Monday, 9 November 2026

Correct Bobbin - Beautiful Tension

A poster style image describing sewing machine bobbins

Do you use the correct bobbins as specified by your sewing machine manufacturer, or do you have a tin of random bobbins your friends have given you?

Many bobbins will “fit” into your machine's bobbin case, but that doesn’t mean you should use them.

Bobbins sold as "universal" to fit multiple machines, bobbins made for a different sewing machine, bobbins of the wrong class or size, metal bobbins in a plastic bobbin case, and bobbins wound with more than one thread will all cause poor tension.

They may also cause skipped stitches or even jam or damage your machine.

Even the correct bobbins can wear out after years of use or if wound with too much thread.

The problems caused by the incorrect bobbins become more noticeable when performing any type of machine quilting.

Make your machine quilting journey a pleasant one.

Always use the correct bobbins for your machine as suggested by your sewing machine's manufacturer and sold by a registered dealer.


a selection of sewing machine bobbins
A selection of bobbins, each to fit a different machine.

When using pre-wounds (commonly available in class 15, L and M), be sure they are the correct type and class for your machine.

Please note that pre-wounds are not available for all machines or in all thread types.

Happy Quilting!

A case of blue plastic sewing machine bobbins
A case of matching bobbins for a Husqvarna Epic Sewing and Embroidery Machine
.
Follow my Facebook Group, Machine Quilting Show and Share for more, weekly tips and fun content.



Tuesday, 3 November 2026

Julies Name Game - New Free Motion Quilting Design #496

White machine stitching on turquoise blue fabric
New Free Motion Quilting Design #496, "Medieval Leaves".

This new free motion quilting design, inspired by wild grasses blowing in a late Summer breeze, has been named.

The winner was chosen by popular vote (Facebook & Instagram) with a little help from a random name picker, at 6:00 PM (PDT) on Sunday, September 13, 2026.

This design is now called “Medieval Leaves”.

Thank you and congratulations to Kim McGrew for suggesting this wonderful, winning name!
Kim is from Rio Rancho, New Mexico, USA

Follow my new Facebook group, Machine Quilting Show and Share for lots more fun and inspiration.

Julies Name Game - New Free Motion Quilting Design #495

Pale yellow machine stitching on dark orange fabric
New Free Motion Quilting Design #495, "Scaevola"

This new, free motion quilting design is similar to last week’s but has a slightly different stitching “rhythm”.

It was named by popular vote (Facebook & Instagram) with a little help from a random name picker, at 6:00 PM (PDT) on Sunday, September 6, 2026.

This design is now called “Scaevola”

Thank you and congratulations to Linda O’Keefe from Echuca, Victoria, Australia.

Linda says Scaevola is the botanical name for an Australian flower that looks just like this, (common name Fan Flower).

Have fun stitching this new design.

Sunday, 1 November 2026

Julies Name Game - New Free Motion Quilting Design #494

Simple, playful, and oh, so much fun to stitch, this new free motion quilting design has been named.


The winner was chosen by popular vote (Facebook & Instagram) at 6:00 PM (PDT) on Sunday, August 30, 2026.


This design is now called “Charmed Flowers”.


Thank you and congratulations to Leslie McVicar of Ladysmith, British Columbia for suggesting this wonderful, winning name!

Follow my new Facebook group, Machine Quilting Show and Share for lots more fun and inspiration

Also booking now, virtual and in person workshops for guilds, groups and conferences for 2026/2027/2028.


 

Julies Name Game - New Free Motion Quilting design #493

Yellow lacy flowers stitched on a turquoise fabric
New Free Motion Quilting Design #493, Lacy Petals"

I  love it when simple changes or additions create a whole new design!

This one looks complex but it's actually really fun to stitch. 

Named by popular vote (Facebook & Instagram) at 6:00 PM (PDT) on Sunday, August 23, 2026, design is now called “Lacy Petals”.

Thank you and congratulations to Karen Jackson of Oakdale, Louisiana for suggesting this wonderful, winning name!

Follow my new Facebook group, Machine Quilting Show and Share for lots more fun and inspiration.

Wednesday, 14 October 2026

Julies Name Game - New Free Motion Quilting Design #492

a drawing of lacy yellow flowers on a blue background.
New Free Motion Quilting Design #492, "Lacy Daisy"

This new free motion quilting design, inspired by warm Summer nights when the air is fragrant with herbs and flowers, has been named.

The winner was chosen by popular vote (Facebook & Instagram) at 6:00 PM (PDT) on Sunday, August 16, 2026.

This design is now called “Lacy Daisy”.

Thank you and congratulations to Kim McGrew. for suggesting this wonderful, winning name!

Kim is from Rio Rancho, New Mexico, USA

Julies Name Game - New Free Motion Quilting Design #491

A free motion quilting design of golden stars
New Free Motion Quilting Design #491, "Wish Upon A Star"

Some nights the stars seem to shine just a little bit brighter.

This new, free motion quilting design, inspired by just such a night, has been named.

The winner was chosen by popular vote (Facebook & Instagram) with a little help from a random name picker, at 6:00 PM (PDT) on Sunday, August 9, 2026.

This design is now called “Wish Upon A Star”.

Thank you and congratulations to Val Ansell of Nanaimo BC for suggesting this wonderful, winning name!

Follow my new Facebook group, Machine Quilting Show and Share for lots more fun and inspiration!

Friday, 2 October 2026

Julies Name Game - New Free Motion Quilting Design #490

Yellow lines on a deep blue background form a complex star design
New Free Motion Quilting Design #490, "Paper Stars"

Design #490 is another example of complex shapes made easy by free motion quilting the internal lines first, then stitching around them.

It was named by popular vote (Facebook & Instagram) at 6:00 PM (PDT) with a little help from a random name picker on Sunday, August 2, 2026.

This design is now called “Paper Stars”.

Thank you and congratulations to Vicki Watkins of Cincinnati, Ohio for suggesting this wonderful, winning name!

Julies Name Game - New Free Motion Quilting Design #489

Bright green machine stitching on gray-blue fabric
New Free Motion Quilting Design #489, "Garry Oaks"

Natural-looking, complex-shaped leaves can be difficult to achieve when free motion quilting.

To solve this issue, I stitch the veins first to create the leaf's structure.
Then it’s a simple matter of stitching around the veins.

This new free motion quilting design has been named.

The winner was chosen by popular vote (Facebook & Instagram) with a little help from a random name picker at 6:00 PM (PDT), on Sunday, July 26, 2026.

This design is now called “Garry Oaks”.

Thank you and congratulations to Val Ansell of Nanaimo BC for suggesting this wonderful, winning name.

Would you like to learn how to Free Motion Quilt or improve your existing skills?
Join my, Free motion Quilting - Design of the Month Club.

Click on the Register Now - Virtual Classes Tab at the top of this page for all the information and registration links.

Sunday, 13 September 2026

Julies Name Game - New Free Motion Quilting Design #488

A design of yellow stitched circles on blue fabric
New Free Motion Quilting Design #488, "Rondelle"

I had more fun with circles while creating this new free-motion quilting design.

As always, all of your name suggestions were both fun and imaginative.

The winner was chosen by popular vote (Facebook & Instagram) with a little help from a random name picker, at 6:00 PM (PDT) on Sunday, July 19, 2026.

This design is now called “Rondelle”.

Thank you and congratulations to Pam Bretz Sommers from Forest, Indiana, USA for suggesting this wonderful, winning name.
Pam says the design reminds her of stained glass rondelles.

I think you're right Pam!

Would you like to learn how to Free Motion Quilt or improve your existing skills?

Join my, Free Motion Quilting - Design of the Month club now registering for July/August/September
Comment Link for further information.

Also booking now, virtual and in person workshops for guilds, groups and conferences for 2026/2027/2028

Walking Foot Workout - Virtual Workshop

A poster for Walking Foot Workout with Julie Plotniko

 


New Virtual Workshop, Now Registering.

Walking Foot Workout


Live Via Zoom, All skill levels. All machines.

Sunday, September 27, 2026
10:00 to 2:00 (PT)
$45.

Pattern for an easy lap quilt, full after-class support, and PDF notes included.

The Walking Foot is such a versatile tool!
It’s used to feed the top, batting, and backing of a quilt evenly through your sewing machine while providing beautiful, quality stitching and even tension.
In this workshop you’ll learn how to use the Walking Foot for traditional ditch quilting and grid quilting, then explore how to think outside the box to create amazing graphic designs for blocks and borders.

Use juliesquiltclass@telus.net to register by PayPal or eTransfer

Click on the link to register with Visa, MasterCard, or American Express

Tuesday, 25 August 2026

Discover Free Motion Quiltiing - What it is and What You Can Create

A poster for a video quilting workshop with julie Plotniko

Recorded Workshop.

Watch Anytime, Anywhere!

$29. (CDN)

Discover what Free Motion Quilting is all about with this fun and informative video workshop.

Background Fill Designs, Thread Painting, Ruler Quilting, Stencil Quilting, Feather Quilting, and more! Discover what each of these terms means and explore how the many forms of free-motion quilting can look completely different while being built on the same fundamental techniques.

Watch and learn in comfort from your very own sewing space, living room, or even while relaxing outdoors!

Pause, rewind, and watch again.

Download to your computer for lifetime access.

Register with PayPal or e-transfer to juliesquiltclass@telus.net

Click on the link to register with Visa, MasterCard, or American Express

https://square.link/u/CJixCNVb

All Access Pass holders from the Free Motion Quilting Summit 2026, enter your discount code at checkout to receive this video at N/C

Thursday, 20 August 2026

Virtual - Introduction to Thread Painting

Poster for a virtual, Thread Painting workshop with Julie Plotniko

Introduction to Thread Painting

September 6' 2026

10:00 to 2:00 (PT)

$55. 

Thread painting is a versatile free-motion quilting technique that can be used to create one-of-a-kind art quilts, add realistic detail to both hand and machine appliqué, and transform printed panels into truly eye-catching works of art.

In this class, students will create a beautiful rose art quilt while learning the foundations of successful thread painting. 

Topics include an overview of photo-editing techniques used to create the appliqués, fusible web appliqué as a base for thread painting, thread painting with and without appliqué, proper layering and stabilization, selecting the best needles and presser feet, and understanding how thread choices influence texture and visual impact. Students will also explore a variety of free-motion thread painting techniques, including straight-stitch brush strokes, side-motion zigzag, slanted zigzag, free-motion satin stitch, and methods for blending multiple thread colours to create depth, dimension, and a rich colour palette.

A PDF of the applique pieces and assembly instructions will be emailed to participants upon registration.

This workshop is a wonderful complement to "Painting with Thread" and may be taken in any order.

Register with PayPal or e-transfer at juliesquiltclass@telusnet

Click on the link to register with Visa, MasterCard, or American Express

https://square.link/u/AGgG9cDg



 

WOW! 400,000 Views

 

Exciting news, this blog is at 400,000 views

Can you believe it?
I never would have guessed when I started my blogging journey!
Any moment this little blog will pass 400,000 views.

Drop me a comment if your #400,000 and email me at juliesquiltclass@gmail.com and I'll send you a coupon for your next virtual workshop.

Who will it be?

Saturday, 8 August 2026

Free Pattern - Magical Mt. Benson

A brown and beige pieced quilt

For your quilting pleasure, I've updated and added one of my most popular patterns to the Free Pattern Tab at the top of this page. 

"Magical Mt. Benson", named for Mount Benson on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada, is my version of a traditional Delectable Mountains quilt.

It's pieced the modern way using half-square triangle units and strip cutting techniques instead of templates. 

This makes piecing this quilt much easier than it looks.

Work online, select the pages you wish to print or click on the link provided to purchase a PDF of the pattern.

Happy Quilting!

Julie



Sunday, 2 August 2026

I'm Teaching at the Free Motion Quilting Summit 2026

A poster featuring julie Plotniko and the FMQ Sumit 2026

I'm teaching at the FMQ Summit 2026! 🎉🧵
I'm so excited to share that I'll be joining 21 amazing quilting teachers for the Free Motion Quilting Summit, August 19–21, a free online event hosted by Mary Davis of Mary Go Round Quilts.

My session is "Flirtatious Feathers With A Botanical Twist," where I'll show you how to stitch playful, botanical feathers that add beautiful texture and detail to any quilt, yet are easy enough for even the beginning quilter to accomplish.

You'll even learn how to stitch a bonus background design!

Whether you're brand new to free motion quilting or you've been at it for years, there's something here for you — and registration is completely free.

You can also purchase an All Access Pass for unlimited access and even more bonus learning opportunities!

Come stitch with me. 💛
Click on the link below to register and get in on all the fun!


 

Sunday, 26 July 2026

Julies Name Game - New Free Motion Quilting Design #487

Multicolored machine quilting on purple fabric.
New free Motion Quilting Design #487, "Crocheted Roses"

Though this new free motion quilting design is quite dense, it’s super fun to stitch!

Variegated thread is fun to use, but it would be equally gorgeous with a solid colour thread.

I loved all of your imaginative name suggestions and watching all the votes come in.

In the end, there was a four-way tie

The winner was chosen by popular vote (Facebook & Instagram) with a little help from a random name picker at 6:00 PM (PDT) on Sunday, July 12, 2026.

This design is now called "Crocheted Roses".

Thank you and congratulations to Becky Suter-Fen for suggesting this wonderful, winning name!

 

Julies Name Game - New Free Motion Quilting Design #486

Yellow machine stitching on blue fabric
New Free Motion Quilting Design #486, "Sunny Blooms"

This new, free motion quilting design is stitched with partial, overlapping, and full flowers for lots of visual depth.

There were so many imaginative name suggestions and plenty of votes.

In the end, it came down to a tie.

The winner was chosen by popular vote (Facebook & Instagram) with a little help from a random name picker, at 6:00 PM (PDT) on Sunday, July 5, 2026.

This design is now called “Sunny Blooms”.

Thank you and congratulations to Lydia St. Onge-Baker for suggesting this wonderful, winning name.

Would you like to learn how to Free Motion Quilt or improve your existing skills?

Click on the Register Now - Virtual Classes Tab at the top of this page and join my, Free Motion Quilting - Design of the Month. 

Friday, 24 July 2026

Painting with Thread, Virtual Workshop

A poster advertizing Painting with Thread with Julie Plotniko

 

Painting With Thread

New Virtual Workshop, Registering Now

Live VIA Zoom 
Sunday, August 16, 2026

10:00 to 2:00 (PT)

$45.

This creative and artistic form of Free Motion Quilting can be used to add texture, depth, and detail to art quilts, portrait quilts, landscape quilts, mixed media, garments, panel quilts, and more.

Learn the basics of Thread Painting in this fun and inspiring workshop.

Work at your own speed while you quilt a panel or printed fabric of your choice.

All skill levels - all machines.

Register with PayPal or eTransfer to
juliesquiltclass@telus.net

Use the link below to register with Visa, American Express or MasterCard

https://square.link/u/DDMs374Z

Thursday, 23 July 2026

Julies Name Game - New Free Motion Quilting Design #485

A drawing of kelp on a dark green background
New Free Motion Quilting Design, "Floating Kelp"

This new, free motion quilting design, inspired by ocean plant life and creatures, has been named.

The winner was chosen by popular vote (Facebook & Instagram) at 6:00 PM (PDT) on Sunday, June 28, 2026.

This design is now called “Floating Kelp”.

Thank you and congratulations to Kathy Coupe Walker for suggesting this wonderful, winning name!
Kathy is from Port McNeill, British Columbia.

Would you like to learn how to Free Motion Quilt or improve your existing skills?

Join my, Free Motion Quilting - Design of the Month club.
Now registering for July/August/September

For further information and to join in on all the fun, click on the Registering Now -Virtual Classes tab at the top of this page.