Do I need a Supreme Slider?
 

I am learning FMQ and I spend a lot of time reading and trying to learn more. I have seen several mentions of the Supreme Slider, and at first I thought it was for machines that do not have the feed dog down feature. I have retractable feed dogs on all my machines, so I didn't think I needed a slider. Tell me if I am missing something.

The slider makes the surface slicker and makes the sandwich easier to move so it has nothing to do with your feed dogs as it covers them. I can attest that these devices make a huge difference. I have a sew slip II which is slightly larger than the queen slider and I used it all the time until I got my true glide overlay when I got my stitch regulator so I use that now. I also use machingers gloves and that also makes a huge difference

The slider is very slippery. It makes the quilt move without friction and less stress on your hands. It has nothing to do with feed dogs.

I have tried a Supreme Slider on a friend's machine. It does help heavy quilts move easily. I didn't purchase one, I found that my table supports the quilt enough. As long as your machine is dropped and there is enough table for the rest of the quilt, I don't think it's necessary.

I loved mine...until it slipped without me knowing and got quilted to my quilt. I didn't bother getting a new one. I have been doing fine without it.

I use the slider for all of my FMQ. Makes for smoother quilting for circles, spirals, etc. My machine is recessed in the table and has support for back and sides. I also use the Machingers gloves and much prefer them to the other types I tried. I will take all the help I can get:) And as others have said, nothing to do with feed dogs. It has an opening in it that fits around the area under your needle.

The Sewezi table is so smooth that I never noticed I hadn't used the slider.

All I have to do is remember to remove the tape residue from machine and table.

I have done large quilts with and without the slider. It is a big help to have it. It makes the area where you are actively quilting and moving the quilt much slicker and the quilt moves a lot more easily. Some folks who have their machines dropped into tables use a silicone spray for sewing which they apply to their machine beds and tables. I have tried this and it works pretty well, but it has to be reapplied frequently (at least for my machines/tables) and I worry about overspray getting into the oiling holes on my PQ1500s and VX560 which are the two I use for most of my fmq, so I prefer to use the slider.

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You definitely don't need it. I would for sure buy Machinger's (or something similar) before spending money on a Supreme Slider, and there are alternatives like Teflon baking sheets with a hole cut in the middle or sprays, but I personally really love quilting with mine.

I have never needed one either but you might consider the less expensive alternatives.