Practice Free Motion Quilting with This DIY Device
The Clever Reusable Tool Saves Time and Materials!
The saying “Practice Makes Perfect” is especially true for free motion quilting. In fact, quilters often do many practice swatches while learning to maneuver a layered quilt under the needle.
Graceful movements are just as important to producing nice FMQ quilting as is maintaining a consistent speed. Hence the need for practice.
Sylvia from Sylvia’s Stitches created an inexpensive device from PVC pipe and fittings that are configured to support a dry erase marker in the vertical position. The cover from a 3-ring binder with a clear plastic insertable-cover is placed on the table under the device to serve as the quilt sandwich.
Practice moving the binder cover under the pen to develop the motor skills needed for graceful free motion quilting. You can slide a quilting design under the clear cover, if you want, then wipe it clean after every use.
The following video shows how it works.
This is a great way to practice a quilting design before you start on your quilt. There’s no need to layer up a swatch, thus saving time and materials.
