FMQ tip - gardening gloves!
 

Hey so I thought I would share an FMQ tip - my hands really hurt after a couple of hours of FMQ from grabbing the fabric to keep it tight (I quilt on midarm machine). I was going to buy a pair of Grabaroos since I thought those would allow me to lay my hands flat on the area I was FMQing rather than grabbing the fabric. I was smart though - I read some of the opinions on the forum, and since I hate gimmicky gadets, I took some advice and started with a pair of $1.99 gardening gloves with the little grippers that I bought at Walmart. First thing I did was to cut off the fingertips so I could pick up pins, thread needles, etc. Then I found that the little grippers did not hold the fabric the way I thought they would. I figured the gloves were not going to work, but then I had an idea - I sprayed the palm and fingers of each glove with spray glue and let them dry for several hours. Voila! I got just the right amount of tackiness and the gloves work GREAT. I may still buy Grabaroos, but for now these really help - my FMQ is much smoother and my hands don't hurt!!

Try using dry erase sponges - even better than gloves, and you don't have to remove anything to use scissors tc.

thanks for the great tip

I like the handles that can be purchased at any quilt shop. No tired hands!

I like Machingers for quilting on a DSM. They're more comfortable for me than gardening gloves, fit more closely but don't make my hands too warm. They're only $7.99 at JoAnn's, and half that with a coupon. We all wind up with different solutions, so whatever works.

I love my machingers too - I use one on my left hand when I piece, helps with lining up fabric pieces. Use both when I FMQ.

I do agree the machingers are wonderful, garden gloves work ok, I like to buy this smaller so they fit snuggly. My favorite is Fons and Porter gloves! Those are the best ever!!

I bought several pair of "one size fits all" gloves at the dollar store. They have those grips on the palms. Cheaper than the Machingers, and work on the same principle.

I used garden gloves too, until I rubbed one against the wall and it left a mark the same color as the rubber on the glove. I think mine were the ultra cheap type you pick up in packs of 8... but if you use garden gloves, check to make sure the color doesn't rub off. Now I simply use machingers.

What have I used;
Gloves for grooming horses , white with spots
Gardening gloves
Bathroom gloves for washing, cheap and usually pink
Grip rolls cut into pieces to stop things moving in cars.
Carpet thin gripper roll.
Rubber tips.
Sponges from kitchen
Hoop
Nothing

What do I use usually the flat grip mats as my hands get very hot and gloves are no good.

a few drops of glycerin gives my hands enough stickiness to quilt!

I also use Machingers. I have a pair of the Fons & Porter gloves, but threads stick to them...not to the Machingers. I can trim threads without taking the gloves off.

Machingers for sure after trying all the above........Good investment......

I also use garden gloves with little rubber nubs for FMQ.

I've tried the rubber fingers that I used to use as an accountant, they work pretty good, but its a pain taking them off and back on. I also tried the garden gloves, the halo, rubber and rubber shelf liner, but my machingers are my absolute favorite hands down!

I LOVE my graberoos. Just ordered a second pair as a back up for when I lay them down and can't find them for a week or so.