rrhaigh

I have an Avante 18" Handi Quilter and am thinking about purchasing the micro handles. I have done mostly all pantographs and want to start free motion quilting, but I am so nervous about it. I thought maybe the micro handles would give me more control. If any of you have micro handles can you please tell me your experience with them and if they help you or not. They aren't cheap, so I want to be sure they will be useful before I spend the big bucks. I would appreciate any input! Thank you in advance!

btiny36

Well I purchased them and I got to say for me!!!!! I can't get used to them, unless one is going to sit down when using them, they for me are in the way...I seem to do better just using my regular handles for free hand...just put on a practice piece and go for it....JMHO

MamaHen

I also have the Avante, thought I needed the micro handles so bought them. Have only used them a couple of times. They are ment for very fine close up work. Like very small stippling. In order to use them you would also need to purchase a chair, I have a saddle seat, because you are more confined to smaller spaces and need to be sitting. I only do free motion and a few stencil designs with my Avante. I think a more important piece to purchase if you haven't already is the plexiglass ruler plate that goes on the machine. I do more ruler work than small things that I might need the micro handles for. If you get the micro handles, just always remember that the machine needs to be off when plugging them in.

Jennie and Me

I have an APQS Millenium and I bought the micro handles for her and I absolutely love them. They are on my machine all of the time. They flip up out of the way if you don't want to use them. They make the close up work so much easier and I find that over all I have better control of the machine with them. I do not sit down to quilt...have my machine raised way up. It works for me.

Skittl1321

Micro handles will give you more control if what you want to do is micro-quilting. Very small scale- 1/4", 1/8" apart, that type of thing.

If you want to do large all over quilting, but free motion, not following a pantograph, then they aren't going to help you.

Like any quilting tool, using them correctly takes a lot of practice.

AliKat

I have the HQ16 and got the micro handles years ago. I love them. It is much easier on my arthritis than the vertical handles. For me it was a great purchase. PS: I don't do much micro quilting, I just love the extra control I have with them.

leaha

I got them for my Nolting 14" and I really hate to say this but I have yet to use my machine at all. Has been a very busy year, remodeling the house and have done very little quilting this past year. Remodel is almost at an end so things will change for the better as far as quilting goes here. Will be able to use all my new machines and really get busy making quilts for our new home.

quilttiger

I have a Bailey Pro 17E and I purchased the microhandles which are made especially for this brand by Finishing Touches. I really like them and they can turned up out of the way without having to remove them from the machine for regular FMQ. I agree it works well for very small quilting designs only.

ka9sdn

I had the HQ16 now have the Avante and love my micro handles. Yes it is great for micro quilting but I use them all the time. I like being able to have my hands down lower as I quilt. I never take them off and use them constantly. It was hard for me to decide to buy them but I sure am glad I did. I wouldn't trade them. They make me seem to have better control but to each his own. Does your dealer have a set on the demo machine? If so go in and try them out for a while now just a quick lets see how they run. When I am not doing micro I do not use a chair but if I have an area I really want small quilting I will sometimes sit on a bar stool.

rrhaigh

Yes, my dealer said he has them on his demo model. I will go and try them out. Do you have to take off the regular handles to put on the micro handles or can you have them both on at the same time?

Thank you everyone for all your input. Very helpful!!!