jillmc

I watched a video this morning from Amanda Murphy and she was using a large ring to grip her fabric while machine quilting. It appeared to be a Martelli product, and kind of pricey-I am not a gadget person, but it looks helpful. Any thoughts? I see less expensive versions online, but reviews are all over the place!
Thanks for sharing your experiences!

Still Sew N

I made the plunge to purchase the Martelli rings years ago. I absolutely love them. I do. I also changed out the knobs (which they offer) for ergonomic reasons. I use both small and large for the projects I'm working on. They really do "grip" the fabric and all I use is spray baste, no pins. I tried a similar product (priced much less) and it was worthless. I used the large ring so much that the gripper material was starting to come loose. One email to Martelli and I was able to return the ring, it was repaired - no charge and returned to me. The alternative of wearing gloves didn't work out well for me. The minute you need to do anything else but quilt, you must take off the gloves. I just found that annoying! It is easy to slip the ring around the needle and also easy to use. This was a huge investment but it made sense to me and I'm not sorry for that purchase at all. They are seriously my go-to and would not consider using any other method for quilting. I'm not sure why we don't hear more about them. I have a sit down quilting machine and since I quilt a lot, these rings have really been used. I free motion quilt and avoid marking at all costs! I just can't say enough good about these rings.

Tartan

I have tried a different ring set up but didn’t like it. I make a ring shape with my Machinger gloves on and find that works well for me.

thimblebug6000

I had a different brand (can't remember name) but found because my machine bed is about 1/4" higher than the surface of my cabinet, they "rocked" too much and it wasn't a fun learning curve. I also didn't like having to stop every time the ring got close to the needle. It's like with all gadgets, they work great for some and not so great for others. It would be great if you could try them out before purchasing.

donna13350

I don't like mine at all ! I find it limits me as far as having a very small area to quilt in..you have to keep stopping and moving the ring..I found them to be a pain..also, between the knobs and your hands, there's just too little room..I like to be more up close with my fabric, I just didn't care for them

Jingle

I am not sure what those rings or how they are used.

My method of using large safety pins to sandwich, wearing gloves and stopping often, taking off the gloves to remove pins when doing the first row of quilting is not a big deal for me. I have quilted lots and lots of quilts and came up with what works for me.

Do what works for you and you will be happier.

loisf

I bought the Martelli rings when I bought my Tiara sit-down quilter five years ago. I have never used them, and they were pricey - about $100. I never do small patterns in my FMQ. Maybe if I do someday, they will be helpful.

jillmc

Thank you for the replies...think I will pass on these for now. Money saved for more fabric, right? Haha

cashs_mom

I didn't like the ones I bought etiher. I much prefer using my hands and my machinger gloves.

Sharon5012

I am not crazy about gloves, so I use the Martelli palm paddles.