Wooo. 50.00, is a lot. I have not done FMQ because of joint pain I use gloves and it helps move the fabric. I got gloves on Ebay for about 4.00 with shipping. I like the garden gloves better than the quilting gloves, they fit higher up on the wrist.

If you buy a darning foot try and get one that is clear.

I have never used silicon spray. Is it worth it?

I agree with the others about not buying the package. My quilting gloves are much more comfortable for me than the gardening gloves I tried first. My quilting gloves "breathe" and feel much more natural.

It is really helpful to have a large flat surface around your sewing machine. Here is a link to a Youtube video that shows how to create one inexpensively:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g14go...os=Zwy7QnaKgpI

Ok, let's do the math, machingers are usually around $8., bobbin genies are $10, so this would make the silicone slide $32. If you get a heavy piece of vinyl it will work as good or better than the silicone slide. I love my machingers, don't use the bobbin genies (my Juki quilter doesn't have a drop-in bobbins. I made a cheap 4'x 4' table for my quilting machine, used foam insulation boards to bring it up the the bed level of my machine, they were already cut to 2' x 4' pieces and were about $20 at Home Depot and covered the entire top with the heavy vinyl from walmart and it was less than $10. The silicone slides that I have seen are pretty small. I'm thinking if you got a 1/4 yard of the vinyl it would probably make 2 or 3 of the silicone slides and would only be about $2.00. So, I suggest you buy the machingers, use the rest of the money to make a good quilting table. Also, you will want to set higher at your machine than for regular sewing. Good luck you will love FM quilting (my favorite part).

I would actually say that none of that is "essential". I free motion quilted for a year or so without even gloves. Now I have a pair of gloves I found in the kitchen aisle, cloth with some foam plastic coating on the palms and fingers, and they do help. But I still don't have any of the other stuff. However, I have only done FMQ on smaller quilts - wallhanging and crib size. They're pretty easily manuevered. So the larger the quilt, the more the other things might help.

I didn't read all the responses but the only thing you need (I teach machine quilting) is walking foot, darning foot or free motion foot. Now when you go to get the free motion foot be sure and get the one specific for your machine and look at the various ones the store has. There are different types of free motion feet.
Then instead of gloves you can cut off the tips from rubber gloves like you use in washing dishes. I use "Tacky Fingers" - the stuff they use at the bank to count money. If I have a large quilt I use glycerine like hand lotion. This gives grip all over the hand.

What I'm saying here is that the only two essential items you need other than the sewing machine is walking foot and free motion foot, and something to add grip to your fingers. After you get to some comfort level then you can start adding the other gadgets that folks say are helpful.

Last note about free motion foot. Be sure and look at the various options. I have a Bernina Machine and use the open toe embroidery foot as I can see the needle. There are other types. Try them out and get the one that is comfortable for you.

I, too, free motion quilted for years without anything but a free motion foot. On large quilts, however, I did get tired dealing with all that weight. I then decided to use the gardening gloves and that worked so much better! The problem, though, is having to put them on and take them off repeatedly. I tried cutting the tips of household gloves and that worked, too, but I still had the problem of having to take them off and put them back on constantly.

I have now finally hit on something that works for me. I do work at a large table with an additional folding table butted up against it on my left side to hold the weight. I did invest in a Supreme Slider and absolutely love it. And I then cut a piece of rubber matting 5 x 6", that I use in my left hand to grip the quilt. (I usually hold my right hand under the quilt, so don't really need anything there). I can then let go of the piece of matting at any point and when I need to continue quilting I just pick it up again.

I paid $1.80 for a 12" x 59" piece. I don't see a brand name on the package - just says "Clean Living" and the suggested uses are for all purpose kitchen, bathroom, etc. I also cut a piece of this to slip under the machine pedal to keep it from sliding all over the place.

Thot I was the only one who used gardening gloves. One day when I couldn't find them, I put on a pair of surgical gloves that I keep for gardening. (Use them under my GG to keep dirt from under my fingernails which I can never get out) They worked just fine and they're cheap. Also, because they are tight fitting, I get a better "feel" for what I'm doing.

I have used the bobbin genies, too, and they are nice to keep your bobbin from 'recoiling' and getting tangled, but I have a Pfaff that has the empty bobbin sensor, and the genie blocks the sensor from 'seeing' the empty bobbin, so if your machine does that as well, just keep an eye on your stitching when your bobbin is getting low!

I have found some gloves, they are light weight, work great, are not hot, and almost free. They are the little gloves you use in your bath and can get them at dollar tree. Works great.

Rita

Dollar stores have some bath gloves, 1 pair for $1.00 they work.