You Asked — I Listened! DIY Pressing Boards + Big Board for Quilting
After my “Make Machine Quilting Easier” video, many of you asked how I made the big ironing board that I use to support large quilts while quilting on my domestic machine. So, in this video, I show you how to make your own pressing boards — both the portable versions (handy for class, travel, or […]
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Walking Foot Quilting Made Easy: 3 Versatile Techniques (plus variations!)
Ready to quilt with a walking foot? In this beginner-friendly quilting tutorial, I’m sharing 3 easy walking foot quilting techniques that every machine quilter should know. These simple, foundational quilting tips and techniques can help you quilt smoothly, avoid puckers, and build real confidence — even on your very first project! We’ll cover: You’ll also […]
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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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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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No-Waste Quilt Batting (Wadding)
If you’re like me, at some point you may find yourself with a pile of batting scraps in various sizes. I don’t like to throw these leftover bits and strips away; so I’ve developed a system that works well for me. I typically buy queen-sized packaged batting or 108″ wide batting on a roll and […]
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Quilt Marking Tools Update
Earlier this year, I shared the post Testing My Quilt Marking Tools. Since then, I’ve been putting my favorites to work on actual quilts, and I have some new info (and links) to share with you. One of the things that surprised me most both during the initial testing process and as I continued to […]
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