Are you an artisan making trendy quilts? Besides using quilting machines, do you want to learn more about “How to use a quilting frame” as a great companion for your own craft space?
If the answer is yes, you’ve come to the right place because our article will help you find out the answer to your problem. Let’s follow it below!
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What Is A Quilting Frame?
A quilting frame is a large frame with three parts: the top, the batting, and the backing, to assist quilters in keeping quilts taut when working on their projects.
Its function is to prevent the fabric from moving while sewing or make it easier to manipulate the surface of the said fabric.
You will find it used commonly with hand quilting by quilters, but sometimes it is of great benefit for quilting machines.
Manufacturers tend to choose common materials such as metal, wood, and plastic to make them. However, artisans regularly prefer plastic ones because of their compactness and can be flexibly portable, especially beneficial for female quilters.
There are two common types of quilting frames: Hand quilting frames and those made for quilting machines on the market.
Hand Quilting Frame
It is a rectangular frame made from plastic or wood and includes two sub-categories:
- Floor quilting frames
- Lap quilt frames
Machine Quilting Frame
This version allows you to carry out your project without handling a massive quilt. It is divided into two types:
- Longarm machine quilt frames
- Sewing machine quilting frames
What Is The Purpose Of A Quilt Frame?
As we mentioned above, the main purpose of quilting frames is to keep the quilts fixed and square. However, below are details about the aim of this frame.
Complete Projects Faster
In the past, sewing blankets always took a lot of your time as it required you to turn the fabric over and over to thread the needle, and now investing in a quilting frame for support is a wise bet.
With its help, you can save up to 2/3 of your time and energy to finish the project compared to before.
Transform Your Craft Space
The portable quilting frame is well-liked because of its convenience for flexible movement. It will permit you to devote any beloved area of your house at any time.
It would not be burdensome for female quilters anymore when the frame is made of plastic.
Especially as long as you configure your frame and hold the supplies in the vicinity, your quilting is becoming easier than ever before.
Because working in a dedicated room will make your production more enjoyable and fun.
How To Use A Quilting Frame?
Are you new to quilting? Do you wonder whether how to use a hand quilting frame or how to use a wooden quilting frame is different or not?
No matter which frame you use, putting a quilt into the frame is nearly similar.
Step 1: Firstly, put it into the frame, make sure that the pattern fabric is facing down. On each side, you continue to fold the corner over about 1” and stick it to a dot on the top.
Do the same on the side, which is 6” until you see that two backings of the quilt are completely tacked. Fasten the upper boards to the bottom boards by pulling the backing close.
Keep in mind that you tack them on the same dot to keep it square.
Step 2: Lay the quilt batting on the quilt backing. If it isn’t already the same size as the quilt backing, trim it to that size.
Step 3: Continue to place the quilt top on batting, then repeat the same way you did in step 2. In case needed, you can fold it over 1/2″.
Step 4: Check again to ensure the quilt is tack tight and fixed; then, you can start your quilting if it’s okay.
Due to the variety of quilting frames, the way you use them may be different. However, we also have some tips for almost all quilting frames.
Let’s take a deep dive into some guidelines below to have the most pleasant experiences.
- Depending on your quilts to choose the right frames. However, it is better to pick up as large quilting frames as possible.
- The working space is no less important because everyone knows that space greatly impacts your productivity. Find yourself a beloved space to have the mood to work on projects well.
- Select a convenient chair to help you relieve back fatigue and not have a sore lower back. An uncomfortable chair will reduce work efficiency, as a result. While sitting, make sure that your arms are parallel to the floor.
- Take note that the back must be 6” longer than the top, while the bat will benefit from an additional 4-5” length as compared to the top.
- It is a great idea to take advantage of materials or local stores then DIY quilting frames for sewing machines.
- It’s best to have support for loading quilting frames instead of just yourself.
- It is better to pin by flower headpin to avoid creating lumps on the materials when using a frame with the roller.
- Keep in mind to always mark your pattern before loading the quilt.
How To Load A Hand Quilting Frame?
Have you known how many ways to load a hand quilting frame? If not, there are three methods to do so successfully. Let’s scroll down then find the details about them.
The Partial Float
The backing is attached to the top leader. The quilt top is basted or pinned to the backing and batting, which allows windle easier and better control over the top of the quilt.
If your quilts are pantographs, the partial float will be one of the best choices as it allows you to quilt off.
The Full Float
This method means that we do not use the top roller during the loading process.
At this point, the backing is attached to the top leader, and the quilt top is not attached to any leaders. It is basted or pinned to batting and backing.
One of the features of the full float is not proving much control for the top quilt.
The Full Attachment Method
If the two methods above require pinning the backing fabric, then this technique means that you will pin the top quilt to another take-up roller.
It is beneficial for quilters to allow for independent adjustment for the top and backing material, giving complete control over all three layers.
A piece of advice for you is not to use it if you have a pantograph.
Do You Need A Frame To Quilt?
Of course, it’s more convenient when you have your own frame. As you know, it is a useful assistant, which wastes so much time and energy.
Instead of sitting and turning over and over the quilt to thread a needle, it’s time for you to sit and enjoy your finished work of art.
However, it does not matter if you do not have one; you still can quilt with your hands-on stitches through steps for a long time.
Can You Tie A Quilt Without A-Frame?
If you do not have a frame, it will be possible for you to tie a quilt and of course, putting a quilt together does not matter. Quilters still do it as usual.
However, as aforementioned, everything happens for a purpose, and that frame is created to support quilters during working on projects.
Conclusion
We hope that you’ve found the answer to “How to use a quilting frame” after reading our article. This information would certainly be a good companion on the way to becoming a professional quilter.
Because no matter if you are a new beginner or a well-qualified quilter now, the theory is always a must-have before practicing!
Further reading:
I’m Charlotte Jane, I love quilting. I provide my reviews of the best quilting tools. I hope to help beginners share their love of Quilting with the world.
