This may sound strange, but I get better results when I leave the feed dogs up while using the free motion food. Seems to be less jumpy and I can go slower without making such ugly stitching!

Also for any Janome 6500 users out there, I recently bought a bobbin case for my machine for free motion quilting and it works like a dream! No more tension issues.

Someone mentioned fairly recently that Johnson Paste Wax works very well also. I'm going to try it today.

I love my quilting gloves. They made a world of difference in my free motion quilting.

Thanks for the message, I will try searching for that subject!

I have a clear plastic extension table for my machine, and use one of silicone slip sheets with it and the rubber finger tips. I agree, the gloves are too hot and too difficult to try to grab the threads with the left hand when pulling up bobbin thread to the top. The rubber fingers are easy on and easy off, and grip very well.

Yes.....table height, feet flat, support for your back and arms at 90 degrees are very important for any FMQ. Remember, it's supposed to be fun. Put some good music on, and breathe.....and have a blast!

I tape the plastic bag I get from the fabric store to the area and also use gloves with the dotted palms ($1 from the dollar store).

I tape the plastic bag I get from the fabric store to the area and also use gloves with the dotted palms ($1 from the dollar store).

I don’t quilt with both hands on top of the quilt sandwich.
You can see pictures on my blog
http://cadouri-din-inima.blogspot.co...ting-tips.html
Geta

I can't recommend the Slider enough-it is wonderful!!!! I bought one several years ago after never being able to free motion. Somehow it helped my brain & hands work together. I used it until it wore out & then discovered I could free motion without it.
Now I just about free motion everything & love it, my favorite part of quilting.

Yes, there is a tool to help you. It's available at the quilt shops. It's a piece of vinyl, with a rectulangular area cut out for the presser foot and feed dogs to work through. You tape it to the sewing machine and then place your materila on top. It really does help.

My neighbor's solution was to take a cover from the presentation folders you can buy anywhere. She cut her own opening, taped it to the machine, and away she went.

The first solution = $22.00.

The second solution = pennies.

Good luck.

Emjay