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Supreme Slider question
I see on Craftsy where they recommend a "Supreme Slider" for free motion quilting. I went to "Nancy's Notions" to see what it is and the cost is about $33.00. Does anyone here use it? Tell me about it please! Is it really worth the money? Is there a way to substitute something cheaper.
When I lower my feed dogs my quilt smashes and will barely move.(even with no pressure on the foot.) I leave them up and of course lower the pressure one the foot as far as my machine lets me. This is pretty satisfactory for free motion quilting, but I would rather use the slider. (maybe.) |
Try using the search function in the upper right corner. I just did and there are lots of recent discussions on this topic. I have one. It didn't find it all that helpful. Others love them.
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I have the Supreme Slider. It makes a difference to me how the quilt glides on my table as it has less friction. I don't tape it down, it sticks fine. If it becomes not sticky enough a quick rinse under running water will restore it. I think $33 is a good price. I paid much more then that for mine and it has lasted me over 10 years and still works like new.
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I used sew slip It is bigger than the queen slider and I believe I paid about 20 bucks for it about 8 years ago not sure what it goes for now. I now use my true glide overlay by babylock that came with my stitch regulator
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I have one & I really like it, but from what you've written I really don't think it would solve your problem. Sliders make the surface smoother to move the quilt on (and yes, there are cheaper alternatives), but they won't change the amount of pressure from the foot or the quilt getting "smashed" through the needle plate.
Instead of a slider, here's what I'd try first (if you haven't already): - Stitch length is "0" - Single hole needle plate is installed (this will keep fabric from getting smashed down through the hole -- it is absolutely essential; you can buy it 3rd party for most machines) - Top tension generally is pretty loose (usually somewhere between 1-3, depending on machine) - Reverse pattern foot is installed (that's your basic presser foot to sew everything) - If you're using a high loft poly or Warm & Plush cotton batting, maybe try a low-medium loft batting instead and see how that goes (Warm & Natural, Poly-Fil, Hobb's wool, any Quilter's Dream batts) - There are a few methods for moving the quilt to FMQ. You could try just barely touching it with your fingertips to move it around, in which case I'd recommend Machinger's gloves or something similar with grippy tips; you can move hands a bit away from the needle & grab a fistful of fabric like it's a steering wheel to pull it different directions (typically, fabric is grabbed from underside); you could try one of those hoops or Bat Scooters where your hands are raised. Your forearms should be brushing the tabletop, parallel to the floor. Sometimes slowing down the machine speed helps to get into a smooth, relaxing rhythm. If you were saying that your stitches weren't even, I'd suggest a Slider. If you were saying that your muscles are sore from moving the quilt, I'd have ergonomic suggestions for you (sink machine in table, body mechanics, suspension system). But as I understand it, it sounds more like an issue with your machine (either different set-up is needed, or perhaps it needs maintenance/adjusting). I work with high loft batting (Warm & Plush) plus I have layers of needle turn applique that I quilt through. I do need to lower the pressure on my presser foot because of the high loft batting & extra layer(s) of fabric, but the only difference between FMQ with Slider & FMQ without Slider is that my stitches are more uniform in size with the Slider because the friction is reduced. I can definitely move my quilt around without issue whether I'm using a Slider or not. If none of these suggestions work, you could try a Teflon baking sheet & cut your own hole in it -- but again, it really doesn't sound like it'd solve your problem. If you do use the Slider, it will cover your feed dogs, so you would want to put them down. |
Originally Posted by Bree123
(Post 7599029)
I have one & I really like it, but from what you've written I really don't think it would solve your problem. Sliders make the surface smoother to move the quilt on (and yes, there are cheaper alternatives), but they won't change the amount of pressure from the foot or the quilt getting "smashed" through the needle plate.
Instead of a slider, here's what I'd try first (if you haven't already): - Stitch length is "0" - Single hole needle plate is installed (this will keep fabric from getting smashed down through the hole -- it is absolutely essential; you can buy it 3rd party for most machines) - Top tension generally is pretty loose (usually somewhere between 1-3, depending on machine) - Reverse pattern foot is installed (that's your basic presser foot to sew everything) - If you're using a high loft poly or Warm & Plush cotton batting, maybe try a low-medium loft batting instead and see how that goes (Warm & Natural, Poly-Fil, Hobb's wool, any Quilter's Dream batts) - There are a few methods for moving the quilt to FMQ. You could try just barely touching it with your fingertips to move it around, in which case I'd recommend Machinger's gloves or something similar with grippy tips; you can move hands a bit away from the needle & grab a fistful of fabric like it's a steering wheel to pull it different directions (typically, fabric is grabbed from underside); you could try one of those hoops or Bat Scooters where your hands are raised. Your forearms should be brushing the tabletop, parallel to the floor. Sometimes slowing down the machine speed helps to get into a smooth, relaxing rhythm. If you were saying that your stitches weren't even, I'd suggest a Slider. If you were saying that your muscles are sore from moving the quilt, I'd have ergonomic suggestions for you (sink machine in table, body mechanics, suspension system). But as I understand it, it sounds more like an issue with your machine (either different set-up is needed, or perhaps it needs maintenance/adjusting). I work with high loft batting (Warm & Plush) plus I have layers of needle turn applique that I quilt through. I do need to lower the pressure on my presser foot because of the high loft batting & extra layer(s) of fabric, but the only difference between FMQ with Slider & FMQ without Slider is that my stitches are more uniform in size with the Slider because the friction is reduced. I can definitely move my quilt around without issue whether I'm using a Slider or not. If none of these suggestions work, you could try a Teflon baking sheet & cut your own hole in it -- but again, it really doesn't sound like it'd solve your problem. If you do use the Slider, it will cover your feed dogs, so you would want to put them down. |
I have the Queen Supreme Slider and wouldn't be without it. I've had the Sew Slip also, but like the S Slider. Even though I rinse the lint off the back of my S Slider, I find it doesn't seem to stick as well as when it was new. I tape edges and corners down with masking tape to ensure it stays in place and I don't sew the thing to the back of a quilt ... lol
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This was just posted on the 6th of this month:
http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...r-t280228.html I have quilted on my Bernina since the late 90s and didn't need anything but good support for the quilt. |
Leaving the presser foot in the up position means the upper tension discs are not engaged so there is no tension on the upper thread. I am surprised you can sew that way without getting thread jams. Sounds to me like there is some problem with your machine.
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Forgive me if I'm being silly but sometimes the silly is the correct answer. Are you using a darning or free motion foot on your machine? If you use the normal presser foot the quilt will be difficult to move. Unless you want to do straight lines and then a walking foot is a good idea.
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Originally Posted by Bree123
(Post 7599029)
- Reverse pattern foot is installed (that's your basic presser foot to sew everything)
Oops! So glad for the other members of this board. I completely blanked out last night. Do NOT use the reverse pattern foot for FMQ. You want to use a Darning Foot (otherwise called a FMQ foot). It will barely move if you use a reverse pattern foot on it. My apologies. |
I bought one and used it just once. Didn't care for it. It's in my sewing room somewhere collecting dust!
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Originally Posted by Stitchnripper
(Post 7598914)
Try using the search function in the upper right corner. I just did and there are lots of recent discussions on this topic. I have one. It didn't find it all that helpful. Others love them.
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You might find it helpful to go to LeahDay.com and look at her info on setting up your machine for free motion. She has lots of free information on her website and also lots of youtube videos. There are many videos of quilting motifs, but just keep looking and you'll find the basics of setting up your machine. She is very clear and easy to understand. She does recommend using the slider and I do use it. She even shows how to modify your darning foot for free motion, if you need to.
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I have a slider BUT I don't use it often. The first time I used it I sewed it to the back of my quilt - was NOT happy. So now I always tape it down before starting. Most of the time I use a heavy duty vinyl shower curtain cut to fit my machine and table top it's taped down and I use a very light dusting of baby powder (so light it doesn't get on the quilt) it seems to work the same as my slider, but it's bigger and makes the heavy quilt move much easier.
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I went to Dollar Tree and got some of the plastic cutting sheets. There are two to a pack. I cut a hole where my pressure foot landed, and painter's tape to the edges. It worked great for thread painting and was only $1 instead of $37 at the quilt fest.
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bjchad.....I was about to suggest the same thing. Sounds as if it's a wrong foot attachment problem to me.
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I think a supreme slider does make a positive difference! However, mine slipped and I sewed through it. It was a mess getting it off the back of my quilt. I really didn't want to pay a high price for another, so I ordered a Teflon oven liner from Amazon, following a suggestion from someone here. It was inexpensive, larger than the supreme slider and did the same job. Only difference is you have to use painter's tape to make it stay down on your table and cut a hole for the needle. But after sewing through my expensive slider, I would tape it down also...
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I must be doing something wrong. I tried mine on three machines and it causes nothing to move. The fabric just sits there. For me, I guess, it was a waste of money.
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I think it has a lot to do with the sewing machine bed surface. I have an acrylic insert for my Horn cabinet, and the supreme slider works very well on that surface. I would suspect that what the thing is supposed to be clinging to might determine how well it works in any given situation. I notice a substantial difference with the slider and use it whenever I do free motion.
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I bought an oven liner at Christmas Tree Shop for 5.99 and with an exacto knife cut out the square where the square metal plate is. I unscrew to oil each time I change the bobbin. I tape the edges with duct tape. Works for me
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I love my Supreme Slider. I have the larger one and don't FMQ without it. To me it has been worth every penny i paid for it. Also love my Machingers gloves. I find that not only does the quilt move easier but my shoulders don't get as tired.
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I have one and I don't like it. I followed instructions and the darn thing moved and the tore a whole in it and almost ruined a needle. I threw it away.
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Originally Posted by RosaSharon
(Post 7598908)
I see on Craftsy where they recommend a "Supreme Slider" for free motion quilting. I went to "Nancy's Notions" to see what it is and the cost is about $33.00. Does anyone here use it? Tell me about it please! Is it really worth the money? Is there a way to substitute something cheaper.
When I lower my feed dogs my quilt smashes and will barely move.(even with no pressure on the foot.) I leave them up and of course lower the pressure one the foot as far as my machine lets me. This is pretty satisfactory for free motion quilting, but I would rather use the slider. (maybe.) |
Originally Posted by Bree123
(Post 7599367)
***CORRECTION***
Oops! So glad for the other members of this board. I completely blanked out last night. Do NOT use the reverse pattern foot for FMQ. You want to use a Darning Foot (otherwise called a FMQ foot). It will barely move if you use a reverse pattern foot on it. My apologies. But I did buy an open toe FMQ foot. The one that came with the machine is acrylic and has a closed toe with lines and while it works great, it's difficult to see what I'm doing through the closed toe which, though clear, reflects the light. I could not bring myself to break it, as Leah Day suggests. So I bought another one on Amazon. The open toe foot is metal, has a large opening, and I like it much better because I can see the quilt under the needle. Cheap, too, about $7, I think, and fits my Brother 450Q just like the one that came with it. |
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