Ladyjanedoe

I think what they are trying to express is that you should "puddle" the areas you are working on. I strongly suggest you check out Leah Day's videos on her site and on Youtube. She is a maestro at free motion quilting using a domestic machine . Follow the link and scroll down.

http://www.daystyledesigns.com/articles.htm

craftyone27

All the advice here is great - I would add one thing. Are you using gloves with the little nubs on them? I notice a big difference in my neck and shoulder strain - much less - when I use these. They are relatively inexpensive - can get Fons and Porters brand at JoAnn's - I have heard others recommend the Machingers brand. Try them - i think you will find they are a big help!

nativetexan

i'd rather bunch it too but still get sore neck and shoulder muscles. take it slow and move it often.

luckylindy333

Another thing that might help are some of the quilting gloves- I have not gotten any yet, but am getting ready to try FMQ on a bigger scale this Saturday. I think I will see if my LQS has some quilting gloves...

vivientan

I've heard about quilters raving about quilting gloves, but have not tried them yet. Not sure if my LQS stocks up on gloves, but will check them out.

bigsis63

You need to use gloves! also try to get you table and machine at the same level with a large area on the side and the back to let the quilt flow. You can either buy a expensive table to put your machine in or make one out of insulation. Google making sewing machine table out of insulation and you should find a how to. My husband made me one for about $30. Also make sure that that you hands/arms are at 90 degree angle with you table just like it should be when typing on the computer. Either raise you chair or lower you table (cut off the legs)