How to Quilt With My Singer CE 350

Patchwork supplies for quilting with the Singer CE 350.

For quilting enthusiasts, a quality machine makes the entire process more enjoyable, precise and creative. The Singer CE 350 offers many great features with which to create a gorgeous quilt. The automatic needle threader, automatic tension, jam-proof bobbin and self-lubricating features help the quilter to focus on the technical and creative aspects of quilting, not maintaining the machine. When using this machine to quilt your newest creation, consider the different options --- built-in stitches, built-in embroidery designs, computer design embroidery or free-motion quilting.

Things You'll Need

• Free motion sewing foot
• Walking foot
• USB cable
• Coordinating sewing thread

Instructions

Quilting Possibilities

1. Once you have completed the patchwork quilt top, pin it on top of the quilt backing and batting, and consider the machine quilting design or technique that will best highlight the beauty of your patchwork top. Remember to take your time when machine quilting --- it is a difficult task, especially for a beginner, but the results will be worth the effort. When quilting with the Singer CE 350 using any technique, begin by making one stitch and then tugging the top thread to pull up the bobbin thread.

2. "Stitch in the ditch" is a common quilting technique. When stitching this way on your Singer CE 350, attach the walking foot and select the straight stitch function on the machine. Position the quilt so that the needle will bury itself directly into the "ditch" of the seam in your patchwork. Stitch carefully to the end of the seam. Cut the threads and continue stitching in this manner throughout the quilt.

3. To machine quilt using one of the 100 built-in stitches, attach the walking foot and position the quilt where the stitch will begin. Lower the walking foot and begin stitching, making sure to guide the quilt as the machine stitches. The Singer CE 350 has a built-in hand-quilting stitch that emulates the look and stitch length of hand quilting. This technique yields beautiful results.

4. Quilt with one of the machine's built-in embroidery designs by attaching the walking foot and selecting the embroidery design. Change the size of the design, according to what is possible using your particular walking foot. Position the quilt where you want the design to begin, lower the walking foot, and guide the quilt while stitching.

   The Singer CE 350 provides many embroidery designs to add beauty and interest to your quilt; add flowers, animals, letters or a special message. These images can be transmitted four ways.

5. Create and quilt a custom design using the Singer CE 350's digital embroidery capabilities. To quilt a custom embroidery design, transmit an image directly to the sewing machine by attaching it to a PC using a USB cord. Upload the image or design, attach the free motion foot and lower the feed dogs. Place the embroidery hoop over the area that will be quilted and position it correctly. Stitch the design onto the quilt.

6. Free motion quilt (also known as stippling) using the darning or free motion function. This technique can be accomplished with ease and precision on the Singer CE 350. Free motion quilting has limitless possibilities; design a flower, leaves or a geometric pattern to be quilted. Plan a long swirling line that will loop throughout the quilt, or follow the designs of the fabric's patterns. Whatever you decide, plan out where you will quilt and move the quilt along evenly while keeping your speed even to ensure even stitch length. Always lower the feed dogs before free motion quilting.

7. Take advantage of the many features of the Singer CE 350 when quilting using any technique. Trace a design, preview one using the 3-D realistic view, use the 7mm stitch, rotate a design or change the thread color.

Tips & Warnings

• Take advantage of the needle down function on the Singer CE 350 when you are quilting. With this function, the needle is buried into the fabric when you stop sewing. When quilting, this makes it easy to rotate the quilt without losing your position.

• Practice machine quilting by creating a scrap quilt; use up old or unwanted fabrics to create the top and backing, and use scraps of batting. Pin these layers together and practice machine quilting. You can donate the quilt to charity.

• Always consult your sewing machine manual when a problem arises.

References

• Singer CE 350 Product Details
• Sewing Machine Plus
• Machine Quilting Assistant