Free Motion Quilting for Beginners
Intro to Free Motion Quilting
Ready to take the reins on your own quilting? In this hands-on class, you'll learn everything you need to start free motion quilting with confidence.
We'll begin with the fundamentals: preparing your quilt sandwich and setting up your machine for free motion stitching. Rana will walk you through choosing the right materials for your project, including thread types, specialty needles, and the helpful tools that make free motion quilting easier and more enjoyable.
Then it's time to sew! You'll have ample time for hands-on practice, and we'll work together on feathers — one of the most popular (and satisfying) free motion designs.
Whether you're brand new to free motion quilting or looking to build your skills, you'll leave this class ready to quilt your own projects at home.
Before class: Not sure if you have the correct free motion foot for your machine? Call or stop by the shop and we'll help you find the right one.
Supply list below.
For questions or more information about this class, please email Rana directly at ranaquilts@gmail.com
Supply List for Free Motion Quilting Class
Sewing Machine you are familiar with.
Extension Table if you have one
Darning Foot (also called a *free motion quilting foot or hopping foot)
Extra Quilting, Topstitch or Microtex Needles 90/14 is a good general size.
Thread bring more color choices than you think you will need. Cotton, polyester, rayon. Go for color more than brand—I use everything from YLI to Sulky. Variegated thread is OK. No metallic for today.
Sewers Aid to help thread feed smoother
Bobbins some machines work best with the same thread in the top as in the bobbin. Please bring empty bobbins so you can fill them with whatever brand/weight thread you are using on top.
Many machines can use bobbin thread, a very thin thread like Superior Bottom Line, Aurifil 50 wt etc. Neutrals work best: white, gray, beige and so on.
Quilting Gloves
Small scissors
Marking tools—specially made marking pencils or markers are a good bet. I also like Crayola washable thin tip markers, and ordinary chalk. If you don’t have anything, don’t worry—I’ll bring mine.
Quilt sandwiches to practice on. Make a few so you don’t run out of practice space.
Cut a light colored fat quarter in half for two 11” x 18” pieces. Layer with batting. Spray baste. If you don’t have *basting spray, bring the fabric and batting and we’ll spray it in class.
Reading glasses if you need them
Snack/drink/water for lunch break
Most items are available for purchase at The Sewing Machine Exchange.
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
| Skill Details: | You know how to use your machine but you are new to free motion stitching. |
| Requirements: | See list in class description. If you have questions please email Rana. Email is provided in class description. |
| Instructor: | Rana O'Connor |
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