QM Tips

Carolee Miller
Recipient of the Colorado Quilting Council's Award of Excellence.

Tips & Techniques

 Prize-Winning Tips for Machine Quilting

Managing the Bulk

I package my quilts by rolling them up neatly to the area I'm going to quilt. I start quilting at the center of the sandwich and work to my right; the bulk of the quilt is always moving to the left. This way, only half of the quilt or less is in the arm area of the sewing machine.
Pat



For long, in-the-ditch stabilizing seams, I roll the quilt and secure it with 2 or 3 bicycle clips. However, after the first seams are done and I move on to free-motion quilting in specific areas, I roll the quilt to get to that area and bunch it up around the needle so the weight and bulk doesn't drag while I quilt. The minute I feel any resistance to moving the quilt and getting even stitches, I stop and readjust the bulk so it frees up the area I'm working on.
Diane

To fit a quilt under the arm of the machine, I scrunch or accordion fold it. I don't like to roll it or use bicycle clips because the roll becomes stiff and difficult to maneuver.
Carolee



A large flat sewing machine table with the machine set down into it works great. This distributes the the bulk of the quilt and prevents the drag created by the quilt's weight hanging from the machine tray.
Carol

I have a portable, folding sewing machine table. I put this against the long edge of my dining table with the table to the left of my machine; this holds a quilt at the right height and it slides easily across the table. An adjust-able ironing board covered with slippery fabric will help as well.
Sandra



I roll the edge of the quilt that faces the neck of the sewing machine, and then I position the roll over my shoulder, in my lap--anywhere possible to keep quilting.
Sandra

I have a great sewing table that's very deep and supports the length of the quilt. I also use an ironing board behind me to support the quilt when it's draped over my shoulder.
Sue

I fan the quilt over my sewing table and drape part of it over a chair to the left of my machine.
Barbara