Free Motion Machine Quilting
one day class  /  all levels
by Caryl Bryer Fallert
This Information in (printable )PDF format
Classroom Requirements  / 
Preferred Classroom Set Up

Various methods of machine quilting will be introduced and demonstrated in this class, and you will have a chance to make a small sample of each one. Major emphasis will be on free-motion (feed-dogs down, hand guided) quilting. Workshop will include a slide lecture full of information and inspiration.

• Sewing Machine: One that is clean, friendly and well adjusted. Must be able to do free motion.  A zig zag, as well as straight stitch will be useful but is not absolutely essential.  You must know how to operate your sewing machine.   
  • You must have at least one free-motion foot for your machine: darning foot (open toed is preferred, but closed is OK), "big foot", quilting foot, etc.   You must know how to operate your machine in "free motion" mode.   Caryl is not familiar will all makes and models of machines and may not be able to figure this out for you.  Please check with your dealer ahead of time.
  • Optional: If you already have the following feet, bring them along: Walking foot, Open toed embroidery foot, Open toed darning foot, couching foot
• Basic Sewing Kit for machine sewing. Scissors, needle changer, seam ripper, etc.
• 15-20 sheets of plain white copier paper
• Extension cord: long, heavy duty with at least two outlets. Three prong adaptor if needed for classroom outlets
• Iron: (one iron can be shared by the class)
• Fabric:  You will be making a series of small practice quilt sandwiches.  You can make them in the class, or ahead of time.  Size of  9" x 12" is recommended.  If you cut your quilt sandwiches just a little larger than copier paper, you can trim them to fit into sheet protectors and keep them in a three ring binder. For the one day class you will need about 10 quilt sandwiches.
• Batting: Batting must be 100% cotton or 80% cotton / 20% polyester (Fairfield Cotton Classic is ideal).  Enough to fill your 10 quilt sandwiches.
• Thread:
• 100% Cotton, 100% polyester, or cotton/poly sewing thread in several colors. Bring at least one color to contrast with your fabric.
• Clear nylon or polyester monofilament   Polyester is recommended.

• Optional: If you have specialty threads you want to try (rayon, metallics, etc.), feel free to bring them, HOWEVER, this class will not include instruction in using specialty threads.

• Needles: Bring a good supply of needles.
  • Schmetz #70 & #80 machine quilting needles are recommended
  • Schmetz #80 and #90 system 130 N (top stitching) needles may be needed for heavier threads.
  • Schmetz Microtex Sharp (#60, #70, #80) recommended for lighter weight threads.

Optional :

• Gloves:  Machingers™ are recommended (available from your local quilt shop or Clotilde.com) You can also use latex surgical gloves, driving gloves, golf gloves, gardening gloves
• Sew Steady-Portable Table or other plexiglass extension table for your machine.
• Small table top light box:  If you are driving and already have one