ragquilter

I can't find a way to do FMQ because of my shoulder issues. I can't fully extend my arms, my triceps are sore and my knuckles swell making it hard to hold on to things. I don't think I could use a LA due to these issues either. I usually make rag quilts. I would like to make some QAYG but I don't really like the bumps in the seams. I'm sure a lot of people on the board have these and worse issues, so I thought there might be some good tips and suggestions.

ktbb

do your knuckles swell with hands in any position, or just when you do a lot of bending and grabbing? with good quilters gloves or "fingers" you don't have to "grab" the fabric, but can leave your hands relatively flat while moving the fabric.

Would having a table for your machine that allows you to stand and have arms a little lower help?

cynicalbeauty

I also have mobility issues. (I have CP) and have only done rag quilts and handtied quilts on my own because of these same issues. I send out all the quilts that I need to machine quilt. I have been wanting ti try machine quilting but cannot figure it out. Let me know if you come up with something!

charsuewilson

First and foremost is to have a correct ergonomic setup. Have your table/machine and chair at the correct height for you. I think the quilters gloves are a good suggestion, and not too expensive to try. I have the thing that looks like a horseshoe to push the quilt around and it doesn't work too well (there's no marking on it so I don't know the brand). I have the gloves somewhere but haven't tried them yet. I can't think of a way to get around the bumps in the fabriic for QAYG, other than having bigger blocks so you don't have as many.

mckwilter

Sharon Schamber developed the Quilt Halo because she has a problem with hand tremors. This might help you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpmMYIDCrZw

AliKat

I agree with charsuewilson the height of your machine must work for you. You might even do better standing? oo with a lower or higher table with the machine on it while you sit. This is something you need to do for your needs.

I bought a Fabulous Fabirc guide to use with FMQ. It literally needs no pressure to help with the fabric when FMQ'ing. I had a most difficult time using the halo from SS.

Right now I have shoulder, elbow, and hand issues. I have my cutting station at the correct height for me. I have a rotary cutter that is the right weight and size for me. Though I can only cut up to 2 layers of fabric at a time, I can still cut. I do use my Alto's Quilt Cut2 an awful lot as it is easier for me to use than using rulers on the rotary mat.

I also have a HQ16 but equipped it with the ProStitcher so the computer does the work. I love it. Right now FMQ on the HQ is not possible. Darn.

ManiacQuilter2

With the loss of my motor skills, I actually do very little quilting now a days. Most of what I am able to quilt are straight line like stitching thru a 9 patch. My motto is KISS, Keep It Simple St***d and if you know the saying, you know what the last word is. Keep trying your best but please don't agitate and increase your pain. I mostly do charity tops and someone else in the church quilts them.

Viquilt

I would look into hand piecing and quilting. There is not as much pulling and streathing. Vi

ragquilter

I had not thought about standing, I think I will give that a try. My arms feel better the lower they are but my joints swell at random and my shoulder(s) lock up at random as well.

ragquilter

I will try the QAYG in strips, then there would not be the thick seams where 4 blocks meet. I made a rag quilt in strips but I never thought to do a QAYG that way. Thanks.