Hello quilties,
At the moment I am working on a wall hanging for my kitchen....very country looking. I wonder if there is an easier way for me to work stitching by machine through the 3 layers....quilt top, middle wadding and the backing and not having such a problem of squeezing the whole lot through the allowed space of the machine.....everytime I have to turn the quilt/wall hanging or whatever. There must be an easier way to do this? By the end of the day I have extremely sore shoulders!!!!

The only easy ways I know are either QAYG (quilt as you go) where you quilt small pieces for the quilt first and then join them together (there is an excellent tutorial here on the board http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-36303-1.htm) or either send your quilt to a long arm quilter or get a mid or a long arm machine. Sorry I'm not much help.

Are you using a walking foot? That always helps me. Also, make sure you have as big of a space as you can manage. Lay most of the quilt on the table to keep the weight off you. Other than that, just a warm soak in the tub afterwards. I've quilted large bed quilts on a portable machine and for several days afterward the arms, shoulders, back, neck, etc ached. When you're done and aching the satisfaction of being done will lessen the pain.

I agree with rapture. The walking foot changed my life ;-)

Some members have posted that they find it easier to manipulate the quilt for FMQ if they rotate their machines 90 degrees counterclockwise, so that the narrow, needle end of the machine is facing them. Rolling the quilt also helps to minimize the bulk you have to deal with.

That's a good idea :) I'll give it a go.....thanks hey!

Yes I am using my walking foot :lol: Cannot be without that magic foot. As it is a wall hanging for my kitchen....I don't want to send it away for the small amount of quilting needed. Sooo will persevere and make sure I've got a bigger space :roll: Definitely enjoy the warm soaks in the tub with a tall glass relaxing wine. Thanks for that :D

Gee how does that work :?: You've got me stumped there :!: :!:

Try this

http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-46536-1.htm

I wish I had the room to give it a try.

Gee Woody that is great and as soon as I get into town I'll purchase some foamboard and start up FMQ. I'm so glad I've got you girls to help me......my angels :D :-D :-) in my computer!