Fabric Handling Device for Quilting

Abstract

A fabric handling device for quilting used to aid in the handling of fabric during free motion quilting and sewing and the method for using the device. The device includes a gripping member, a strap, and a fastener. It allows the wearer greater control over the fabric and still allows the full dexterity of the fingers so that it does not need to be removed to manipulate small sewing instruments or items such as needles, bobbins, scissors, and thread.

1 . A fabric handling device for quilting, the device comprising:
 a) a gripping member of generally rectangular shape;   b) a strap of generally rectangular shape constructed of an elastic material secured to the gripping member; and   c) a fastener that attaches the strap to the gripping member.   
     
     
         2 . A fabric handling device for quilting, the device comprising:
 a) a gripping member of generally rectangular shape comprised of two composite material layers, each having a foam layer and fabric layer, being configured such that the foam layers form an interior gripping surface and an exterior gripping surface and allow a user to position the interior gripping surface against a hand and the exterior gripping surface against a material;   b) a strap of generally rectangular shape constructed of an elastic material and secured to the gripping member; and   c) a fastener that attaches the strap to the gripping member.   
     
     
         3 . The fabric handling device defined by  claim 1  wherein the gripping member has an interior gripping surface and an exterior gripping surface and is configured to allow a user to position the interior gripping surface against a hand and the exterior gripping surface against a material. 
     
     
         4 . The fabric handling device defined by  claim 1  wherein the gripping member has a tapered end. 
     
     
         5 . The fabric handling device defined by  claim 2  wherein the gripping member has a tapered end. 
     
     
         6 . The fabric handling device defined by  claim 1  wherein the fastener is comprised of hook and loop material. 
     
     
         7 . The fabric handling device defined by  claim 2  wherein the fastener is comprised of hook and loop material. 
     
     
         8 . The fabric handling device defined by  claim 1  wherein the gripping member has exposed surfaces comprised of polyurethane foam. 
     
     
         9 . The fabric handling device defined by  claim 2  wherein the foam layers are polyurethane foam. 
     
     
         10 . The fabric handling device defined by  claim 1  wherein the gripping member is flexible. 
     
     
         11 . The fabric handling device defined by  claim 2  wherein the wherein the gripping member is flexible. 
     
     
         12 . The fabric handling device defined by  claim 2  wherein the strap is made of nylon. 
     
     
         13 . The fabric handling device defined by  claim 2  wherein the foam layers are made of polyurethane foam. 
     
     
         14 . Disposing a fabric handling device for quilting, the device comprising a gripping member of generally rectangular shape; a strap of generally rectangular shape constructed of an elastic material secured to the gripping member; and a fastener that attaches the strap to the gripping member wherein the fabric handling device is used to perform free motion quilting and sewing, the method comprising the steps of:
 Donning a pair of the fabric handling devices for quilting;   Manipulating fabric using the fabric handling devices for quilting;   Performing free motion quilting or sewing using a sewing machine having a feed mechanism in a lowered position;   Performing dextrous tasks as needed to complete the free motion quilting or sewing operation;   Repeating free motion quilting or sewing activities, as needed, using the sewing machine with the feed mechanism in the lowered position;   Repeating dextrous tasks as needed to complete the free motion quilting or sewing operation; and   Doffing the fabric handling devices for quilting.