Over the past few weeks, I’ve been sorting through my craft supplies... and what a job it has been! In the process, I rediscovered a few quilts patiently waiting to be quilted and finished. Finding them was both exciting and a gentle nudge that it’s time to get them across the finish line.
So today I thought I’d share a few simple, practical tips that make quilting easier and more comfortable. Perhaps they’ll inspire you.... and perhaps they'll give me the push I need too!
Set Up Your Space to Support Your Quilt
When quilting a large quilt, one of the biggest challenges is managing the weight of the quilt as it moves through the machine. Ideally, your sewing machine should sit level with your table (as you can see mine is below) so the quilt isn’t dragging over the edge. That drag can pull against your stitches and create unnecessary strain on your arms and shoulders.
Of course, not everyone has a perfectly set-up sewing cabinet, but there are easy solutions.
Before I had my sewing cabinet, I placed my cutting table behind my sewing machine to support the bulk of the quilt, and I lowered my ironing board, which I positioned to the left of the machine. This simple arrangement keeps the quilt elevated and reduces drag significantly.
The difference is especially noticeable when doing free-motion quilting. Since you’re manually guiding the quilt under the foot, less drag means smoother movement, better stitch quality, and far less physical fatigue.
Use Your Knee Lift (If You Have One!)
A wonderful tool that often gets overlooked is the knee lift..... many machines come with one.
It’s a rather long lever inserted into your machine that allows you to raise and lower the presser foot using your knee. That means your hands never have to leave the quilt.
For quilting, this is incredibly helpful when repositioning to a new area. You simply nudge the knee lift, reposition, let the knee lift down again and continue stitching.
It’s also invaluable for applique work, particularly when doing blanket stitch around sharp curves and points. Being able to pivot smoothly without taking your hands off the fabric makes the process much more controlled and precise.
If you’ve never tried using your knee lift, it’s worth giving it a go!
Always Test Before You Quilt
Before starting any free-motion quilting or applique, I always prepare a small “quilt sandwich” using the same fabric and batting as my project.
This allows me to:
- Test thread tension
- Adjust stitch length or speed
- Practice the quilting design
- Warm up my hands and shoulders
Taking just 3–5 minutes to warm up makes a noticeable difference. Your stitches settle in, your movements become smoother, and you start quilting more relaxed and confident. It’s a small investment of time that saves frustration later.
Small Adjustments, Big Difference
Quilting large projects doesn’t have to feel like a wrestling match. A little thought put into your setup and preparation can make the entire experience smoother, more comfortable, and more enjoyable.
Now that I’ve shared these reminders, I think it’s time I stop “sorting” and start quilting!
Do you have a favorite quilting tip that makes your projects easier? Feel free to share it with me in the comments below.
