I just realized that maybe I have a hint that could help machine quilters who struggle with the size of a twin quilt or larger. I put my ironing board to the left of my machine, perpendicular to my machine, and I use it to support the weight of my quilt while I am sewing.

I just finished quilting a twin sized quilt and will sew the binding on tomorrow. The ironing board is just the right height and size to help me control the quilt and gravity doesn't win.

This is probably common knowledge....but just in case it helps someone... It took me a few quilts to figure this out, but it sure makes the quilting process easier for me.

that helps me!!! thanks!!!

I tried that once and my ironing board fell over and scared me :( :(

I do that, too. Sure helps,doesn't it.

This made me giggle, hope you can laught with me... I can see the newspaper now "Local quilter rushed to hospital: was mega-focused on stitching and ironing board fell and caused hair raising alarm"

This is a great tip, will definitely try it, as any table extension helps!

I use the ironing board for the back of my sewing machine desk. My desk has a left hand fold out table top but I have nothing for the back of my machine so the ironing board does wonders. But you are right, when moving the quilt I have knocked my ironing board over and it made a big crash and scared me. Once enought to sew my finger to the quilt (not a pretty sight). LOL

I have a stool from my grandmother that I use to support a heavy quilt. It makes me smile, too, to make use of the stool.

Good tip! Never thought of using it :) mine has adjustable heights so it might come in handy! Thanks!

I do that, too. And in addition, I place a smallish swivelling chair kind of diagonally to my left side under the quilt. This helps me to turn the quilt as needed and the ironing board keeps it from hanging down to the floor.The chair has rollers so I can move the quilt easily.

This is one of those tips that you think..."Now why didn't I think of that?" I have been using a rolling stool (which of course rolls!) and didn't even think of the handy dandy adjustable ironing board. Perfect! Thanks!

I've also used a tv tray or a card table to hold the weight of my quilts!

I haven't had the ironing board fall over as I quilt, and now I realize why. My ironing board is hugging a wall along its length, as my sewing room is small and there is a wall about three feet to my left. If I didn't have that wall there, I guess I would just be careful not to know it over...or try to be careful. I don't always do well with remembering to be careful. :)

I used to do that but as I was making more quilts I wanted something sturdier. So I bought 2 Lifetime tables 4ft x 2ft that adjust to 3 different heights. I already had 2 of the Lifetime approx 2ft x 18" tables that also adjust to 3 different heights for using when traveling with my machine and all or when having someone over for a sew-in.

I got them all on sale. They fold up nicely when not in use and don't take up that much room.

ali

What a great tip!! I had to move my sewing machine to the dining room table and have my DH and Mom help me support it. This would make it so much easier.

I also use the ironing board when I make the sandwich coz my table isn't big enough. The board holds the overflow while I pin the front part.

Also, if you use/cover it with an inexpensive vinyl tablecloth it allows for the quilt to move freely for quilting.
K

good idea .. thanks