Have you ever walked into a quilting store, or sewing machine shop (I know you have!!) only to be confronted with an overwhelming array of different fabrics, markers, cutting tools, tapes, pins, needles, sewing machines – large and small, expensive and economical – and myriad tools to aid your sewing, lights to protect your eyes, supports for your feet or back …
Need I go on? (haha)
We’ve all been there! And making choices can be totally overwhelming.
Especially if you are new to the world of thread sketching, thread painting or quilting.
Keep it simple!
If you’re starting out in this exciting artform, one of the most fundamental pieces of equipment you need is a FREE MOTION FOOT.
Once again, every machine manufacturer produces a range of different types of ‘feet’ for your machine, including a number of ‘free motion’ feet.
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Stop being overwhelmed, and start with the most useful foot for many different types of project:
The OPEN TOE (C-shaped) HOPPING FOOT.
Even these vary in shape – some are a round ‘C’, some are more oval in shape, some are metal, some plastic. It doesn’t matter.
The best foot fitting for your machine for beginning free motion stitching is the OPEN TOE HOPPING FOOT.
Several suppliers offer free motion feet that will fit a range of machines, such as this metal open toe foot for Brother, Singer and Janome machines. Be sure to purchase one that will fit your machine.
Sometimes it’s referred to as Darning Foot or a Spring Foot.
The Open Toe foot offers a clear view of what you are stitching and allows for the needle to swing from side to side, as when working free motion zigzag stitch.
The CLOSED-TOE (O-shaped) HOPPING FOOT
The closed-toe foot and other ‘non-hopping’ varieties have their uses, however, when helping students starting out with free motion stitching, the best recommendation I can make is to opt for the Open Toe Foot.
Sooooo … always start with the right foot and your thread sketching journey will be soooo much easier!