Free motion quilting is a very versatile technique which is great because once you learn it you will be able to apply it in simple ways for simple projects or in complex ways that allow you to demonstrate your creativity. While the versatility of the technique is wonderful for someone who is a master, it can be extremely intimidating for someone who is not quite as proficient. It can be like a writer facing a blank page with no idea of what kind of book they want to write: too many choices and no way to decide where to start.
The wide range of applications of free motion quilting also complicates the process of learning the technique. Most people never master all the variations of free motion quilting which means that most quilters continue to learn and improve their free motion quilting technique throughout their lives. If you are not careful about how you approach learning the technique, you can get lost in all the possibilities and not learn the basics. Even worse you may attempt complicated applications without a strong foundation resulting in a failure that discourages you from continuing to learn the technique.
The solution to addressing the impact of the endless possibilities with this technique is to develop a step-by-step approach to both learning AND applying the technique. A step-by-step process will have the following characteristics:
It will provide a structure to the decision-making process when applying the technique in new situations (e.g. new type of project) or when learning a new variation (e.g. motifs, designs, etc.) of the technique.
It will allow you to learn and apply the technique in small chunks with the opportunity to apply what you know, practice what you don’t, and build on successes as you move forward.
Provides ways to start simple at first with your choice of project, motifs, design, and materials and then get fancy when you are more proficient.
Provides a way to segmenting the quilting into bite-sized pieces so that you are not overwhelmed by a “blank page”.
Encourages you to use the design and fabric choices in the project as inspiration for the choice of motif and how you will apply it.
Enables you to consider the purpose of the project (e.g. blanket, wall hanging, table runner, etc.) when deciding how to quilt it.
While setbacks are a part of making projects the process should help you to make progress in ways that build confidence and reduce the risk of a morale-destroying failure.
An effective step-by-step approach will help you learn the technique without being overwhelmed by the many variations possible in that technique. It should also provide enough flexibility so that you can express your creativity. The approach doesn’t have to be complicated but it should bring some measure of organization to your learning and your quilting so that you can take advantage of the amazing possibilities available in free motion quilting.
Start your learning right now!
Download the free Get Out of the Ditch! guide to learn how to start free motion quilting by clicking here.
Now that you know the reasons you need to learn free motion quilting, check out my course “First Steps Into Free Motion Quilting” by clicking here.
P.S. Do you strive to improve your quilting skills? Do you want to have fun doing it? Do you want to meet other quilters in a supportive, safe environment? If you answered “yes” to these questions, you need to join The Quilter’s Way. The Quilter’s Way is the only quilting membership site that includes both training and an active, supportive online community. Don’t wait another day! Join now.