FMQ beginner Janome CXL 301

I’ve a Janome CXL301

I’m a beginner and decided to try free hand quilting.

what a disaster! I’ve lowered the feed dogs and followed a few YouTube videos on how to get started with tension etc.

I’m so confused now, as one lady contradicts another as to tension etc.

One suggests turning to 0 another 2.5 and another 4

Is it different on various machines.

i have put my machine to bed as I’ve lost my mo jo. I haven’t a clue what I’ve been doing wrong but my stitches look nothing like those being done on YouTube.

Also what foot would anyone advise I use to begin and learn?

i have looked in my manual which came with my machine and has nothing on FMQ

I have tried fmq on my janome 9500 machine with varied success.

I dropped the feed dogs but left the tension as I would for normal sewing. my machine came with a darning/embroidery foot and I used that.

I didn't have that much success but found a medium speed gave me the best results with better stitches and a better looking back of the work.

I just need to keep practising but I find it a bit off putting.

I don't have a Janome but..I use a darning foot and DON'T lower the feed dogs....if I do it just runs away...or nothing happens! Best Rosemary

Hi Kerry

I mostly use my Janome 6600P for free machine quilting (not that I have done much lately!) I bought a pack of special fmq feet but think the clear plastic darning foot is just as good really.

Agree with Rosemary. I don't think it's necessary to lower feed dogs. Am afraid it's just practice, practice using a quilt sandwich and trying out all the different tensions and sitches etc. (My machine allows a few different stitches to be used for fmq). When you find the answer make a note of it!! Easy to forget. Good luck.