Start Machine Quilting

Class Preview

Make machine quilting fun, relaxing and rewarding. Learn how to machine quilt all your own projects for pucker-free results with beautiful designs.

Setting Up for Quilting Success

Meet quilting instructor Paula Reid and discover the joys of learning how to machine quilt at home! Paula starts the class by sharing the best ways to set up your workspace, and offers a thorough introduction to batting, including the best types to choose for various projects.

Pin Basting Your Quilt

Learn Paula’s pro tips for laying out your fabric and assembling your layers, keeping everything smooth and taut to avoid unsightly puckers. Next, Paula walks you through valuable pin-basting methods that will secure your quilt sandwich without taking a toll on your hands.

Stabilizing the Quilt

Quilting tools and machine settings can be daunting to novice and experienced quilters alike, but Paula helps you understand everything you need to know to ensure your quilting success. Learn the best needles, threads and machine feet to use for each project, discover how and when to adjust your machine’s tension, and plan your stitch paths to break up a large project into manageable portions.

Start Stitching & Moving

Get your machine revving as you practice methods to start and stop straight stitching, and discover how stitch length can help or hinder your quilting. You’ll also learn how to position a quilt of nearly any size in a domestic machine as you practice creating a smooth stitch area and slightly adjusting the tension by methodically lifting the weight of the quilt.

Marking Your Quilt

Start dreaming up designs as you discover various methods for working with stencils and marking tools. Paula helps you assess a variety of stencils for quilting and marking ease and helps you envision your designs on your finished blocks. Next, you’ll learn about the variety of marking tools that are available as Paula shares her tips that will save your fabric from accidental permanent marks.

Beginning Free-Motion Quilting

Start free-motion quilting with Paula’s tips to help you get off to a great start. You’ll explore stitch path options as you learn about the pros and cons of using different feet and adjust your machine. Next, take the plunge as you practice stitching the designs you created in the prior lesson.

Freehand Quilting

Gain confidence in your freehand quilting skills as you create whimsical heart, flower and leaf shapes that incorporate multiple layers and echoes. You’ll also try your hand at more intricate southwest and meandering designs that can be customized to your liking. The design possibilities are nearly endless, and you’ll finish this class excited to jump into your next quilting project!