Micro - Work

[Mercedes]

I have been doing some micro-work - tiny circles, stippling, etc. and have found that if I turn my machine speed up on the highest it will go with my stitch regulator on, that it's much easier to get really nice tiny circles, etc. I'm not sewing faster, just getting more stitches per movement.

Does it make a difference in the total look of your finished quilt that your micr-work has much smaller stitches then the rest of the quilt? Also, I haven't gotten the knack of using the micro-drive, seems much easier for me to use the regular handles.

Any comments or tips on micr-work would be greatly appreciated.....Mercedes

[Mercedes]

I have been doing some micro-work - tiny circles, stippling, etc. and have found that if I turn my machine speed up on the highest it will go with my stitch regulator on, that it's much easier to get really nice tiny circles, etc. I'm not sewing faster, just getting more stitches per movement.

Does it make a difference in the total look of your finished quilt that your micr-work has much smaller stitches then the rest of the quilt? Also, I haven't gotten the knack of using the micro-drive, seems much easier for me to use the regular handles.

Any comments or tips on micr-work would be greatly appreciated.....Mercedes

[lindasewsit]

Would like to hear comments too!

[lindasewsit]

Would like to hear comments too!

[RitaR]

I think Heidi M is the one I heard commenting on here, about speed and freehanding, as well as others that agreed with her.

She will probably pop in Fri. morning and answer this.. sounds reasonable to me.

Good Luck,

RitaR

[RitaR]

I think Heidi M is the one I heard commenting on here, about speed and freehanding, as well as others that agreed with her.

She will probably pop in Fri. morning and answer this.. sounds reasonable to me.

Good Luck,

RitaR

[Quilting Heidi]

Yes Rita when using the SR the smaller you make the stitch length the smoother it feels. I tend to go as small as I can when doing micro work. When doing my show quilts I keep a very small stitch length. When looking at show quilts I noticed that many of them are done with a very small stitch length. Another thing you might want to try is turning the SR off and doing it in non-SR mode. That is really smooth and you will soon develop a rhythm for micro work. I personally really like my micro handles and use them all the time. I like that my hands are right on the quilt. Play around with the height of the handles too. I found that when they are too high up they are akward. I tend to put my thumbs around them vs holding them with my finger tips. I also like to have the Hartly base expander on with it vs the Donita Reeves base. The hartly is just a little wider. I like the design better of the Donita Reeves base and it is easy for ruler work.

[Quilting Heidi]

Yes Rita when using the SR the smaller you make the stitch length the smoother it feels. I tend to go as small as I can when doing micro work. When doing my show quilts I keep a very small stitch length. When looking at show quilts I noticed that many of them are done with a very small stitch length. Another thing you might want to try is turning the SR off and doing it in non-SR mode. That is really smooth and you will soon develop a rhythm for micro work. I personally really like my micro handles and use them all the time. I like that my hands are right on the quilt. Play around with the height of the handles too. I found that when they are too high up they are akward. I tend to put my thumbs around them vs holding them with my finger tips. I also like to have the Hartly base expander on with it vs the Donita Reeves base. The hartly is just a little wider. I like the design better of the Donita Reeves base and it is easy for ruler work.

[Mercedes]

Heidi,

Where should the micro drive handles be from the quilt - that may be part of my problem.

Thanks for the tips....Mercedes

[Mercedes]

Heidi,

Where should the micro drive handles be from the quilt - that may be part of my problem.

Thanks for the tips....Mercedes

[Quilting Heidi]

Mercedes I prefer my handles to be about 1/8" - 1/4" off the top. If I'm using a really puffy batting I just move them up a little.

[Quilting Heidi]

Mercedes I prefer my handles to be about 1/8" - 1/4" off the top. If I'm using a really puffy batting I just move them up a little.

[Mercedes]

OK, mine are too high. Will lower and try again. This is just too much fun! Mercedes

[Mercedes]

OK, mine are too high. Will lower and try again. This is just too much fun! Mercedes

[JustSewSimple]

Mercedies, I only use one micro handle. Odd, I know, I am right handed but I like to use my left hand down and right hand on the regular handle. I am fairly good using my left hand and can even wright with it if I want. I'm just saying you solution may not be like everyone else's.

[JustSewSimple]

Mercedies, I only use one micro handle. Odd, I know, I am right handed but I like to use my left hand down and right hand on the regular handle. I am fairly good using my left hand and can even wright with it if I want. I'm just saying you solution may not be like everyone else's.

[dancingstitcher]

I also add some rhythmic music when doing micro-stippling without the SR. Irish music or Australian didgeridoo. This also helps run the very shiny WonderFil metallic threads with SR off. I use the Hartley Fence extended base too so that I can slightly rest the pinky fingers and outer palms on it.

Vicki

[dancingstitcher]

I also add some rhythmic music when doing micro-stippling without the SR. Irish music or Australian didgeridoo. This also helps run the very shiny WonderFil metallic threads with SR off. I use the Hartley Fence extended base too so that I can slightly rest the pinky fingers and outer palms on it.

Vicki

[Mercedes]

These are great tips for me to try! Thanks everyone....Mercedes

[Mercedes]

These are great tips for me to try! Thanks everyone....Mercedes

[Dave-Jane]

I like blue Grass or Blood sucking, butt kicking Rock & Roll--I'm nuts anyway-- But those rainy days you just need some good ol country--Johmmy Cash, Mearle, and the boys! The mood of the quilt and customer take on a life of their own sometimes and it tells you what to listen to!--Dave B.

[Dave-Jane]

I like blue Grass or Blood sucking, butt kicking Rock & Roll--I'm nuts anyway-- But those rainy days you just need some good ol country--Johmmy Cash, Mearle, and the boys! The mood of the quilt and customer take on a life of their own sometimes and it tells you what to listen to!--Dave B.