If you’re a newbie to the quilting world, you may not know what quilting gloves are. After all, not many people talk about these often-overlooked accessories.
But that is all going to change now. We are going to tell you all you need to know about them and even give you a few recommendations and reviews on the best ones to buy. So sit back, relax, and get ready to be thoroughly informed.
What are quilting gloves and how do they work?
As their name suggests, these are gloves you wear when quilting. Usually, they have rubberized tips that allow you to grip the quilt and move it around while quilting. This prevents slip and is perfect for newbies who are still learning the ropes.
Interestingly, there are also now fingerless gloves that are basically just some wrapping around your palms. These are popular for their ability to reduce arm, hand, and neck pain caused by fatigue. They do this by ensuring that your hands lay flat on the quilt as you work.
Why should I use quilting gloves?
By now you may be wondering if you really do need quilting gloves. You may even think of improvising in some way. But I have some news for you; quilting gloves are a necessity. Here are some reasons why:
- They give you more control and reduce fatigue
As I mentioned before, quilting gloves go a long way in reducing fatigue. Also, the grip they provide gives you a lot of control as you quilt.
- They keep your hands and quilts clean
Much like normal gloves, quilting gloves go a long way in maintaining hygiene. They keep you from leaving stains on your quilt and are also extremely easy to clean. As soon as you feel them getting dingy, you can just machine wash them and they’ll be as good as new.
- They protect you from injuries
Since quilting involves a ton of needlework and cutting, it is a good thing to have an extra layer of protection on your hands. Needless to say, quilting gloves do this perfectly.
What should I consider when buying quilting gloves?
Now that you have a basic understanding of how quilting gloves work, we are going to talk a little bit about what factors you should consider when buying them. Here are the top things to think about:
- Size
Since quilting gloves come in a variety of sizes, it is not difficult to find the perfect fit for you. All you have to do is try on several of them until you find the right size. And even if you decide to order them online, you can measure your hand and choose a corresponding size.
The only measurement you need to have is the distance between the base of your palm and the top of your middle finger. If the measurement is less than 6.25’’, you should get the XS size. On the other hand if it is greater than this but less than 7”, you should go for an S/M.
Finally, measurements between 7” to 7.75” and those greater than 7.75” correspond to M/L and XL sizes respectively.
- Material
Although most quilting gloves are made of cotton or nylon, some are made of spandex or even embedded steel. Ultimately, the best material for you depends on what is important for you.
For instance, if breathability is your first priority, you should definitely go with cotton. On the other hand, those obsessed with grip are better off with rubber or neoprene.
- Comfort
Truth be told, you can’t use quilting gloves for long periods of time if they aren’t comfortable. As such, comfort is of utmost concern when buying them. Whether this means opting for breathable material or a seamless design that prevents friction, you gotta do what you gotta do.
The top 5 quilting gloves
Popular among quilters, Machingers quilting gloves are one of the highest quality ones on the market today. They are soft, light, breathable, and very comfortable. You can literally wear them for hours without breaking a sweat. Moreover, they feature convenient wrist supports and coated fingertips that enhance grip.
All things considered, these nylon gloves are perfect for quilting, sewing, and other forms of crafting.
As the name suggests, these gloves are super comfortable. They are made of stretchable cotton and spandex and offer great support to your hands. But what I really love about them is that they have gripper dots that give you a ton of control over your fabric. What’s more? They come in a cute pink color that is great for fashion lovers.
These gloves are sold in a packet with two pairs. They are made of soft, comfortable, breathable fabric and are known to be highly durable. To enhance fabric grip, these white nylon gloves even feature fully coated fingertips. However, they have one major flaw; they only come in the medium size. As such, if you have extra small or extra large hands, these are not the gloves for you.
Made in the USA from polyester, woven stainless steel, and cut-resistant fibers, this glove offers extreme protection. Despite all this, it is surprisingly comfortable and even has rubber dots for grip. But what truly makes it stand out is that it can be worn on either hand. So if you are one of those people who like having one hand free, the Fons & Porter 7859 Klutz Glove is the best option for you.
If you’re looking for gloves that leave your fingers free, you should try out these Marcia Baraldi ones. They are available in small, medium, and large sizes and provide perfect grip. It also helps that they are adjustable and very comfortable. The only flipside is that they can’t offer as much protection as full coverage gloves.
Ultimately, we hope that we have given you enough information to help choose the right quilting gloves for you. So if you’ve never bought yourself some gloves, there’s never been a better time to dive in!
And once you have those quilting gloves you might want to also grab one our picks for the best machine quilting rulers so you’re fully equipped to make some beautiful quilts.