JNCT14

Hey so I thought I would share an FMQ tip - my hands really hurt after a couple of hours of FMQ from grabbing the fabric to keep it tight (I quilt on midarm machine). I was going to buy a pair of Grabaroos since I thought those would allow me to lay my hands flat on the area I was FMQing rather than grabbing the fabric. I was smart though - I read some of the opinions on the forum, and since I hate gimmicky gadets, I took some advice and started with a pair of $1.99 gardening gloves with the little grippers that I bought at Walmart. First thing I did was to cut off the fingertips so I could pick up pins, thread needles, etc. Then I found that the little grippers did not hold the fabric the way I thought they would. I figured the gloves were not going to work, but then I had an idea - I sprayed the palm and fingers of each glove with spray glue and let them dry for several hours. Voila! I got just the right amount of tackiness and the gloves work GREAT. I may still buy Grabaroos, but for now these really help - my FMQ is much smoother and my hands don't hurt!!

JoanneS

Try using dry erase sponges - even better than gloves, and you don't have to remove anything to use scissors tc.

QuiltnNan

thanks for the great tip

Nammie to 7

I like the handles that can be purchased at any quilt shop. No tired hands!

dunster

I like Machingers for quilting on a DSM. They're more comfortable for me than gardening gloves, fit more closely but don't make my hands too warm. They're only $7.99 at JoAnn's, and half that with a coupon. We all wind up with different solutions, so whatever works.

Tartan

​I also love my Machingers gloves. They have great traction on the quilt and the open weave keeps my hands from sweating. I have tried garden gloves and the fingertips off rubber gloves but Machingers work best for me.

GEMRM

I love my machingers too - I use one on my left hand when I piece, helps with lining up fabric pieces. Use both when I FMQ.

deedum

I do agree the machingers are wonderful, garden gloves work ok, I like to buy this smaller so they fit snuggly. My favorite is Fons and Porter gloves! Those are the best ever!!

Aria

I bought several pair of "one size fits all" gloves at the dollar store. They have those grips on the palms. Cheaper than the Machingers, and work on the same principle.

Christine-

I used garden gloves too, until I rubbed one against the wall and it left a mark the same color as the rubber on the glove. I think mine were the ultra cheap type you pick up in packs of 8... but if you use garden gloves, check to make sure the color doesn't rub off. Now I simply use machingers.