Let it go… Free-motion stitching takes a bit of getting used to, but it’s very freeing not to depend on the machine’s feed dogs and presser foot to keep the fabric moving. With free-motion work, you’re in charge of the direction (any) and the speed at which the fabric moves (any). Akin to drawing with a pen or pencil, you’re drawing with thread and needle….a doodling adventure of sorts. Follow these tips for free-motion fun: Lower the machine feed dogs (or cover them). If you’re in doubt as to how to do this, consult your owner’s manual. Set the machine for either straight stitch or a zigzag; length doesn’t matter as you control it. Be sure that you have a flat surface. If your machine is in a cabinet, be sure it’s flush with the cabinet top; if it’s not a cabinet model, consider an extension table for more surface area. Work on a surface that’s slick. Cover the machine base with something like the Supreme Slider, a pressure-sensitive Teflon surface. This allows the fabric to move around freely while you stitch. Supreme Slider (courtesy of Nancy’s Notions) Put in a new needle, and set it for “needle down” so that each time you stop, the needle will be in the fabric and keep it from moving. If you’re skeptical of doing free-motion stitching without a presser foot, install a darning or open-toe free-motion foot to give your fingers some protection. If you go for the no-foot-at-all option, use a spring needle—the wire surround protects fingers from the needle. Spring Needle (courtesy of Schmetz) The speed at which you run the machine is totally up to you. Some sewers prefer to move rapidly, others take it slow. Practice will tell you the best strategy. On lightweight fabrics, use a stabilizer behind the fabric to prevent puckering. Use variegated threads for added interest. If you’re more comfortable with lines to follow, draw them on the fabric with a removable marker. Always move the fabric as smoothly and evenly as possible and avoid erratic movement while stitching. Free-motion fun Use free-motion stitching to write things on your work—whether it’s your name or a notable saying, just pretend the needle is your pen. Practicing your name first helps gain control. Follow the lines in a print fabric and accent the motifs with threads. The print lines will provide a guide for stitching accents. Use batting or not, depending on the desired look. Outline a designStipple a quilt using free-motion work. It’s fast and it’s random, so there’s no striving for perfection. Use free-motion stippling for quiltingUse free-motion work to secure an appliqué to a base fabric. Leave the edges raw or finish them before stitching. Sketching and doodling is just plain fun—whether you do it on jeans, a T-shirt or on a bag.
