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Yesterday I took a class at my LQS on making a tote bag & learned how to stitch in the ditch for the first time! I loved it!!! Now I'm looking forward to making a wall hanging or a table runner so I can quilt it myself!

My question is- is there a special needle I need to load into my Janome (MX3123) to do maching quilting or can I go with the same needle that has service me for a very long time? Also- do I need to use a thread other than my good old stand-by cotton- something like a maching quilting thread or some other variagated thread?

Any help that you could give me would be most gratefully appreciated! TIA!

Happy Stitching All!
Susan

Hi Susan, I am out of town so I can't refer to notes. But here's my experience ... A fresh quilting needle is a good idea. The size depends on both the thread size and the desired stitch length/density. For example, thin threads and dense micro stippling require a smaller needle, size 60. For the walking foot, you'll be fine with a size 80 or 90 needle. The quilting need is sharper than all purpose. Its easier to get thru the quilt sandwich with this needle. Practice on a small sample with leftover pieces of your project's fabrics first (if you have them, otherwise use something with a similar feel). You don't need super small stitches for the walking foot SID quilting.
Have fun with this!

A terrific thread for your quilting is aurofil with the orange plastic spool. The colors relate to the thread weight. It's strong and not too linty. For stitch in the ditch, also known as SID, it won't show up much, so a solid colored thread is fine. Save the variegated for quilting that is showy!

Hi former Secret Sister...remember me?
Hope all is well for you.

SS explained things well. the needle size is important. I can usually use a quilting needle size 80/12, but for thicker threads I will use a 90/14.
Make sure you change your needle every so often - on my machine when I notice the stitches looking "sloppy/crooked" I know it's time to change the needle.
I agree with stitch length - make sure you don't go too short - a longer length looks better.
I do not like to use my walking foot - don't think they're necessary. I simply change the pressure on the foot. My machine is really simple; there's a dial on top to loosen the foot pressure for applique (for example), so I use that and loosen it all the way. Then the top foot isn't pinching the quilt too much.....does that even make sense?
When you get to bigger projects, even a baby quilt, do not let the edges hang off the table. That weight will drag the quilt through and create tension you don't want - not to mention make the quilting much harder.
Bunch the quilt up on your lap and keep it on the table while you quilt.

One last thing.....get in the habit of keeping your shoulders loose. Don't get them all crammed up into your ears. Stay relaxed. Your back and shoulders will thank you.
Oh, just kidding....another thing. get a good pair of gardeing gloves - they are inexpensive, come in fun colors, and make quilting sooooooo much easier.

Have fun and please show off your quilted creations!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: RockinBobbin,