How to manage a large quilt while trying to sew on the binding
 

I feel like I am fighting with my quilt as I try to sew on the binding. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to corral large quilts/

Thanks

some members have said that they put an ironing board next to the sewing machine to hold the weight.

I only make throw size quilts. I also use a table next to my machine, but found using a rubber glove on my left hand really helps too.

Thanks for the suggestion.

I would do it the same way that I quilt a large quilt. I put a table to the side. If I had space, I 'd also put one behind my machine.

Last year when Mom was sewing the binding on a large quilt, she enlisted me and a friend to help with the weight. First she pulled her sewing machine away from the wall, so there was room for me on a chair behind it. Then she added a folding table on one side, and her friend was stationed there. It took us quite awhile with one coffee and cookie break half way through, but the job was so much easier.

Dayle

What fun! Not having such dedicated family and friends I use the back extension on my sewing cabinet and those quilter's gloves with the little gripper dots. I also do small sections, making sure all material in that section is free before moving to the next section.

You might try moving your machine to your dinning room table.

Use my dining room table to support the weight of the quilt

I also use my ironing board to the left of the machine....it gives me the necessary and temporary space to hold it up without pulling.....once I get one side done and around the corner, I get up and totally re-arrange the quilt so the sewing side is completely free and easy to manage.....I've completed several king sized quilts, from the piecing to the fmq on my Janome 6600, so it can be done (maybe not as good as LA, but done).

I also always use an ironing board next to my sewing machine and it will work for you.

I have a pretty good size cutting table I put my machine on that and still have to man handle a large quilt to get the binding sewn on, I think it comes with the territory of large quilts. Gives you muscles too.

Add all the tables you can find. I like the idea of setting up on the dining room table but one would have to have a portable machine.

Here's a GREAT idea (I think I first learned about it from this forum) for 'taking the weight off.'

http://pieceocake.typepad.com/piece-...-quilting.html

My sewing room is in the attic with cathedral ceilings. It's too small and cramped for the extra table/s approach and the sloped ceilings prevent me from using the quilt cradle method of suspending quilts. But quilters can be very creative and on her blog Becky Goldsmith suggests an alternative to the quilt cradle that works on any ceiling type. Check it out. Have been doing only baby quilts lately, but I hope DH will install this set up for the next larger-sized project I start.

I am lucky that I have a sewing machine that is not in a cabinet so I can take it to my church fellowship hall. I put as many of the tables together as needed. I also live a few minutes from my church as well. I like everyones idea of extra tables and /or ironing boards. Teresa

The ironing board next to my machine, at a 90 degree angle works well for me. (Yes, I know this is not news to you, just wanted to let you know one more person that it works for. :) )

Dina

tables all around you is the easy way to do it i have acouple folding tables that i use and then fold them up and store them when not using these, they are great for doing FMQ also