FREE MOTION MACHINE EMBROIDERY: STITCHING BEYOND QUILTS
- Tilly de Harde
- Sep 16
- 3 min read
When most people in my community hear the words free-motion machine embroidery, they immediately picture it on a quilt top—swirling feathers, flowing lines or maybe even a bit of thread painting to add detail. But the truth is, this technique goes far beyond just quilting. It’s one of my favourite ways to explore creativity, sustainability and artistry in the studio.
FROM OLD CURTAINS TO NEW FABRIC
One of the most exciting ways I use free-motion embroidery is to create completely new fabric. I often start with discarded curtains, tablecloths or other fabric that has outlived its original purpose. By layering threads, yarns and tiny scraps of fabric, the machine stitches hold everything together into something entirely fresh and unique. It’s a sustainable approach that gives materials a second life, while also producing one-of-a-kind surfaces for art quilts or smaller projects.
Sometimes I stitch directly onto a single layer of fabric instead of building up layers. This creates a light, almost lace-like effect. It’s especially fun when I let the stitches become the fabric itself, rather than just decoration.
A NO-WASTE STUDIO
I call my studio a no-waste zone. Every piece of thread, fabric trimmings and tiny scraps—what I like to call my machine compost—find its way into my artwork. These are the little bits that most people sweep off the table and throw in the rubbish bin but I collect them in jars and other containers. They often become the colourful ‘stuffing’ under a layer of tulle, secured with free-motion stitching or they get couched down to add unexpected texture. Nothing is wasted… everything has potential!
DIFFERENT LEVELS OF FREE MOTION EMBROIDERY
Like any skill, free-motion embroidery has different levels of complexity. Wherever you are in your stitching journey, there’s always room to grow:
Beginner: At this stage, it’s all about learning the basics—how to drop the feed dogs, move the fabric smoothly and balance speed with control. Simple patterns like loops, spirals or meanders are perfect practice. The goal is to get comfortable with the motion and build confidence. This not only goes for free motion machine embroidery but many of my students will recognise these words as the same words that I use when I teach free motion machine quilting!
Intermediate: Here’s where you can start ‘drawing’ with your machine. You’ll combine patterns, work with layered fabrics or add more detail and shading. This is the stage where you can start experimenting with using free-motion to create fabric as well as embellish it.
Advanced: For those who really want to push the boundaries, advanced free-motion embroidery can mean anything from realistic thread painting (think fur, feathers or portraits) to structural textile art that almost sculpts with thread. At this level, you still rely on the basics—but the execution requires patience, precision and a willingness to experiment.
INSPIRATION FROM OTHER ARTISTS
I’m not the only one who loves this medium. There are incredible free-motion machine embroiderers out there who inspire me. For example, Janine Heschl is renowned for her hyper-realistic wildlife portraits created entirely from thread. Have a look at her work on Instagram @janine.heschl. Her ability to capture expression and texture with a sewing machine is truly awe-inspiring. Seeing the work of artists like her reminds us just how powerful and versatile this technique can be.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
Free-motion embroidery is about freedom—freedom to play, to recycle and reinvent and to create art that is deeply personal. Whether you’re just starting out, ready to branch into more complex designs or working at an advanced artistic level there’s always more to discover with needle and thread. And the best part? In a no-waste studio, even the tiniest scrap gets its chance to shine!
Until next time, happy stitching and remember to give those little scraps some love!
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