Where to begin when quilting on a sewing machine

[MOgirl56]

I am just about ready to put my quilt sandwich together and attempt my first quilting project. I have a Brother QC1000, so it is designed for machine quilting. For my first try I'm sticking with stitch in the ditch. Looks fairly simple and if I goof, it won't show so bad.

My question is: Do you begin the quilting process in the middle of the quilt and then work your way out to the edges? That seems the most logical approach to me in order to prevent bubbles and stretching.

Any other advice would be greatly appreciated. I've spent a lot of time on the top, so I want the quilting to be as nice as possible, even if it is my first.

Thank you,
Linda

[mamaw]

Hi Linda,
That is right. You do start quilting in the middle and work your way out. I did stitch-in-the-ditch my first few times also; and it went quite well.
Good luck,
Nancy

[gardenquilter]

i always start in the middle when using my small machine and work my way out this is for free motion however i have always been to afraid to stitch in the ditch free motion is what i am comfortable with

[lorettav]

I always start in the middle. I think its easier.

[Kittyquilt9292]

Hi Linda, if you have any of Eleanor's books, or most quilting books, really, there is a section on finishing the quilt. Shows how to layer it and how to "roll" it into sections to make it easier to quilt. General process is to start in the center and work to the oursides. Since I don't have my books here, I can't explain better, but the books will help greatly. carol/kittyquilt

[MOgirl56]

Thanks gals. Appreciate the great advice.

{{{{HUGS}}}}}

Linda

[fabricgirl]

This one thing I havent tried yet and some day I will but fortime being I send mine out but I think If I took a class I wouldn't be so nervous to try to my own.

[geriwood]

Machine quilting is a lot of fun. I always start in the middle and work my way out. Then if you want to go back and so some free form quilting or stencils it is a lot eaiser.

It is a good idea to practice on trial pieces 18" to 20" square. I use plain white cotton or a nice floral to follow the lines. Use what batting you have around that is thin for practice. Then it is not as scary when you get going on your quilt. It is so much fun doing the quilting and very relaxing.

Geri

[LynnS]

I have always wanted to try the quilting myself but am afraid to mess it up. I decided that I'll practice on a few dollhouse sized things just to get a feel for it and then move up to bigger sizes. I have an emroidery foot but it's still in the package!

[1quiltinnana]

I am machine quilting now...starting with stitch in the ditch with walking foot. EASY ...starting in the middle and sewing all long vertical rows first, and, work out from middle to edge. Will do horizontal rows next, then, design work in the blocks, sashings, borders. FUN to do.