ShirlinAZ

I have learned that fan folding the quilt so the entire weight is close to the needle is very helpful. Once I have all the weight within about 16 inches to the left of the machine, I then fanfold the other direction and put it on a small table that fits under my left elbow.. I make sure the area behind the machine is clean and smooth. The quilt then has nothing to drag or catch on, and I can smoothly feed the quilt into the machine. I hope this makes sense. It's what works for me, and I'm able to do king size quilts without any pain.

VickyS

Are you machine stitching the binding down?

It may be easier for you to use something like "Steam a Seam 2" to hold the binding in place while you work with the quilt to manipulate it around your machine. I've found I get stuck a lot using pins, and clips have a tendency to maneuver themselves loose when working on a large quilt.

Yes those quilts are heavy, especially if using an old blanket as the lining. I sew all my quilts on my little Singer Featherweight and without that support to the left of the machine (both in front and behind the machine) I can not get enough of the quilt in front of and behind the needle to get the binding on straight.

These ideas work with some degree of practice. I do a number of charity quilts in larger sizes in order to get my skill level up (and keep it up) while working with larger materials in my small machine.

Good luck! We look forward to hearing how it goes.

IBQLTN

You've received very good advise on ways to lighten your load. I put 2 large door stops (from Dollar Tree) under the back part of my machine to tilt it forward so I can see better. It lessens my neck pain. Also, I sometimes will throw some of the quilt over my left shoulder (instead of in my lap) in addition to having support set up next to my left side.

shelrox

I made my Dh a crazy quilt larger then a king size and what I did was put the ironing board next to my cabinet and then also a small table in front of my cabinet and it helped to take the load off. It amazes me how a topper that was manageable suddenly becomes a lead weight

purplefiend

I sew my binding on entirely with the sewing machine. I sew it to the back first and then turn it over to the front and stitch it down with either a straight stitch or a decorative stitch. I have repetitive motion injuries to my right wrist and elbow, so lots of hand sewing isn't possible any more.

Lilrain

my friend always used a walker to support quilts she was binding

Jim

I use a banquet table and sew to the far right end when binding...I add another table beside me, to the left, so all the weight of the quilt is laying on the tables and glides smoothly over the tables

earthwalker

I have some quite solid dining room chairs so I use those. Have been known to use our bed, then sit on the floor (weird, but works for me).....Hope you find a solution. Don't overdo it....pain is a warning to change our habits or slow down.