advice on Flynn quilt frames
 

I am interested in buying a Flynn Quilt frame & was wanting any advice any of you might have. Do you own one, have you used it , & what is your opinion? Any comments would be appreciated!! Thanks, G-ma Becky

I watched him use one at a sewing expo and they seem to work quite well for a small space and small quilts.

I have one, bought it off Craigslist for like $20, haven't used it yet, still working on my hand stitched GFG hexagon quilt. Sorry, I know this is no help to you.

i have one of the square versions...i see they are round pipe poles now... i have 2 different length along with the large pvc pipe used to support the long end of the frame while you work with the end under the machine arm. they are wonderful for hand quilting as well, which is how John Flynn says he used his for a long time before putting it under the machine... mine fits beautifully on my rocking chair arms...

the number one benefit as far as I'm concerned is the ability to stand it on end right behind a door or slide it under a bed to store... takes inches and is light enough for anyone to move, when necessary. NO BASTING!!! that's pretty cool, too....and of course, the ability to just purchase more poles and have any length you want...the ends will go back and forth as needed...

I am thinking of getting one of these so will be watcing this thread for good and bad comments

Have one in the closet. Don't use it. To bad you don't live closer I would give it to you. This one I have is for machine.

Flynn frames have been a topic here many times. Most people either love them or hate them - I think it has to do with whether they spent the time to practice with the frame, because it does take practice. I bought one and used it one time only, so I'm not one of those who spent the time to practice. I used mine with the metal rods extending it out to hold a large quilt, and the rods were so heavy I couldn't do much with the quilt, so I just basted it with water soluble thread and then quilted it on my DSM. (I now have a longarm, but I didn't then.) I didn't keep the frame, because I preferred doing large quilts in sections to trying to maneuver the long heavy rods. However, for a smaller quilt I think it will work very well - if you practice!

A friend and I both bought one years ago at a quilt show. I used it once. It took a very long time to set up and figure out what I was doing. I had a small crib quilt that I tried it on. Even a small crib quilt was too big for the frame. I could have quilted it myself a lot faster on my regular sewing machine. After hearing about my experience, my friend has never tried to use hers. Our opinion was that it was a waste of money.

Thank all of you for your replies. I appreciate everyone on here! I learn soo much each time I look here. Thanks again, G-ma Becky

I had one and just couldn't get the hang of it. I do more big quilts so it didn't really work for me.

Do a search of this board and you will find your answers...
K

the first frame i owned was a flynn frame and i had great success with it.

i believe it to be a very inexpensive way to frame quilt and to develop your skills.

i did a king size quilt on the flynn with a 6 inch throat machine. i used the flynn frame for about 16 months before i purchased a Grace Frame.

I live in a very small house, so my Flynn Frame is a life-saver. I bought the kit, comes with 48" rods (now fiberglass, not metal) so it is light enough and maneuverable. One hint, which I discovered. Don't go all strong arm and tighten the fabric too much! I did and had fun making a "false" piecing line on the backing! I didn't want to leave a funny, lumpy spot in the fabric! And I wasn't really interested in taking out that much sewing (I can just hear my sewing teacher!) I have a large king size quilt started, I will be quilting it on the Flynn, in 3 pieces. I searched all around and this was also the best priced option. My other projects have been Quilt Runners, so the 48" width is good for that. Good luck and have fun!

I have one. I put it in the middle of a six foot table and have plenty of room. It takes practice to get the hang of it. I was frustrated for long time but I kept on practicing. It's much easier to put the quilt on it then on a long arm, for me anyway.

I purchased one this year at Paducah, tried it out in the booth and thought it to be very easy, I am about to try it here on a lap sized quilt for a Xmas gift. I so hope it turns out to be an easy process. Lol

ICK--tried to help a friend get hers set up. At the show he is sewing on one already set up. Friend sold it on Ebay.