling up the thread manually. If anyone has other tips I’m listening. It looks like you don’t use your table flatbed but do use an extension around your machine.I don’t have either so feeding the quilt is awkward. I want to replace my trestle-table with a sewing table, debating IKEA or investing in a sewing cabinet. Any thoughts welcome. Thanks again Karen , love your work. 🙏
Not the same topic, but I really respect your opinion....do you know anything about digitally colored fabrics as opposed to died fabrics? I found a new company that is made in the USA which I would like to support if possible. Thanks for your help.
Will you be showing us how you our Sugaridoo QAL quilt? I'm curious what you decided with all the geometric shapes. I'm still trying to figure out how to do mine. I'm practicing bubbles ofcvarious sizes from 2-6" diameter randomly placed. I drew circles on a practice quilt. It's not as easy as it would seem even to follow lines 🤦♀️
Perfect video for me! The actual quilting is what frightens me the most and I usually do straight lines. I am eager to experiment with getting more creative and these seem like a good place to start. Love your videos, Karen.
Hi I'm enjoying your videos and I am a beginner in every sense of the word...I'm wondering if you have a video or doing one on putting together my children's baby clothes into a keepsake quilt to hang on wall
Waves and Wonky lines are my favorites for doing machine quilting. Then, straight lines, then straight lines with angles. I use a walking foot, so I don't do any of the loopy lines, even though I like the look.
Hello Karen Thank You so much for your time and energy you put into your channel. I know I’m not the only one who appreciates you 👏👏👏👏👏 I’m a newbie and enjoy all the info you give ❤️😀
Do you do private lessons? Come spend a week in Tennessee and teach me! Don’t think I’m kidding about this! I would love to have an onsite tutor! BTW I just inherited a Bernina 380 - thank you for showing me where the feed dog button is located. You are awesome! Thank you for all of your help.
Thank you! This motivates me to try my hands at free motion quilting again. I love the modern feel of the walking foot quilting but sometimes the looping movement is more appropriate for the quilt.
Needed to do a quick I Spy quilt for a sick child so I tried the "Wave" method. It turned out well & was easy & quick to do. I will definitely use this method again. Thanks so much Karen for sharing your knowledge with us!
Good evening from cool (60 F) Florida! Just wondering how do I avoid giant puckers on the back of the quilt when I do straight line or even free motion quilting? Are the puckers from not pinning enough or not starching the fabric or what? I have to unsew or rip out etc. Ugh! Would you please consider making a video on how to avoid puckers? Thanks in advance and Merry Christmas!
