Teflon "slider" sheets - even remotely worth the price?
08-28-2012, 10:00 AM
#42
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Batesville, Arkansas
Posts: 852
I have one for both the machined I quilt upon. I have learned that it needs to be taped to the flat surface so that it won't slide. I had neck and shoulder problems before, but I don't have then now when I quilt because I don't seem to have to fight the quilt as much.
08-28-2012, 10:58 AM
#44
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 319
I bought one for free motion quilting, but found my fabric always got stuck on the edge of my extension table. The last quilt I fmq'd I moved my machine and extension table to the dining room. I bought an inexpensive flannel backed vinyl tablecloth and cut a small hole in it for my needle. I then used three large black office clamps and pulled the table cloth taut on three edges of my dining table. My quilt slid easily and never got caught. I wish I had thought of this idea sooner!
08-28-2012, 11:01 AM
#45
Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 291
Sewnoma
I get clear vinyl from Wal-Mart and put it over my machine and part of a table so the quilt can slide right along. i make just a small hole for the needle to come through and then use shipping tape to keep the vinyl in place. T
he vinyl is very affordable and is quite wide so when one gets too tacky looking just take it off and replace with a new piece. It comes in different thicknesses, most will work. Hope you try this and good luck.
Suzy
I get clear vinyl from Wal-Mart and put it over my machine and part of a table so the quilt can slide right along. i make just a small hole for the needle to come through and then use shipping tape to keep the vinyl in place. T
he vinyl is very affordable and is quite wide so when one gets too tacky looking just take it off and replace with a new piece. It comes in different thicknesses, most will work. Hope you try this and good luck.
Suzy
08-28-2012, 11:13 AM
#46
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: PA
Posts: 2,879
I never had luck with the Teflon slider either, but if your shoulders hurt, make sure your machine is at the correct height. Sometimes, with a machine sitting on a table rather than in a cabinet will be too high. Your elbows should ideally bend at a 90 degree angle, and lay flat on the quilting surface. You shouldnt have to hold your arms UP
to reach the quilting surface. I KNOW mine is too high , so I know why my shoulders hurt!
to reach the quilting surface. I KNOW mine is too high , so I know why my shoulders hurt!
08-28-2012, 11:29 AM
#47
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Northfield, MN
Posts: 339
My SO brought home a huge sheet of teflon that is used where he works. I cut the hole out, and it does stick down with carpet tape. I like it. I use it with a weighted ring so the thing slides like it should. I wasn't going to spend what they wanted for a manufactured one. And now I don't have to.
08-28-2012, 01:19 PM
#48
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: mesa, arizona
Posts: 418
I get neck & shoulder fatigue when I'm quilting, even with wearing grippy gloves, so I'm debating trying out one of those stick-on teflon slider sheets for my machine. But they're so darn expensive!!
Are they even remotely worth the price? Do they help that much? I swear it'd almost be cheaper just to get a massage after I'm done sewing for the night!
Anybody have any other tips or tricks that might help? I try to remember to relax and rotate my shoulders periodically but I tend to focus so much on what I'm sewing that I completely forget everything else. I even tried a timer but I just slap the off button and keep sewing, because it goes off at just the "wrong" time, every time! LOL
Are they even remotely worth the price? Do they help that much? I swear it'd almost be cheaper just to get a massage after I'm done sewing for the night!
Anybody have any other tips or tricks that might help? I try to remember to relax and rotate my shoulders periodically but I tend to focus so much on what I'm sewing that I completely forget everything else. I even tried a timer but I just slap the off button and keep sewing, because it goes off at just the "wrong" time, every time! LOL
08-28-2012, 02:18 PM
#49
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Sonoma County, CA
Posts: 4,299
Wow, thanks for all the info & feedback! You guys are awesome. 
I like the rubber stopper idea, I think I'll try that (I have some cork chunks laying around that I think I can use) - although I have an extension table so I'll have to see how that works out. I also have a lot of parchment paper and vinyl on hand so I'll try those too! Might as well try all the 'free' options first!! I like the idea of sort of "tenting" the machine base so there aren't any corners for anything to catch on - I do tend to get hooked up on the edge of my extension table so even aside from the "slip" issue that will probably make my life a little easier.
I did make sure to set up my machine at the right height, I work at a computer all day too so I'm very "keen" on ergonomics and fully appreciate things like having a proper chair, good arm position, foot support, etc. I built a custom desk and set myself up pretty well in that department. I can piece for hours and feel fine, it's quilting specifically that gets to me.
Partially I think I might be clenching up because the quilting step makes me a little nervous (it's so visible!), but I think it's also just from the non-stop pushing of a heavy quilt around. I don't have enough space for a large table to spread out on so my quit ends up pretty bunched up and heavy-feeling. Gloves helped so I don't have to grab fitstfulls of fabric anymore but I still really feel it in my neck/shoulders because I have to push down and forward to keep up with the needle.
Maybe I just need to take breaks more. But that's no fun!
I like the rubber stopper idea, I think I'll try that (I have some cork chunks laying around that I think I can use) - although I have an extension table so I'll have to see how that works out. I also have a lot of parchment paper and vinyl on hand so I'll try those too! Might as well try all the 'free' options first!! I like the idea of sort of "tenting" the machine base so there aren't any corners for anything to catch on - I do tend to get hooked up on the edge of my extension table so even aside from the "slip" issue that will probably make my life a little easier.
I did make sure to set up my machine at the right height, I work at a computer all day too so I'm very "keen" on ergonomics and fully appreciate things like having a proper chair, good arm position, foot support, etc. I built a custom desk and set myself up pretty well in that department. I can piece for hours and feel fine, it's quilting specifically that gets to me.
Partially I think I might be clenching up because the quilting step makes me a little nervous (it's so visible!), but I think it's also just from the non-stop pushing of a heavy quilt around. I don't have enough space for a large table to spread out on so my quit ends up pretty bunched up and heavy-feeling. Gloves helped so I don't have to grab fitstfulls of fabric anymore but I still really feel it in my neck/shoulders because I have to push down and forward to keep up with the needle.
Maybe I just need to take breaks more. But that's no fun!
08-28-2012, 06:35 PM
#50
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 619
I say yes, yes, yes, yes. I struggled for years trying to free motion, just couldn't get it, always looked horrible. Then I saw the slider at a quilt show, bought it & boom, all of a sudden free motion clicked in. It was a tool that made it possible. I used that slider til I actually wore it out (after a couple of years), caught it under the needle a few too many times. I was going to get another one then realized I no longer needed it, my hands, brain, movement finally worked to gether for free motion-and easily, no shoulder or hand pain, just easy movement. Go for it, well worth it.
Maire
Maire
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