Saturday, February 19, 2011

Free Motion Practice


Last week I decided to organize my scraps and in doing so I found this UFO that I don't remember making or even why I made it. It is the perfect size for a table topper. I decided to make mug rugs to match and finish these off to use on the patio table this summer. I also decided that this would be a good way to practice my free motion machine quilting.


When I layered the top with the batting and backing I found that the sides were not straight so I ripped out all the borders and did a quilt and flip quilt as you go method to reattach them. This way it was basted and my seams were corrected at the same time.

On to the machine quilting! I have not done much free motion quilting so this turned out pretty bad. I am not to bothered because it is only a practice piece and I will be using it outside.


I noticed that the bobbin thread was showing through the top. I loosened the top thread tension but it didn't seem to make any difference. Does anyone have any advice how to prevent this?




I also progress on the four mug rugs to go with the table topper. I didn't have any of the original check fabric left from the topper but I did find this smaller check that looks good. I haven't used my scraps very much but I hate to throw anything away so it felt good to use all scraps for these.

4 comments:

  1. Very good idea to practice one's quilting on small projects like this... I've made a ton of mug rugs lately and it's improved both my quilting and my mitered corners!

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  2. Love these fabrics very picnic like. I have not made a mug rug yet but would like to.

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  3. Small projects are the best way to practice! I have done many table runners in my attempt! Great job - another successful FNSI.

    Angie - http://craftedAngles.com

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  4. Great idea to practice FMQ on small projects. I need to do that too.

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