ArlaJo

I am learning to FMQ and wonder what is the best way to move the fabric. I use gloves but I had someone at the LQS say they hooped. Any hints to make this easier? And forgive me if this is messed up, my first attempt at a thread.

Thanks

BellaBoo

I use Machingers gloves for big all over fmqing and the Halo hoop from Sharon Schamber. The Halo is great for smaller quilting designs. Sometimes I use two Halos, one on top of the other.


Youtube video for the hoop: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpmMYIDCrZw

She decided to not put handles on it as she said they got in the way after she tried them.

happyquiltmom

I also use Machingers. In my opinion, they are better than the ones with dots. You can cut threads and throw them away with the gloves on, the thread doesn't stick to them.

grammy Dwynn

Quilter's choice! Like many aspects of 'quilting' we find a method that works for us. Try different ways and find the one that you are most comfortable with. The BIGGEST thing to learn about FMQ is to practice and practice some more.

I use machingers. I also warm up (always have practice sandwiches available) before I start on my quilt.

QuiltE

I use finger cots

Tartan

​I tried hooping and found that I didn't like it. I kept bumping the hoop and messing up the quilting lines. I prefer using my Machingers gloves and puddling the quilt as I work on an area. It is important to have the whole quilt up on the table as you quilt. If you don't have a table large enough, use card tabes or your ironing board for extra support. If the quilt is not fully on the same level as you quilt, you will have drag or hang ups that will mess with your ability to move the quilt well.

Jingle

I use fons & porter and mostly garden gloves with rubber nubs. I don't spend anymore than I have to, all work for me as long as they have the rubber nubs. I do a large meander or large stipple.

AshleyR

I use glycerin on my hands. Works great and cheap!

Patti25314

I tried Steady Betty but found I like to just have the fabric in my hands.

Scraplady

I don't use anything but my hands. I like to FEEL what I'm doing. I've tried various gloves and hoops and always wind up back in bare hands. The one thing that has helped me most is practice practice practice. And I concur with the other suggestions too, always warm up on a test sandwich, preferably made of the same fabric and batting as the quilt you're about to do. And if it's a large quilt, setting up that extra table space to support it makes a difference. You won't be fighting the weight of the quilt while trying to concentrate on FMQ.