Go Back  Quiltingboard Forums > Main
Acrylic Extension does NOT make it easier to FMQ >

Acrylic Extension does NOT make it easier to FMQ

Acrylic Extension does NOT make it easier to FMQ

Old 01-20-2012, 08:04 PM
  #1  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
DawnFurlong's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Colorado
Posts: 580
Default Acrylic Extension does NOT make it easier to FMQ

For Christmas I wanted an acrylic extension for my sewing machine (Janome MC4800). One of my primary reasons was the extra space for FMQ. I have liked my extension thus far. Tonight is the first time I tried to FMQ on it.

I would say that was a fail! Couldn't move the quilt around on it for anything. Partly because the quilt kept getting caught on the corners, and why else I am not sure. I just know that it was incredibly difficult to move the quilt around on it. I am quilting a larger lap quilt, approximately 60 x 72.

Pulled the extension off, would rather deal with the smaller space - at least I can move my quilt around.

Ultimately I would like to get a table with an insert for my sewing machine so that everything is flush with the table.

Anyone else with this problem? Am I missing something obvious that I am supposed to be doing to make this easier?
DawnFurlong is offline  
Old 01-20-2012, 08:09 PM
  #2  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Central Iowa
Posts: 2,334
Default

for fmq you really need a flat surface with the sewing machine and then have tables or ironing board or anything you can use to support your quilt. You will be able to move it around and your fmq will be alot better experience.
newbee3 is offline  
Old 01-20-2012, 08:19 PM
  #3  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: IL
Posts: 2,671
Default

Can you take the feet off the acrylic extension table and use it as your insert to set the machine flush into a table?
Maia B is offline  
Old 01-20-2012, 08:23 PM
  #4  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Lived in San Diego now retired in Eagar, AZ.
Posts: 887
Default

i cut my own extension out of 1/4" plywood and 2 x 4 blocks for legs... then i covered the sewing machine AND extension with plain old oilcloth. i taped it down around the hole i cut for the foot (about 3" square) with duct tape as it comes off pretty easily... i only tried it because i wanted a bigger extension than those available... mine is 4 ft from right hand side of sewing machine to left hand corner, and 3 ft deep as that was all the bigger my table was. this has made it a lot easier to move around and all i have to do is re-tape occastionally... it usually lasts thru 3 or 4 quilts before it has too many 'fuzzies' on the edge of the tape to affect it...
deemail is offline  
Old 01-20-2012, 08:56 PM
  #5  
Member
 
lovequilter's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Texas
Posts: 95
Default

deemail has a great idea. Have you posted this in the tips section?
lovequilter is offline  
Old 01-20-2012, 10:50 PM
  #6  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: IN
Posts: 1,153
Default

Wow! What an AWESOME idea!! Gotta try this one, Thanks!
Val in IN is offline  
Old 01-21-2012, 01:24 AM
  #7  
Super Member
 
annesthreads's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: South Yorkshire UK
Posts: 1,145
Default

I've got the 4800 and the extension table, and I found the same: the surface just doesn't seem to be slick enough, and the fabric won't move easily on it.
annesthreads is offline  
Old 01-21-2012, 02:37 AM
  #8  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Washington
Posts: 4,001
Default

Someone on here uses that thick foam board stuff and covers it with plastic to make a bigger area to hold the quilt high enough. I don't know if it is under tutorials or what. It looks like it would work well too.
sewbeadit is offline  
Old 01-21-2012, 02:46 AM
  #9  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 753
Default

I read that a very very small amount of silicone spray wiped over a surface will help the movement of the quilt. I've bought the spray but haven't tried it yet - so don't know how successful it would be.
Maus is offline  
Old 01-21-2012, 03:15 AM
  #10  
Power Poster
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Northern Michigan
Posts: 12,861
Default

it of course takes some practice to get the hang of using a different surface. after some time (some people) wonder how they ever managed to quilt without it- but in the beginning it was difficult because it was (needing to learn) a new way. with some practice it would become much easier.
ckcowl is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Skhf
Main
27
05-12-2015 05:22 AM
FURBALLS
Main
33
02-11-2015 06:57 PM
newfplus
Main
7
10-24-2012 04:28 PM
Yarn or Fabric
Links and Resources
22
06-08-2011 11:59 AM
Gilla
Main
12
03-11-2010 10:02 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


FREE Quilting Newsletter