Free motion machine embroidery basically means that you can move the material in any direction while sewing it on your machine. This creates a sketching effect on the material which can be seen in the image to the left.
You will need black thread, a bobbin filled with the same black thread, a quilting foot and the tool to remove the presser foot holder on your machine.
Note: In this tutorial I used polyester Gutermann machine thread, you can also get specially designed thread, also by Guterman for free motion embroidery, I have used both and I find they both work well for me.
You will also need to find out if the feed dog can be lowered on your machine. If it can’t, then you will also need a darning plate for your machine added to the above items. Please refer to the manual that comes with your machine as each machine is slightly different.
- Firstly check to see if your machine is sewing correctly and the tension is ok, then switch off your sewing machine.
- Remove the presser foot and then the presser foot holder by unscrewing and sliding off. Keep the presser foot and holder in a safe place.
- Slide the quilting foot onto the bar you removed the presser foot holder from.
- The pin on the quilting foot should be positioned over the needle clamp screw.
- Using the tool screw the foot in place securely.
- Thread up your machine as normal and insert the bobbin.
- At this point drop the feed dog or cover with a darning plate. (Consult your sewing manual for details)
- You are now ready to start your free motion embroidery.
- Place the item you want to sew under the needle and drop the quilting foot.
- Drop the machine needle into the material and as you are pulling the needle back up pull the bobbin thread through to the top of the material.
- Hold the two threads together and drop the needle back into the material.
- Start off slowly holding the material at with both your hands and move it in various directions as you sew.
- You are controlling the direction, stitch length and speed of the machine.
This takes a bit of practice, so I suggest you work on a sample piece of material until you are happy with the outcome.
For details on the Sewing Machine I am using in this tutorial click here.
Watching my video tutorial on threading the sewing machine.