Hi, I'm relatively new to quilting and the forum. So far I've only made a couple of baby size quilts. My biggest problem is the free motion quilting. I sew on a Janome DC 2010 and the throat is only 5.5" or so. I've been reading on this forum and other places on the internet that most people seem to roll up or crumple up their quilts in order to fit them into the throat. Even though I'm working with small quilts, I find it really uncomfortable, it seems like my right arm and hand always have to make an effort to go around that bulk and get a good grip on the right side of my work. A friend of mine gave me her Flynn frame to try out. I didn't like that thing, but it gave me an idea. When free motion, why not turn the machine 90 degree so that the throat is behind the needle (just like you do using that frame)? I've just tried it out and it works so much better for me! Seems like the only rolled up part will always be behind the needle towards the throat, the sides will always be free! Does anyone quilt like this or can think of a reason not to get into the habit of doing this?

Would appreciate your input. Thanks!

If it works for you, do it! Having quilted a large queen size on my trusty, old Bernina I really appreciate anything that makes it easier. I have found though that using bicycle clips does not work if they are the type covered in rubber. The rubber sticks to the bed of your machine and table top, making a difficult job even harder.

Another tip, instead of crumpling your quilt up to fit in the throat of your machine, roll it up. It makes it more compact and easier to go through the limited space.

That's an interesting idea.
Thanks!

Sounds like something worth trying to me. I have a Flynn frame but I have never used it, what about didn't you care for?

very interesting, please let us know how you come out

Because most of the frame is between you and your work, you are farther away from the needle, which makes it more difficult for me to see exactly what I'm doing. Maybe that's my eyes and not the frame? Another thing that bothered me was that you cannot just turn your work around to see how the bottom looks, you would have to cut your thread and take the frame out in order to do that. My friend loves it, it just isn't for me. Or maybe I should try a couple more times. But for now I'll see how far the other method gets me.

nope, no reason to not do it. Also spend $6 and get some machine quilting gloves. Believvvveeee me they are worth $1000.

Ain't that the truth?

I have heard of people doing that and loving it. If it works for you go right ahead. No quilting police here.

I saw a you-tube video of a lady that turns the machine 90 degrees to quilt. I keep meaning to try it but forget. I agree -- you just need to try different things and find what works for you :)

I got a Flynn Frame awhile back -- It definitely helped me get started in free motion quilting but I quickly found the quilting area to be too restrictive. It helped me realize that many of my quilting problems were related to basting. I've finally made the just to FMQ without it.

I'll have to try out the gloves. I know people who love the Quilting Halo -- I personally didn't like it. I do use the FreeMotionSlider tho and like it.