I have done a table runner and am now working on a baby quilt that I am free motion quilting on my regular sewing machine. I was wondering if there is something you can use to make the piece move easier under the machine. My shoulders and upper arms are getting really tired from moving the quilt through the machine. Sometimes it moves in spurts as well, so then of course the stitches are uneven and don't look so good. I don't know if this topic has been discussed here before, but I couldn't find anything on it, so would like any feedback that I can get.

There is some kind of silicone sheet you can buy to put on the bed of your machine. It has a tiny hole to let your needle go through. I can't remember what is is called. I think it is around $25 maybe?

Have you tried quilting gloves? I have and they seem to help me. I am very new to machine quilting.

Edited to add:

I found it. It is called SewSlip. Here is a linkhttp://www.sewslip.com/tipsandmore.php

I use garden gloves with the palms dotted with rubbery dots or solid ruberry substance. It helps grip the fabric and moves it right along. I could not do quilting or stippling without those gloves.

Thanks so much. That looks like what I would need. I do use quilting gloves and it does make it much easier, but still not easy enough.

The silicone sheet will help you a lot, but please make sure that your chari is the right height for you and that you sew only when you are relaxed. If you tense up your shoulders will pay the price. Also, don't forget to breathe. When your stitches are not coming out right one tends to hold your breath. Relax, breath and be aware that you are enjoying it.

Maria

I find that standing up while quilting helps a lot. My cutting table is just the right height, so I place my sewing machine on that. Standing up seems to keep my shoulders relaxed.

There is a Youtube video on how to create a quilting table around your sewing machine (I intend to do this soon):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g14govA4pIM

This also helps with moving your quilt around, whether sitting or standing up to quilt.

I use the rubber fingers rather than the glove

Just put them on your thumb, pointer and middle finger of

each hand. The gloves are too hot!

I do the same type of free motion quilting as you and many of us that do that type of quilting have the same issues. Can anyone report on the effectiveness of the Husquavarna with the Fab-U-Motion attachment? My understanding is that it makes free motion quilting much more manageable. In the mean time, I use the gloves, put pillows on my chair so I am up high and hover over my machine, drink a glass of wine, and live with my often imperfect results!

Hi,

I just bought the Supreme Slider, but haven't had a chance to use it yet. I learned about it from Leah Day at Daystyledesigns.com

http://www.daystyledesigns.com/supremeslider.htm

She has a video to show you how to use it. I did see it cheaper at create4less.com, tho. Can't hurt to check around.

Good luck to you!

I'm pretty sure that has gotten panned in previous threads. Try doing a search, or post the question separately to get more responses.

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

go to your sewing store & ask if they have Fab-U -Motion or go to Fab-U Motion.com

I tried several types of gloves, but Machingers are the
best ! breathable, thin. look ahead of your needle--you
don't drive your car looking at the hood ornament (needle).
tapine saran wrap to your surface works also.

The silicone sheet is very expensive for what it is,and mine tore. I use a spray silicone on my machine bed and a good pair of quilters gloves.Spray your machine bed and wippe off the extra; It will not harm your quilt.