small space quilting

In an ideal world, everybody would have enough space to do their thing.  Whatever that thing may be.  It always interests me that whenever I do a post about doing all of my quilting on my coffee table, I seem to draw much cause for concern over how uncomfortable it all looks.  It's true, this is not the most comfortable arrangement but then again it's really not that bad.  The trick here is that I have slowed down on the number of quilts and machine sewing in general so I'm not sewing like this everyday.  I try to mix in a little embroidery and handsewing on other days so I can truly sew and relax at the same time.

The other thing that I really want to mention is I've learned over time to make the quilting part go faster by sticking to patterns that require less time actually quilting because too many hours spent sat here would not be good (bye bye straight line quilting).  By far the best way to quilt fast and enjoy the quilting part I've discovered is.........la la loopy quilting.  I said that in a sing song-y way because it actually is a fun way to quilt.  

Below, I've pointed out why and also a few little tips and techniques if you are new to free motion quilting/or like me quilt in a small space.

For the first few months of quilting on my machine (I have a pfaff quilt expression 4.0), I had huge problems with tension, thread breakage, needle breakage and birds nest style quilt backs.  Through a few of my blog readers I discovered a few simple changes could really change things.  Firstly settings, every machine is different but essentially you are making the same changes (they just might be called different things).  On mine I have to use the sensormatic free motion setting and also adjust the pivot height from 0 to -3 and turn off the auto foot lift. Essential to getting good results is using good quality (strong but fine) thread, Aurifil 40 or 50 weight is perfect.  I snap on the free motion foot (see pics below), drop the feed dogs and set the stitch length to zero.

When free motion quilting, I far prefer horizontal lines of  loopy quilting over a meandering stitch.  The biggest advantage here is that I am only moving the quilts layers in one direction (across the quilt).  With meandering stitch the quilt is moving in all directions and when quilting in a limited area this really makes things much trickier to manage.

Another trick I've learned is you have to be able to 'extend' your table space in some way (you can see how limited mine is above).  I do this by pushing the sofa on the other side of the coffee table right up against it, the sofa is slightly lower than the table but this trick stops the quilt dropping over the table onto the floor and making it heavy to move whilst quilting - this is one of the key hazards that make fmqing difficult.

I also only roll up the part of the quilt that is inside the machine area, to the left of my quilting.  The rest I leave bunched up loosely which keeps it light and easy to move.

Then I just loop to my hearts content.

Whenever I need to stop to remove an approaching pin, I always stop in the needle down position.  This stops those kinky looking loops which is not the look I am after.

See the kinky looking loop at the bottom right.

The size of the stitches you make will depend on how fast you push that quilt under the needle, the larger size stitches above show where I've been moving fast and the small ones are where things are going a little slower.  Stitch size variance is not something that really bothers me, I think it kind of adds to the beauty of the effect.

So for fast effective quilting in small areas, get loopy!!!!!

You can find more tips on free motion quilting here and here.

Comments

[Mary Ann]

Thanks for taking the time to shows how you pull off the fmqing Aneela. And I never thought about not worrying to much about stitch length, you are right, we need to let go a bit and enjoy this all more.

[Jeni]

Loopy quilting is the best! It's my go-to, it really is so quick! Plus, it's adorable! :)

[ella]

thanks so much aneela.... that's why i read your posts for all the hints and tips....and your wonderful creations of course! haven't tried the fmq yet as i need a new machine but will store this post up for when i do x

[Tiara]

Thanks for the tips there is always need for more in my book about fmqing. I love the look of loops but haven't yet attempted them can't wait to give it a try!

[Doreen]

Loopy-ness is the best! Seems to be a great accent/blender quilting pattern for so many different types of piecing patterns. Do you have any issues doing the quilting on just the free/open arm of the machine???? Or is there a small slide-on table part that you are using?? Can't quite see what's under your darling quilt. Anyhow, whatever you are doing.....just keep on doing it 'cuz your quilts are wonderful! Hugs, D

[Aneela]

Hi Doreen,
I'm just quilting on the regular machine, I don't have a slide on quilting table although I'm thinking of getting one. Main thing that holds me back is where to keep it between quilts :)

[elsa]

I'm still amazed about where you do all your sewing ~ never really thought about it being uncomfortable ~ just that you manage to do it all on a coffee table!

[Julie]

That looks so cute and easy! I've never tried FMQing but I'm looking forward to it. I can see the advantages to the loops over the meander and I'll have to try it out. Thanks for the tips!

[Nettie]

I tried fmq'ing once, and made a serious mess. Perhaps I should try again one day. I find it amazing you do this on your coffee table. Bravo.

[Heidi @ Fabric Mutt]

Great tips...thanks! This quilt is looking so beautiful!

[Hilary]

Thank you for your tips I have the same sewing machine as you have I have found it difficult to fmqing with the pfaff quilt expression, I have an old Bernina that fmqing like a dream.
I will try your tips I really like the pfaff especially the tie on and off function and the cutting off of the tread.
Carry on with the good work.
More tips please.

[Kristin]

The loopy FMQ is my abortive and how I learned. I like the more whimsical loose feel of it to stippling. Lovely quilt, I have been spyimg it on IG and Camilles site and loving it

[Kristin]

Um... Abortive = favorite on previous comment! ;)

[Megan]

It is so encouraging when quilters I admire admit to "less than perfection" and actually prefer it. Beautiful quilt. I love your blog--always something wonderful to see.

[Sarah@PingsAndNeedles]

oh Aneela ... that is so useful, thank you ... I may even give it a go ... I too sew on my coffee table a lot (I also like to quilt standing up, it's great for piecing).

I love this bauble block quilt ... oh my! x

[ina]

Lovely! your loopy loops look beautiful! ;p

[Hildy]

I think we all dream of have your own big sewing room with a bigggggg sewing table and lots of space, right? But reality is most of us have a normal table and a little amount of space ... and we have to work with it! Thanks Aneels for being one of us;-) Hildy

[Flying Blind]

Lovely quilting which I may well have a go of one day soon...maybe x

[Bernie]

Great things can come out of working in small spaces...BUT....my lower back, shoulders, and neck ache for you. I see chiropractic adjustments in your future! (but then again,I am a lot older than you). I used to have my sewing machine on an old creaky metal typewriter table INSIDE a linen closet! Yikes. No More! Please TRY and put your sewing machine on a normal height table, and sit in a decent chair. Your back will thank you (eventually!)

[EG]

The first quilt I free-motion quilted I used this style!

And I LOVE those Christmas balls!

[Carla]

Great post my dear. I am forcing myself to do free motion. So much faster than straight lines, but harder some how.

[Julie]

Great tips Aneela. My favourite fmqing is meandering (I call it stippling) because that is what I learnt first after 20yrs of manipulating the walking foot in ways it should never be manipulated just so I had control of my stitching. fmqing still terrifies me on a domestic machine and am so pleased that I can now just follow pantographs on the long arm.
It is the height of your coffee table and the bending over to sew that worries me. But yes, we all work with what we have and works best.

[therese]

Thank you for taking the time to show how you machine quilt. I too have very limited space so
your methods are very helpful!
I love checking your blog - keep up your talented work. (and I love that you live in my favourite country in the world!) therese.

[Tanya]

I love to loop too...glad I'm among friends!

[KerryQ]

What? Several successful fabric collections, and you haven't moved to a manor house with a sewing wing?? Really, Moda.

[Kelley]

It is so funny that you said it in a sing-songy voice because that is exactly the way I read it! Love the loops, la-la and all. Thanks for the tips :)

[Joyce & Sarah]

Great tips on the 4.0. I have that same machine and it has definately been a love hate kind of relationship. Thanks for sharing.

[Jenny J]

Thanks for the wonderful photos of your process. I am intimidated to fmq, what sewing foot do you recommend? And where do you begin when you quilt? In the middle or on an edge? Any tips for this rookie are appreciated.

[aneela]

Hi Jenny J,
I use the freemotion foot that came with my machine. You need a similar type of open toe foot to do FMQ, either research online to see what is available for your machine model or visit your local dealer if possible.
I usually start to quilt something around the center or just off center. In the case of the loopy lines for this quilt, I started about half way down from the top for my first line and worked all the way down to the bottom. Then worked from my first line out to the top.
:)