Tired of Quilting Indecision? Try This Instead!
Have you ever finished a quilt top… and then completely stalled out? The piecing is done. The quilt top is pressed. It looks great! And then comes the question: “How should I quilt this?” If that moment has ever stopped you in your tracks, you are absolutely not alone. This is one of the most […]
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A Simple Path to More Confident Machine Quilting
Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve seen a lovely surge of interest in machine quilting on my YouTube channel and on this blog – thanks so much to everyone who has been watching! One of the questions I get asked most often is: “Where should I start?” Machine quilting can feel like a lot […]
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Using Monofilament (“Invisible”) Thread for Machine Appliqué and Quilting
Monofilament – often called “invisible thread”– is one of those quilting topics that can bring up a lot of questions. Some of that hesitation comes from early versions of the thread that really did behave more like fishing line. But modern monofilament threads are very different – and when they work well, they can be […]
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Easy Fixes for Thread “Nests”
Tired of messy thread nests or “bird’s nests” on the back sides of your quilts? In this quilting tutorial, I’ll share simple ways to prevent messy starts when you’re machine quilting – no fancy tools required! These easy but effective tips apply to both straight stitching and free-motion stitching. In this quilting tutorial, I share: […]
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Thread Tension Fixes Every Quilter Should Know
Struggling with loopy, loose, or irregular stitches or other common sewing machine tension issues? Learn how to balance bobbin tension and upper thread tension on your domestic (home) sewing machine for both straight stitching and free-motion quilting, and how to troubleshoot common machine stitching issues – no screwdriver or expensive repairs needed! In this quilting […]
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No More Wrestling with Your Quilts! Easier Machine Quilting
Managing the bulk of a quilt in your domestic machine sure can feel like a workout! My newest video shares my favorite ways to make machine quilting easier – from setup and (optional) stabilizing lines to simple ergonomic tricks. No matter what size sewing machine you have, I hope these tips will help you quilt […]
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Free-Motion Quilting on a Home Sewing Machine – Setting Up for Success
Are you curious about free-motion quilting but not sure where to start? This beginner-friendly video breaks down the basics you need to know before stitching your first design. In the video, you’ll learn:✅ The best free-motion feet for domestic machines✅ How and why to drop your feed dogs✅ How quilting gloves help you control the […]
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How Quilt-As-You-Go Made Modern Has Held Up After 10 Years
Wondering if Quilt-As-You-Go quilts really hold up over time? I revisited several quilts I made using Jera Brandvig’s QAYG method – where each block is quilted with batting (but no backing!) before being joined together. After 10 years of family use and frequent washing, I’m sharing what held up, what surprised me, and why I […]
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2 Different Approaches to Quilt Basting, Step-by-Step
I’ve talked about spray basting before, but I recently posted a FREE tutorial on my YouTube channel for those who wanted to see the process in more detail. But basting spray is not for everyone! Some folks find it too pricey or too difficult to source. Others may dislike the smell or would prefer not […]
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Quilt Basting with Pool Noodles and Broomsticks
I’m planning a series of posts with some of my favorite quilt basting tips. So, I thought I’d start by answering a question that recently came up in one of my machine quilting classes: “What are pool noodles and why do you like them so much?” Depending on the size of the quilt, the type […]
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