3 Essential Free Motion Quilting Designs on a Sewing Machine: Best Tips for Beginners in 2021

Learn three essential free motion quilting designs to unlock all the skills you need to master any free motion quilting pattern even if you have never done free motion quilting before. I’ll show you how to fix tension problems, where to start quilting, how to deal with thread ends, and the three most important designs you should start with. I’ve also shared my best tips for success in machine quilting.

This video is for complete beginners—you don’t need any experience to get started with free motion quilting, just some fabric and a sense of adventure. Everyone was a beginner at one point and all an award winning quilter has on you is practice. If you need help setting up your machine, getting supplies together, or basting your quilt, be sure to check out the previous video.

This video is a long one! Below are chapter links so you can skip around and refer back to individual parts:

💚 Quick Links
0:00 Introduction
0:22 Tension Test
3:20 Tension Problems
7:37 Large Snarls and Re-Threading Your Machine
8:12 Your Quilting Path Around the Quilt
10:17 Dealing with Thread Ends
14:23 Stipple/Meander Design
23:23 Simple Loops
26:39 Messy Pebbles
31:16 Tips for Success
39:00 Longarm vs Regular Sewing Machine Designs

🎧 I'm always listening to an audiobook while I sew! Its a great way to engage your ears while your eyes and hands are busy with fabric!

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✂︎ Affiliate Disclosure: This description contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I don't post products I don't believe in and I am not paid to advertise to you.

[vickiemarie]

I’m a 65-year-old grandma. I’ve listened to a lot of sewing teachers. You’re one of the best and I don’t say that lightly. I have subscribed and liked your videos. You’re doing an excellent job explaining everything. Thank you.

[thegovandynasty]

"If someone points out those little three lines of stitching...their not a good friend." 🤣😂🥰

[nanaquirk]

I have watched 100s of videos on how to free motion quilt. I have to say that your videos are the best that I have come across. There's no waffling, no going off onto something else. I dont feel that you are talking down to me. Your videos are amazing and precise. You have given me the confidence to just get on and do it. Thank you so much.

[elaineadair]

I "practiced" for about one year, that means 2-3 small quilts, and my friends thought I had purchased a long arm - nope, now 20 years later, I am STILL using my DSM, (domestic sewing machine) and have made and quilted over 200 quilts up to Queen Size. YOu CAN do it, just keep practicing! thank you Tiny Orchard Quilts - this is a nice clear and encouraging video.

[shivsnorman]

When I started free motion quilting I told myself that any that didn't work out as well as I hoped would be given to my dogs as bedding. My dogs are now very comfortable indeed 😮😂

[elizabethjacobs]

Thank you SO much for this tutorial and after many, many years of making quilts at 80 I’m going to quilt my very first project instead of having someone else do it. Wish me luck 😊😂😂

[Gogas]

I am just beginning to venture out from straight line quilting. I have only been quilting for about four years now. I have been watching videos like yours but this video gives more confidence to try and that I CAN free motion quilt with practice. I'm always afraid I'll ruin my quilt! I like how you describe the steps and explain the techniques in detail. It is extremely helpful to a newbie. Thank you so much for sharing your expertise!

[annalisaoztofree]

"Early quilting me! I'm so proud of her!" 😂 Love this. Such a great attitude. Keeping this in my soul.
Thank you so much for this video. So helpful.

[wantitorganized]

Of all the people I have watched in order to learn to quilt, YOU ROCKED IT! I'm no longer intimidated and can't wait to begin. Thanks so

[patricianolin]

If i could give you many stars, you would not have enough room. God bless you. Thank you so very much.

[Silvaish]

Thank you for an awesome video! I have been a machine quilter for many years and it was nice to have such a thorough refresher! I am 66 years of age and one thing I want to encourage folks to do is GET UP AND STRETCH! I do shoulder shrugs and arm raises. People have no clue that this is such a strenuous thing, but it is because we are using muscles we don’t normally use. Practice practice is the key and your skill will improve. I love looking back on the stuff I did 25 years ago because I see how much skill I have gained. We need to give ourselves permission to play and those little sample /practice pieces end up being mug rugs! You are so bright and cheery and I truly enjoyed your video and will certainly checkout your other ones! Happy Quilting!

[StitchWitchMama]

1:30 minutes in and I finally get the answer I have been trying to get for the last year or two. I do need to drop my presser foot. Thank you!!!

[carlabattle]

I love the fact that you take your time and explain the techniques.

[jenmckitrick]

This is the best free motion quilting video I've ever watched, and I've watched a lot! Thanks!

[michellejaggard]

I don't free motion quilt very often. When I do I have to practice for a while just like you said. I use 10 inch squares and I make pot holders! Then nothing is wasted. I do just like you said. Such good advice. When done I bind them and by Christmas or birthdays I have stacks of these, doll blankets or pot holders.

[maryskoskie]

You are a great instructor! One of the best fmq videos that I’ve seen. You’ve given me so much confidence to just go for it! Thank you for sharing your gift with others. Bless you.

[ritasokol]

Excellent instruction. I like that it is done in an orderly fashion. I’m so happy to have found a new free motion quilting instructor who is fabulous! Thank you!

[cherylhowes]

By far the best free motion quilting lesson I have ever seen!! I look forward to seeing more. Thank you very much.

[kellygraeber]

Your videos are so helpful. Your attitude is lovely and encouraging. Thanks!

[jojorey]

I meander all the time. I start in the center because I don’t want folds to happen underneath. I stick to meandering because I make bed size quilts and it’s a lot. I start at the center and then I go around clockwise from block to block, I look at it as rounds. I’d like to do other patterns but with all that fabric under my machine I feel it’s easier to deal with meandering and I can keep track of where I am. I began on a Bernina 770QE with a stitch regulator, now I use a Juki J-150 (no stitch regulator) easier and faster. I want to do a feather stitch on a quilt I’m going to make that has vertical rows. I’m glad you said it’s ok to do rows, I’m not keen on drawing lines though but we’ll see:)