Free Motion Quilting Tool
Quilting Halo Makes Machine Quilting Easy
Free motion machine quilting on a standard home sewing machine is challenging. Keeping three layers of fabric and batting together, and unpuckered, while trying to regulate the length of the stitch and the motion of the fabric, is a bit like trying to pat your head and rub your stomach at the same time.
Free Motion Quilting is Much Easier with Simple Tool
There are several products designed to make free motion quilting easier, such as rubber-tipped gloves, fabric stabilizers, and stitch regulators, but the simplest, and most effective is the Quilting Halo, invented in an "ah-ha" moment by quilter and teacher, Sharon Schamber.
How the Quilting Halo Works
The Quilting Halo is a 7-inch diameter stainless steel ring with a slightly tacky PVC coating. The combination of the weight of the ring and the tacky surface of the coating provides a good grip on the fabric, making it surprisingly easy to move the quilt in any direction with very little muscle power.
How to Use the Quilting Halo for Free Motion Quilting
- Set the machine for free motion quilting by dropping the feed dogs.
- Attach the darning or free-motion foot.
- Position the fabric on the machine
- Lay the Quilting Halo over the area to be quilted.
The Quilting Halo is flat enough to fit under the presser foot of standard sewing machines. To begin quilting, simply rest your hands on either side of the the Quilting Halo and guide the ring around in the desired design. The fabric moves easily, and stays flat and pucker free. The Quilting Halo also defines the area to be worked, and can be repositioned in a split second, since it is not attached to the fabric, but is simply resting on it.
Reduce Neck and Shoulder Strain, and Pain from Carpel Tunnel, Arthritis
Free motion quilting can cause neck and shoulder strain, and is very difficult for people with carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis or other hand or shoulder problems. Sharon Schamber says in her demonstration YouTube video titled, Quilting Halo, that she invented the Quilting Halo to help her deal with her own hand problems, but quickly realized that many free motion quilters could benefit from her device. No gripping, twisting or pressure on the hands or wrists is required with this ergonomically designed tool.
Where to Buy the Quilting Halo
Currently the Quilting Halo is available from Nancy’s Notions, and on-line from The Purple Daisies, or direct from Sharon Schamber’s website. It sells for about $25, plus shipping.
The Quilting Halo is one of those simple, effective and functional ideas that makes everyone wonder, "now why didn't I think of that?"
Quilting Halo is simple, but very effective
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Hands in Line with Wrist for Pain Free Quilting
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Free Motion Quilting is Easier with Quilting Halo
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