I made this quilt top several months ago and then waffled forever (as usual for me) about how I wanted to machine quilt it, finally getting some ideas from Lisa Calle, whose work is amazing. I have to say that I really love free-motion work (especially feathers), though I have a long way to go before being really good at it.
Most of what I’m doing on this piece, though, will be ruler work, a technique that is intended to be very precise. However, doing ruler work on a domestic machine isn’t quite the same as doing it on a longarm; instead of holding the ruler steady on the quilt and moving only the machine head with the opposite hand, it’s sort of backwards. While holding the ruler steady on the quilt, I have to then move the heavy/bulky quilt sandwich and the ruler at the same time. It’s somewhat easier to do on a small piece, but with a large quilt it’s much more difficult; it’s almost inevitable that the ruler will shift at least a little while moving everything under the needle. That shifting destroys the precision of ruler work. đ I’ve tried using sticky dots on the back of the rulers, but I’ve since switched to using this product, which does a much better job of helping to keep the ruler stable. Still, I’ve done a certain amount of ripping out stitches already!
If you’re going to try ruler work, be sure that you get actual ruler-work rulers, as they are thick enough not to slide under the needle. You will also need a ruler-work foot (#72 for my Bernina) in order to prevent the foot sliding under the ruler and causing major damage.
4 thoughts on “Torture!”
I love ruler work and have gotten very good results using skateboard grip tape. It works like a charm. I have tried so many of the quilt company products and off label uses of other types of tape. I am a firm believer in the grip tape. I love your work. d
Thanks so much, Denise! I did try skateboard tape at one time, but I really felt that it was hard on the fabrics. Maybe I’ll give it another try, though. Thanks again!
Everything you said is so true! I bought a Bernina Q16 a couple of years ago for that exact reason. I have a medical issue which gives me balance issues so knew I could never look at a longarm so went with the next best thing & far more affordable. All I’ve really done up to this point is ruler work as I’m still practicing & trying to improve my free motion skills. I agree about Lisa Calle she is great but I’ve started taking online classes with Adria Good & things are finally starting to make sense to me. Now to apply it lol. There is so much information out there that it gets overwhelming some times. I guess that is one of the main reasons I love Berninaland. Really looking forward to seeing your finished quilt. I have no doubt it will be absolutely gorgeous!
Thanks, Candice — sorry to hear that you’re having the same issues as I am, though of course misery loves company. đ I’ve added another application of the Grippy spray, and that’s helping. I think your solution of getting the Q16 is a great one, but I don’t have room for anything other than what I have now. That’s fine — I’ll get the hang of it at some point! LOL!