Fun Designs with Free-Motion Quilting
If you are having fun while you’re quilting, your joy will be apparent in your quilts. That encouraging advice is from today’s featured Sewing With Nancy guest, Lori Kennedy, who is with us for this second episode on learning the basics of free-motion quilting. Catch up with Lori in this series by watching part one of Free-Motion Quilting 1-2-3.
Quilted Leaves
Lori doesn’t strive for perfection in stitching, rather she hopes to make her quilts visually come alive with the help of imperfections!
Basic Leaf
Watch as Lori demonstrates the basic free-motion leaf motif. It’s a versatile leaf motif that adds a touch of class to any quilting project. Yet, there’s room to personalize the stitches.
Feathered Leaf
Feathers are a classic free-motion quilting design, yet feathers by themselves are tricky to sew. Achieve a comparable look by learning Lori’s streamlined technique of stitching feathered leaves. The tapered tips and scallops combine to create a unique look that’s a breeze to stitch.
School of Fish
Add a touch of whimsy to your next quilt project with Lori’s School of Fish design. An ideal choice for the stitching on a guy’s quilt or to add charm to a beach house or cottage décor. This motif works well as a background fill or as a border motif. See how Lori stitches the fish on today’s Sewing With Nancy.
Sail Boats
We’re concluding our lessons on free-motion quilting with another nautical motif. Sail boats add charm to quilts for guys, babies, or your favorite fisherperson. Once you learn the basics, Lori will show you how to create variety in your fleet by changing the shape and number of sails. Once you see how easy it is on today’s episode, you’ll want to add these to your next nautical project.
Free-Motion Quilting 1-2-3 Book and DVD
Lori Kennedy and I will inspire you to practice making attractive free-motion quilt designs on your domestic sewing machine.
- Mark a representation of the design area on paper.
- Doodle with pen or pencil on paper to foster hand-eye coordination and build muscle memory.
- Set up your machine.
- Start with an easy design of loops.
- Use a variety of flower designs.
- Make Spiral Roses with variations for borders and grouped roses.
- Add Flower Power for a versatile fill design.
- Use Square Flowers with variations for borders, as well as half-square and circle blocks.
Watch Free-Motion Quilting 1-2-3 (Part One and Part Two) on Sewing With Nancy online.
Happy Quilting!
Team Nancy Zieman
Nancy Zieman Productions, LLC.
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judy
I usually do bed-size quilts although right now I’m working on a stack of table runners for an upcoming meeting. Would love this DVD for daughter and I to practice with.
Thanks Nancy for all you have done for we not so talented.
Deej
I love free motion quilting small quilts, table runners and wall art. Lori Kennedy’s online videos are wonderful and I am in awe of her imagination as she is always coming up with new ideas, new designs and new ways to make home FMQ quilting do-able. I would love to win her DVD and would definitely use her designs in my own small quilting.
Jean
I was fortunate to attend one of Lori’s seminars at the Quilt Expo in Madison. Lori told us how excited she was to meet Nancy and showed us the design Nancy likes best. Lori broke designs down into easy steps – and I couldn’t wait to get home to try them. Most of my quilts are throw size and baby size, so there’s lots of room for practicing new techniques.
Carol P
Lap size quilts are my favorite size to make, that way I can make more quilts and they come in handy in the Wisconsin winters!
Robyn
I’m learning to make quilts and enjoy working on small projects. Lap size or quilted table runners. Thank you for the wonderful opportunity!
Helen O
I make smaller quilts most often – twin size and smaller.
Clovis
Like to start small. Mini quilt. Have a bigger quilt that I haven’t quilted yet.
Marti Morgan
I am making my 4th queen size, BUT I quilt in sections, by adding he batting as I go. For example – I put a strip of 1/3 down the center and quilt – put 1/3 down one side and quilt and then the last. That way I can keep the bulk from the throat of my machine.
MonicaAD
FIESTA 🙂
BevM
I prefer to make wall hanging and table runners, so I can try a variety of designs.
Ann Marie
I make lap size quilts, baby quilts, and table runners most often for gifts. I am comfortable quilting these myself on my machine. I find it difficult to free motion quilt anything larger than this. And, the person who quilts my bigger pieces on her long arm machine does beautiful work!!!
Brenda Sturgeon
I’m a beginner and have made lap top size quilts as well as small projects.
Lisa Passantino
I usually make table runners, crib-sized and mini quilts and am working hard to graduate to larger quilting projects. Lori’s motifs and techniques would be great to add to quilts of all sizes.
Kimberly Hubbard
I usually make wall quilts, placemats aND table runners. I have been fearful of trying anything bigger. You and Lorin make it look so easy. I am going to try a double bed quilt for my guest room and than maybe a king size quilt for my bed. Thanks for the inspiration.
Gina M
Since my machine quilter moved away (!), I have only worked on small projects: table runners, wall hangings, baby quilts. Like the lion in the Wizard of Oz, I need to find the ‘courage’ to tackle bigger projects. “Whatta they got that I ain’t got? Courage!” – or maybe just your Machine Quilting 1-2-3 book!
Marvel D.
I usually make baby quilts but currently have a twin size quilt project going. I love these ideas and would like to trim the borders of this quilt in a fun free motion manner. Am seriously considering the roses.
marcia
You both are inspirations to us average quilters !! You make it look so easy and I am eager to try these designs – especially if I WIN !!
cyndy parry
This is so topical for me. I have a sailboat wall quilt I want to make as a Christmas gift for great friends who are avid sailors. I love these quilting ideas which will be perfect for that particular piece. Thanks for sharing these quilt-y ideas!
Cheryl McGee
Beginner with a passion to learn free motion quilting on 14″ to 20″ blocks.
Laura
I like to make lap sized quilts, but because I find the FMQ process so difficult, I like to practice on table runner size. Thanks for sharing all your creativity, both of you!
Pamela M
I’m a beginner to quilting have taken two classes from Road to California and watched many of your videos over the years. Learned a lot. I am just getting the courage to do my own quilting. I make queen size quilts and my first one I am going to quilt is coming up next on my to do list. I love all of the possible ways everyone is able to express themselves through this art. Thank you Nancy – God Bless
Gradene
I always seem to end up with queen size quilts not always my plans, but the just like children they seem to grow. lol
Pat
I usually create wall size quilts. I am new to quilting and this smaller size is less intimidating.
Melody
I tend to make single bed sized quilts. That’s the most manageable size for me.
Delores
Currently, I produce mostly lap to twin size quilts to donate to Project Linus or the little giving group I founded 8 years ago while still working as an RN in a hospital. I felt a need to give a warm, hand-made quilt to patients who were gravely ill and/or in need of the mental reassurance they weren’t just a body in a bed in a building bustling with impersonal activity. About 1600 quilts later, the 10 of us are still stitching together once a month with completely donated supplies that were “seeded” by me and the rest of my group plus a few area businesses! i already follow Lori in AQ magazine. The book would be frosting on the cake. I so admire what you have done in your life, Nancy. Thank you?
Marty
I usually make bed-sized although I’m making 4 doll quilts this month. I use straight stitching to quilt but I’m interested in trying FMQ with Lori’s tips in this helpful resource!
Linda E in AZ
I most often make lap size quilts for our guild’s community quilting efforts.
Thanks, would love to have this CD!
Peggy V
I usually make wall and lap size quilts, since I only stitch in the ditch, I welcome the opportunity to win the book and DVD!!!
Gradene
Nancy, I want to thank you for your service to the sewing community over the years. I have ordered many times from your catalogs and always enjoy receiving them. I watched your sewing shows each week until our local PBS no longer carried them. I’m so sorry to hear of your health issues. I was diagnosed with CLL Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia August 18 of this year so I know somewhat of what you are dealing with. God’s Blessings to you and your family during this trying time. Our Faith will see us both through our health issues and His Will, will be done.
Karen
I like to make whatever size is needed. I have a few assembled quilts that still need to be quilted (1 queen, 3 twin, 2 baby blankets). I love to create and sew them together but then get stuck on the quilting part.
Jill H.
I’m making queen quilts now, but I’ve made more baby quilts than anything else.
MaryEllen
I usually end up with a 40X50 size due to “opportunities” to change the size of the block. Aspiring for perfection is getting lower and lower on my list..now I just want it to look nice.
Carol Burns
I seem to make a lot of full size and larger quilts even through they are more for my grandkids. I would love this book and DVD as I want to learn to machine quilt. I usually tie my quilts as I can’t afford to pay someone to quilt them which is why I want to learn machine quilting.
Kathleen
I like making lap size quilts. I have made two larger sized quilts that need to be quilted. I am not sure what pattern I want to use to quilt them. This book could be help me finish these two quilts.
Dali
Thanks so much, Nancy, for all the creative, technical and thoughtful information you have given us over so many years. You are an inspiration to us all in this wonderful sewing arena. For me, pattern and fabric selection is so fun and piecing is my favorite part of the process. I am not a confidant machine quilter as yet, but I am working on it. It sounds like your DVD will hold lots more encouragement and advice in free motion quilting. Thank you!
Susan Spiers
As I quilt on a domestic machine, lap size is my go-to & minis! Thank you, Susan
Dorothy Martin
I quilt equally from twin to king size. Admittedly I had a tough time with the bulk of the king, but it was a good challenge! Frequently the recipient, the fabric selected, and the time planned will dictate what size I make. Any size except small items will excite me and help me to keep going and complete. It is pure joy.
Lani
I make mostly twin and larger quilts – would love to have the book and DVD as I am having a hard time mastering free motion quilting – thanks so much for the info – I think practice is the key, so will keep
On trying!
CHARLOTTE KEY
Lately I have been making king and queen sized quilts for all the members of my family.
Kimberly W
I make Prayer Quilts for our Prayers and Square Ministry at our church – so I am always making Lap size quilts. That size is easy to quilt on my Janome machine. I enjoy doing the free motion quilting or if I am short on time I will quilt it with the embroidery machine.
Jackie T
I usually work on lap quilts but would love to try free-motion quilting on place mat sizes or wall hangings.
carol S
I usually only make small baby quilts as I have been intimidated by larger sizes…thanks so much for all of the great encouragement and hints…
Jan Drzonek
I make over sized queen and king. Many of both for friends and family.
Dorothy Vesperman
My go to size is twin, so you can cuddle up with another person!!!
Cheryl
My go to size is a large twin. Best for tucking around you while watching tv or reading.
Joyce Ann Fitzgerald
I’ve made queen sized and baby quilts the most.
Karen Lombardia
I tend make lap size and baby quilts that I plan to donate to Roatan, a small island off of Honduras.
Dixie
I almost always make queen size quilts.
Linda
I have been making a lot queen size quilts lately . I usually make lap size. I have never machine quilted. I need to try it. I have been on Lori’s blog. Lori’s instructions are step by step making machine quilting look easy.
EllenB
Lately, I’ve been making table runners and small quilts to practice FMQ on my domestic machine. My biggest problem is coordinating machine speed with moving the quilt, and breathing at the same time!
Florence Dupuis
I make a variety of sizes but I think the most I have made are baby quilts. I just can’t seem to get the hang of FMQ and maybe this DVD would help.
Gayle
I am having trouble accessing the part 1 segment. The link just above Nancy’s giveaways, shows part 2 segments only. Could someone on nancys blog look into correcting this?
On a side note:
We are praying for Nancy, and I hope she is visualizing beating her cancer! I am a 15 yr (aggressive cancer) survivor too and used this technique heavily as well as turmeric supplements. I hope she can investigate these items.
PBS in Tucson showed her regularly, and I sure do miss her company during my week!!!! I guess it’s time to stock up on some of her DVD’s down here, as I can’t catch her on Saturday mornings! Love you Nancy!! ❤️ Stay strong!!!
Sheila
I like to make lap top quilts, table runners, and wall quits as I have a lot of quilt patterns which I want to try.
Katharine Jenkins
I usually make lap quilts and wall quilts. I have recently become a great grandmother and look forward to doing some smaller quilts for the little ones.
Connie R
I usually make quilts that are bigger than lap quilts, but smaller than a bed quilt.
Bonnye
I make large size quilts and wall hanging quilts.
Mary H
Usually I do lap,twin or large wall quilts. Right now I’m working on banners for the Walk to Emmaus.
Rhonda D in KY
I started quilting in 2013 and have made a total of 5 baby quilts for my grandbabies. I’m trying to make Christmas ornaments every year for each of them also. I haven’t mastered FMQ yet so the DVD could help me out a lot. We will miss you and our prayers are with you!
Traci Y
I have been making table runners and throw size quilts as I have been learning FMQ. I have many piling up. Thank you Nancy for all your inspiration throughout the years! I am a native to your neck of the woods and have watched you since I was a little girl when your show first aired.
Gail Beam
Baby quilts are the quilts that I make most often. I love the look of free motion quilting and all of the neat designs that talented people quilt onto their projects. I would love to win this book to learn how to do some of these motifs as the ones in your video look awesome!
Anita Phelps
Though I have plans for five queen size quilts, baby quilts seem to be the size I complete most often.
Karen B.
Lately I have made more baby quilts, but hope to get some wall quilts and table runners made for Christmas. Would sure be nice to get a quilt made for our bed.
Thanks so much Nancy for all your helpful instructions over the years. I am more skilled and confident because of you. You have inspired us.
Linda Rupe
Twin size, a they are most commonly requested by shelters for donation.
Bernice M.
New to quilting I have only made quilt blocks, trying to get the courage to make a whole quilt; therefore, can’t answer the question very easily, what size quilt I create often.
I have a lot of knowledge from reading Change-Up Patchwork, Circles Sew Simple, Sew Grand Dresden and Sew Speedy Lone Star, and watching your shows.
The Free Motion Quilting shows make free motion quilting it look easy. I have watched parts 1 and 2, and can’t wait to watch the last one in the series.
Vicki H
I most often make bed size quilts. My current goal is to make one for each of my seven grandchildren.
Sandy K
Lap quilts or quilt for snuggling on the couch are my favorites.
Mary
I love to make any size that I am inspired to create. Lots of times I improvise and it is what it is.
Lillian K
I usually do table runners, throws or twin size quilts. This book looks like a great addition for anyone’s quilt library.
Lisa
Lap and baby quilts —wish I had more time (and a long-arm quilting machine) to make even larger quilts!
Lona
I usually make queen size quilts, but also do baby quilts and lap quilts.
Tina
I make small quilts. Thanks so much!
Diane Baldwin
I love doing quilts of all sizes even though I’ve taken no formal classes. Your book would provide some great insights. Thank you for the help you have given to the quilting society.
Edna Marks
Like to make baby, twin and full size
Carol
So far just baby quilts. I would like to make a table runner using a free motion design.
Lucille
I don’t have a lot of confidence in machine quilting, so I only quilt on baby quilts and mostly stitch in the ditch. I may start using Lori’s motifs on my next baby quilt.
Tamra Botkin
Hi! I have made a few different sizes but lately I am making lap quilts and baby quilts. Our church group make them for Hospice and the Pregnancy Center. I enjoy the freedom of free hand quilting but don’t appreciate my inconsistent size stitches. I NEED to practice more!! Thank you for the wonderful information!
June
I mainly have been making charity lap size quilts.
Thanks so much for the chance!
Jenny Gibson
I love all size quilts, but usually end up with double to queen size
JoniP
I usually sew crib size for the neonatal unit at our local hospital, and can manage edge-to-edge on the embroidery machine. After seeing this free motion style, I can’t wait to try it!
Linda
I usually do lap size quilts but have done baby quilts and table runners as well. I love the fish – we are fisher-people and I need to learn how to do that on my new longarm!
Vickie Mone
Hi – I do all sizes of quilts. I do my quilting on a domestic machine so I am always interested in learning new motifs. Practice…practice…thanks you.
Vickie Mone
Hi – I do all sizes of quilts. I do my quilting on a domestic machine so I am always interested in learning new motifs. Practice…practice…thank you.
Betsey
I do all sizes but on a domestic machine as well. Loved the series and thanks for sharing your skills with us!
Susan
I am new to quilting, have made one crib quilt and some charity quilts. I am currently starting work on a queen size–quilt sandwich is complete–that is quite challenging. I’ve drawn some quilting designs and saw some of Lori’s work recently that I may practice and try to incorporate. Thank you for sharing all these great ideas.
Joanne
My favorite quilts to create are large lap size. Easier to machine quilt on home machine and a more versatile size. Loved the video ladies and am constantly learning and practice certainly does help. Would love to have a copy of the dvd. Thanks Nancy for all you give to the world of seeing and quilting.
Treva Campbell
I make a lot of king size quilts.
Ann Scott
I mostly make twin size and smaller quilts. I love the fun quilting designs in these episodes, just perfect for my grandchildren!
LoAnn
I am making baby quilts right now. Otherwise, I usually make lap quilts or twin size. I have material cut to make a queen size, which is the biggest I have make.
Becky
I usually make throw size quilts.
Susan S
I usually make baby quilts for our local hospital to give to baby’s who don’t have much.
Bonnie
I usually make small quilts including wall quilts, lap quilts, and table runners. This DVD would be perfect for me because I definitely need help with my free-motion quilting. Thanks for the great giveaway!
Barbara A Palmatier
I have made many drawings of free motion quilting but am a chicken when it comes to the sewing of them. We make baby quilts for unwed mothers at the church and these look like fun. I am sick of tying the quilts and would love to try these patterns.
janet fedor
Mostly I do twin or lap size quilts. Used to do bed size when our kids got married, then they divorced and the ex’s took the quilts.
janet fedor
Mostly twin size quilts that I free motion on my domestic machine.
Virgie V. Martin
Due to breast and lymph node surgery, my handling of large quilts are limited. Am now working on how to establish a standard size to fit my largest hoop so that all quilt patterns may be scanned and quilting designs set up to quilt the sandwich in the hoop. It is difficult to free motion quilt with these kinds of surgeries. A wonderful quilting teacher told me this would be my biggest challenge with quilting a large quilt. Trying to find a way to punt and devise another way that can be achievable for me.
Sandra
I also have many health problems, so with that said, I do quilts that are a little bigger then lap quilts. They are the perfect size for wheelchair users. I made one for myself out of need. I also make quilts not as wide as a twin but just as long, they work perfect for recliners in the living room. These quilts are tucked under your feet and reach up to your neck, with room for your arms to be covered. These to were made out of need by myself. Nancy my prayers go out to you. Thank you for all the shows you have made, I have learned so much from you.
Ginger
I love making throw quilts — less than 50×50 inches. That makes it easier to quilt and use up scraps. And, I can start new quilts more quickly! 🙂
Lorraine
I am still learning how to free motion quilt. I have made several throw size quilts and 2 queen size quilts. I have finished one of the throw quilts and am working on one of the queen tops. The size of the queen is over whelming. I have quilted some of it, but keep putting it aside. I think I am intimidated by the size. Like most people who sew, I have many projects lined up. I would like to complete them.
Sandy Davis
I have been a faithful viewer of your PBS TV programs since the early 90s, & so appreciate all you have done for the sewing industry, as well as the home-sewist! I picked up on your decorative stitch painting series several years ago & have really been inspired to go forward to use those methods, even teaching them to others. I am drawn to making wall-sized art quilts using thread painting & would certainly benefit from having this new instruction on DVD. Thank you for all you are & may God bless you with a miracle healing, for which I am praying!
Juls
Most quilts I am finishing currently are Quilt of Valor size, with some charity lap size for our local elementary school students. They use them in our mild winters in place of jackets. Thank you for sharing Lori’s talents in a format that allows us to watch her magic!
Allison
Small wall hangings and lap size quilts are my fav!
kelly http://kitchentuts.com/
The food looks incredible! Makes me want to visit Hawaii right now. Definitely adding this to my list of places to visit when we head to Hawaii again.
Karen
I sew mostly double bed quilts, but I have done quilts in all sizes. I make large quilts so there is plenty of room underneath!
Interesting note: As I read all of the comments I noticed several gals named Karen…in 31 years of teaching 6 classes a day I never once had a student named Karen…so I think we Karens must be a classic act! Best wishes Nancy, I keep you in my prayers and on my favorites list!
nancy
I make baby quilts for my grandchildren.
Sue
I usually do full-size quilts for the family – still a beginner but my latest seems to be the best one yet so I’m improving! Grandkids arrived last year so now I’m doing baby quilts and one cat quilt for the 12 year old. Great fun to do. I did one full size one for my daughter a few years ago by hand — didn’t have a machine then. It took about 6 months but I enjoyed that quilt the most.