Thread: need advice for cloth leaders

I bought a used Z44 frame with wooden rails. One pole already has a leader cloth attached with velcro. What type of cloth would be best to purchase for the rest of the leader cloths? I believe I can make the rest of the leaders and attach the velcro. Any advice?

I've always seen something sturdy without stretch, like duck, ticking or light weight canvas used. Mine are canvas.

Originally Posted by PaperPrincess

I've always seen something sturdy without stretch, like duck, ticking or light weight canvas used. Mine are canvas.

I agree with PaperPrincess - anything sturdy and non stretchy would be fine. Mine on my LA are a light weight canvas as well. What ever you choose needs to be substantial enough to hold the pins firmly, without tearing or stretching.

There are several sites that "sell" leader material . Nancy Notions has one that you purchase by the length of the rails on you frame. You get all three leaders on one piece.

http://www.nancysnotions.com/product...oth+leaders.do

Originally Posted by PaperPrincess

I've always seen something sturdy without stretch, like duck, ticking or light weight canvas used. Mine are canvas.

I totally agree.

We make leaders for the Grace frames where I work. The best fabric is a woven polyester, that won't shrink when you wash it. The heavier cotton fabrics shrink terribly. We get whatever is best from a fabric clearance wholesaler. So we've tried several different fabrics. Even the HandiQuilter leaders are made with that thick cotton, and say right on them that they are NOT washable. If you do get a heavy cotton, pre-wash it and dry it in the dryer to get it to shrink before you cut and sew.

I used muslin to make mine.

Agree on the ticking. I've had my machine 5 years and they have held up great. The lines make is super easy to line up your quilt.

I made mine from good quality muslin, have had them for 5 years and still functioning . Just make sure you use double seams when making your seams.