Who uses gloves, such as Machingers, when doing FMQ? I am a very mediocre free motion quilter, but am determined to get much better at it. The author of the book I bought, "Free Motion Quilting Made Easy", highly recommends quilting gloves and her favorites are Machingers. I've looked on line and they are sold anywhere from $7.60 to over $15.00. Also, lots of good reviews on line from folks who use them. I can get a pair from Joann's on-line (don't know about in-store yet - haven't looked) but I find their on-line S&H cost prohibitive AND they add on local sales tax. It really irritates me to have to pay both S&H and sales tax. I'd like to hear from those of you who use the gloves (Machingers or other) ... praise them or not so much???? And if not gloves, do you use something else instead to help grip the fabric? Thanks!

Hi Weezie,
I use quilting gloves - a different brand - they have grippy dots all over them and I find them great. You don't have to grip the quilt just place your hands on it. You don't get the shoulder pain because you are not gripping the quilt constantly.

Before the DH bought me the quilting gloves, I used the cheap cotton knit garden gloves that had been dipped in latex. I would say they worked as well as the expensive quilting gloves. As Deecee said - all you need to do is rest your hands on the fabric and slide.

I use Machingers. My quilting improved when I started using them. They're not that expensive, and they're lightweight and not too warm. After their 25% discount they cost $6.15. I don't know how much shipping would be.

I use a a pair of gloves that I got at walmart one winter. they have little rubbery dots on the palms. I think I paid 1.00 for two pair of them! from time to time I have to use a baby wipe to wipe over the bumps because they get like a lent roller and they don't want to "stick" any more. Once I wipe them off they are good to go again. I can handle that for a buck!

I have a pair of Machingers and I love them. It makes a huge difference, especially if you're doing a larger quilt. There are quite a few people on here who use the garden gloves with the little dots like justwannaquilt does. And since it's getting to the end of gardening season, you just might be able to pick some up on clearance really, really cheap! :lol:

I have a pair and I love them, they're brilliant. They definitely make a difference. :-)

I have used a pair of exfoiliating gloves. I was about to buy a pair of FMQ gloves when my cousin yanked me away & told me not to bother.
I have to say they do allow you to be in control of the fabric even if I have only just been practising FM. It's gonna take me ages before I get it perfect LOL.

Good Luck - Tisha :P

I'm not very good at FMQ yet but the gloves make a HUGE difference!

I have the Fons and Porters gloves that were only 2 dollars at Joanns.
Very light weight cloth on top with rubber dotted on the bottom.
Nice to use but I live in Phx AZ and any gloves are too hot so dont use them.
I have the steering wheel and the slider and dont use them either.
The only thing I found that is a must for FMQ is a flush surface sewing machine with lots of counter space to the left of the machine. This works very well.