newbee3

I bought a teflon liner for the oven at walmart for $5 and that seems to help also. Give it a try

collady

I have one for both the machined I quilt upon. I have learned that it needs to be taped to the flat surface so that it won't slide. I had neck and shoulder problems before, but I don't have then now when I quilt because I don't seem to have to fight the quilt as much.

BellaBoo

The wax or silicone spray will break down plastic over time. I wouldn't put it on my ext table for the long term.

MattieMae

This is clever! My quilts also get hung up as the move from the Sew Steady extension table down to the tabletop. I’ll give it a try. I like Weezie’s setup, but my Pfaff has a vertical bobbin so I’d be moving the foam a lot.

Suzy

Sewnoma

I get clear vinyl from Wal-Mart and put it over my machine and part of a table so the quilt can slide right along. i make just a small hole for the needle to come through and then use shipping tape to keep the vinyl in place. T
he vinyl is very affordable and is quite wide so when one gets too tacky looking just take it off and replace with a new piece. It comes in different thicknesses, most will work. Hope you try this and good luck.

Suzy

quiltmom04

I never had luck with the Teflon slider either, but if your shoulders hurt, make sure your machine is at the correct height. Sometimes, with a machine sitting on a table rather than in a cabinet will be too high. Your elbows should ideally bend at a 90 degree angle, and lay flat on the quilting surface. You shouldnt have to hold your arms UP
to reach the quilting surface. I KNOW mine is too high , so I know why my shoulders hurt!

anita211

My SO brought home a huge sheet of teflon that is used where he works. I cut the hole out, and it does stick down with carpet tape. I like it. I use it with a weighted ring so the thing slides like it should. I wasn't going to spend what they wanted for a manufactured one. And now I don't have to.

maggie_1936

i thought the slider was a pain in the neck.

Sewnoma

Wow, thanks for all the info & feedback! You guys are awesome.

I like the rubber stopper idea, I think I'll try that (I have some cork chunks laying around that I think I can use) - although I have an extension table so I'll have to see how that works out. I also have a lot of parchment paper and vinyl on hand so I'll try those too! Might as well try all the 'free' options first!! I like the idea of sort of "tenting" the machine base so there aren't any corners for anything to catch on - I do tend to get hooked up on the edge of my extension table so even aside from the "slip" issue that will probably make my life a little easier.

I did make sure to set up my machine at the right height, I work at a computer all day too so I'm very "keen" on ergonomics and fully appreciate things like having a proper chair, good arm position, foot support, etc. I built a custom desk and set myself up pretty well in that department. I can piece for hours and feel fine, it's quilting specifically that gets to me.

Partially I think I might be clenching up because the quilting step makes me a little nervous (it's so visible!), but I think it's also just from the non-stop pushing of a heavy quilt around. I don't have enough space for a large table to spread out on so my quit ends up pretty bunched up and heavy-feeling. Gloves helped so I don't have to grab fitstfulls of fabric anymore but I still really feel it in my neck/shoulders because I have to push down and forward to keep up with the needle.

Maybe I just need to take breaks more. But that's no fun!

Maire

I say yes, yes, yes, yes. I struggled for years trying to free motion, just couldn't get it, always looked horrible. Then I saw the slider at a quilt show, bought it & boom, all of a sudden free motion clicked in. It was a tool that made it possible. I used that slider til I actually wore it out (after a couple of years), caught it under the needle a few too many times. I was going to get another one then realized I no longer needed it, my hands, brain, movement finally worked to gether for free motion-and easily, no shoulder or hand pain, just easy movement. Go for it, well worth it.
Maire