Question for home machine quilting/keeping the quit from dragging

[CraftyG]

I know you have to roll or scrunch the quilt to put it thru the throat of the machine. How do you keep the bottom part of the quilt from dragging? My thoughts are that I'm trying to sew too much at one time, but you know how it is. When you are going at a great speed you don't want to have to slow down. As a result I'm havng to resew (AARRGG!!) some sections. It was my 3rd quilt in forever & I have to admit tht even with additional sewing it turned out great! Can you hear me toot my own horn? TOOT TOOT!! And as for quilting do you HAVE tostart in the middle? For this quilt (it was 6 1/2" 4 patch) I just quilted every seam cos of instructions on the batting). Any pointers are GREATLY appreciated.

Hugs
Gina

[Evie]

When I quilted my sons quilt, I used the dining room table with my sewing machine on the right side so the table could take the weight of the quilt.

I now have a six foot craft table with my Juki sitting on the right side. I have also heard of people using their ironing boards set at the same height as the sewing machine and letting it hold some of the weight of the quilt.

I always start at one side and quilt to the other side.

Others will chime in with their favorite ways to do it. I know I've learned a lot since I've joined this forum.

[auntjana]

I have used the ironing board to catch the out-feed of the quilt to help the weight. I have also used me - that is I drape the quilt over my shoulder as I sit at the machine. I now cheat and talked DH into a long arm machine and no longer fight with a quilt through a standard sewing machine.

Jana

[SharonG/FL]

I've used an ironing board and I've also used a good-sized TV tray to catch the larger quilts I do. I rarely start in the middle but I make sure it's basted pretty good and no folds/wrinkles in the back.

edited cause my fingers can't spell correctly...

[Caroline1947]

I think the "start in the middle "rule is a carry over from hand quilting. I pin mine very well,and go from side to side. I go around the borders last. That's just me,but mine have come out just fine.
Oh,and I hang the bulk part over a sturdy chair back. I tried the ironing board trick but it kept tipping over...lol!

[teddybear73]

Hubby is great for the bulk part of the sewing of the quilt. They are good for something sometimes. LOL LOL

[Omaquilter1]

Hey I'm not so smart !!! How do you quilt your own quilt...with just a plain old sewing machine ? HELP ME !!
I'd like to try it

[WeeOne]

Omaquilter1 - Yep, with your plain old sewing machine. I'm going to try Caroline1947's idea and start on one side instead of the middle.

Anybody remember the post about using a foam noodle to roll your quilt up. I'd like to read that again. I don't remember how long a noodle. I think it would help me when quilting in the Motorhome.

[CoyoteQuilts]

Here are a couple sites I googled to help with machine quilting for the 'newbies'.

http://video.google.com/videosearch?q=q ... &ct=title#

http://www.quilt.com/HowTo/MachineQuilt ... HowTo.html

Sharon V.

[sunsup]

I too, do not start in the middle. I use spray basting and havn't had a problem (knock on wood). I often do a diaginal grid and start at one corner.