A magnetic resonance imaging method is presented for forming an image of an object, wherein a stationary magnetic field and temporary magnetic fields having a position dependent field pattern are applied, magnetic resonance signals are acquired by at least one receiver antenna, spins are excitated in a part of the object, MR signals are acquired during application of the position-dependent field patterns (G.sub.1, G.sub.2, . . . ) and a magnetic resonance image is derived from the sampled magnetic resonance signals. The field patterns are substantially non-linear, the number N of total field patterns is larger than 3, and at least N-1 field patterns are independently controllable in field strength. The magnetic resonance signals are acquired in a sub-sampling fashion.