Straight line quilting on a sewing machine

Even if you are not a beginner sewist or even a beginner quilter it always pays to have a play around on some scraps of quilt sandwich before you start. Test out stitch lengths and top and bottom thread tensions to see what works. Testing out your quilting design can also save you lots of unpicking time later too.

Using your standard zigzag presser foot for quilting is fine and some machines even come with an adjustable quilting guide attachment too. But you might want to consider investing in a walking foot for your machine as it will makes things much easier, especially on a large quilt. Oh, and quilting gloves. Yes, they are a thing! And they really do make all the difference.

You will most likely want to increase your stitch length and reduce your tensions.

Now for some fun! You can quilt in any way you want to achieve any look you want. My only advice is to refer to your batting label first maximum quilting widths.

Straight parallel lines and grids are very popular and an easy first project. 

You can use the patchwork pattern to guide your lines or you can mark them on the quilt top with a hera marker, fabric pen or pencil or even painter's tape. 

And away you go. Go very slowly, I'd advise setting your foot pedal to the slower setting.

When you feel ready you might like to try something more intricate. The book Walk by Jacqui Gering has all kinds of incredible designs and straight forward how to's to get the look.