Hi ,

 

To speed control or stitch regulate -- that is the question!

 

I have two videos today breaking down this common question on the often-confused two accessories. Both the Speed Controller and the Sure Stitch Regulator are used for frame-mounted home machines, and they both replace your machine's foot pedal.

 

The speed controller is the easier, more basic attachment, while the stitch regulator is much more complex but gives you a lot more control over your quilting stitches.

 

Let's begin by looking at the Grace speed controller in depth, attached to the Janome 1600:

 

So a Speed Controller basically works like a Start / Stop button on your machine and it puts that button in a convenient place on your frame handlebars.

 

The only downside is you still have to think about how fast you're moving the carriage. If you push really fast, your stitches will get big. If you push really slow, your stitches will become microscopic.

 

It's this constant ratio of speed / movement that drives many quilters away from free motion quilting on a home machine. Because it takes a lot of practice!

 

You should expect to stitch 2-3 quilts with imperfect stitches before getting the hang of quilting with a Speed Controller.

If quilting a few quilts with imperfect stitches just isn't your thing, a Sure Stitch Regulator will likely suit you better.

 

A Sure Stitch Regulator will regulate your stitches to make them the same length no matter how fast or slow you're moving your machine's carriage. This means you can select your setting (I like #9 to make nice tiny stitches) and hit START and all your stitches will be the same length. No practice necessary!

 

It is more work to attach this regulator to your frame and a lot more pieces and cables, but it's worth it to have stitches that look great no matter how fast you stitch!

 

Let's watch how to attach the regulator to your frame, which can be a little tricky:

• Luminess Light Bar - Brighten up your quilting space with a light bar to fit your frame. 
   
• 3 Piece Hopping Foot Set - This set includes a Ruler Foot, Open Toe Foot, and Micro Stippling Foot.
   
• Ruler Base - Attach this base to your Qnique longarm and you'll be able to quilt with rulers!

In case you missed it last Tuesday, here is my Fall Festival video on my personal journey as a quilter, from the very beginning when I worked as a seamstress making plus-sized garments and attempted a double wedding ring to when I became a dealer with Grace Company a couple years ago. I hope you enjoy this as much as I enjoyed sharing the journey!

That's it for this week, . I hope you have a wonderful last week of October and enjoy all the terrific videos Grace Company is sharing during the Fantastic Fall Festival. Click Here to find the schedule.

 

Let's go quilt,

 

Leah Day