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Quilting with machine embroidery is an easy way to finish off the top of a quilt or be creative with quilt blocks. With the popularity of personal embroidery machines increasing, many quilters find it cost-effective to quilt their own projects instead of sending them to a professional. Also, for those who quilt by hand, this process can get the job done in a fraction of the time.

Quilting With Machine Embroidery Basics

While quilting with machine embroidery may sound cumbersome, it doesn't have to be if you follow the instructions and have the correct embroidery supplies. This style of machine quilting falls into two categories:

Machine guided: This technique, which uses your machine's feed dogs, is for straight and slightly curved lines. It is used with a walking foot and sews about 12 stitches per inch.

Free motion: This type of quilting, where the feed dogs are dropped or covered up, normally doesn't follow straight lines. You can use different feet with it, but a darning foot works well. This foot jumps up and down with the needle, allowing you to easily move the fabric.

Supplies and Accessories

Quilting and embroidery supplies and accessories vary depending on your machine and the type of quilt you want to design. Some of the basic tools needed are:

Sewing or embroidery machine

Embroidery patterns

Needles

Thread

Bobbins

Gloves or grippers

Embroidery hoops (if they don't come with your machine)

Spray adhesive

Darning foot and other embroidery machine feet

Quilting stencils

Designs Available Online

There are many helpful Web sites where you can buy or download for free many different printed quilting and embroidery designs. For example:

Embroidery Online offers a wide choice of delicate and beautiful quilting designs for purchase.

Erica's Embroidery Designs has both simple and complex designs.

Splinters and Threads has some basic patterns for sports, feathers, and other miscellaneous designs.

Golden Threads motto is, "Designs that make every embroidery quilt a work of art," and the ones listed on the Web site show just that. Everything from complete quilting packages to miniature designs is offered.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Some will find quilting with machine embroidery a breeze, while others won't like it all.