21
FREE-MOTION SEWING
Darning or free-motion sewing and quilting are easily
accomplished by lowering the feed teeth and removing the
presser foot and presser foot holder [Fig. 1]. This allows
“free” movement of the fabric in any direction. There is
no need to adjust the stitch length because you will
actually be guiding the fabric movement. Use free-
motion sewing to monogram, embroider, quilt, or darn.
FREE-MOTION MONOGRAMMING
Mark the letter or letters to be monogrammed on the fabric
with a wash-out marker. Place the fabric and stabilizer
into a machine embroidery hoop. Raise the needle to its
highest position and slide the hoop under the needle.
Lower the presser foot lever.
To lock the stitching, set the width at 0, hold the needle
thread in the left hand and turn the hand wheel toward
you to draw up the bobbin thread [Fig. 2].
Holding threads
firmly, take three to
fi
ve stitc
hes in one spot. Set the stitch
width to 5. Begin sewing at a medium speed. Move
the
hoop left to right, forward and bac
kward, following the
marked letter [Fig. 3].
FREE-MOTION QUILTING
Baste or pin-baste the fabric, batting, and backing together.
It is not necessary to place this in a hoop.
Select a design alread
y in the fabric or transfer your own
design using a template. Continue with the directions
above following the design line [Fig. 4].
D
ARNING
Place a stabilizer under the hole or tear.
Place the fabric under the foot. Lower the foot and sew,
moving the fabric from left to right and up and down
until the hole is completely covered [Fig. 5].
Use a thread to match the fabric color for a nearly
invisible mend.
Fig. 1
Fi
g. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 2
Note: Relax y
our shoulders and breathe while
y
ou work. Place hands firmly around the hoop,
using your index and middle fingers to guide the
fabric. Be sure to lo
wer the presser foot lever
before sewing!
STITCH WIDTH DROP FEED PRESSER FOOT
4-5 Lowered None
STITCH WIDTH DROP FEED PRESSER FOOT
0 Lowered None
STITCH WIDTH DROP FEED PRESSER FOOT
3-5 Lowered None
