Gloves For Quilting

Work gloves were probably the first type invented. Peasants no doubt wrapped fabric or leather around their hands to protect them while working in the fields. The gloves we use in quilting could also be called work gloves.

Gloves have a long and most colorful history. A pair of gloves was discovered in King Tut's tomb in Egypt. When gloves became a symbol of status, they took on a whole new existence. They became part of the costume for priests and royalty. Gloves for persons such as Queen Elizabeth I were decorated with jewels.

I don't know about your quilting gloves, but mine have no gems. The first pair was a pair of quilting gloves that I inherited for quilting on my domestic machine. They hold the fabric and allow easier manipulation of the fabric for quilting. The aim is to reduce the stress on your hands to reduce fatigue. I read online of one woman who wears her quilting gloves OVER her arthritis gloves.

My second pair of gloves were the result of an accident. I was using my rotary cutter kneeling on the floor of my RV. OK, I now know that wasn't my best plan to begin with, but my table simply wasn't large enough for the task. Holding the ruler on the fabric with my left hand, I very carefully sliced off the corner of my thumb and fingernail. Lucky for me, the nearby emergency room wasn't busy, and the nurse's mother was a quilter, so she smirked a little while understanding what I had done. My next purchase was Kevlar style gloves that could withstand cutters and scissors. These are also good for other activities which may cut your hands.

The last type of gloves I bought were arthritis gloves. The mild compression is to reduce fatigue when you are quilting, especially if you do a lot of hand stitching and hand quilting. The variety of arthritis gloves available spans many types and price ranges. One writer reported buying a pair with a steel bar to keep her hands straight while hand quilting. Most people don't try this type, but everyone is different, so they might work for you. Most people do prefer open fingers. It is reported that these also help when opening jars because of the traction they offer.

Quilters also report wearing their arthritis gloves at night. Not only does this support the hands, but it offers some warmth as well. I use ordinary synthetic lightweight winter gloves to warm my hands at night, if needed, but I hear that silk gloves are heavenly!

I think the Queen may have had the best idea – wear bejeweled gloves and let someone else do all the work!