Hi,
I'm new at using a longarm and want to know how you all load your quilts onto your frame? Which is the best way to go please? I need all the help I can get all you longarmers over there in the US please.

I float the batting and the top.

Do you compleetly float the top? Meaning do you stitch it down along the top and sides or do you just lay it on?
Sorry for being so dense, just new to this craft.
Jenny

I stitch the top, and then I stitch the sides as I go(with each roll). It is really just a matter of preference. I tried several different methods before I decided what worked best for me. If you google Youtube-Loading a quilt there are several different videos available.

I don't have leadergrips, but this guy is kind of fun to watch and gives some really good information.
http://www.youtube.com/user/TheManqu.../7/oMcbeVBZ-9g

I do a full float on most quilts. It gives me more control to keep the quilt square, plus it is a time saver for me. I have to take care to line up the edges as I roll, but for me a full float works best. I also baste the edges of the top after I roll to the next section.

I float top and batting. I stitch across top and down the
sides as I roll.

I float the top and the batting. I roll the backing onto the belly bar. I stitch the top edge before I start but I don't do the sides at all because I like to smooth my top and fabrics out to the side as I'm working. I found if I smooth things toward the bottom it will distort the bottom edges of the quilt top too much. If I did pantos or used quilting boards, I would probably stitch the side down but I pretty much only do FM. I'm fairly new at this too so I may change my ways as I go along. So far the way I'm doing things has worked for me. I guess everyone finds what works best for them. Good Luck!

i float.

i stitch the across the top and then i only stitch down the left side as i go then i do a tack stitch or two on the right.

i float the batting and the top. i just have to remember not to pull too hard on the batting when straightening/smoothing as it can stretch out of shape.

I've never tried floating a top, but after watching this guy I'm trying it on the next quilt. He was very informative.

I float my top and batting, but I don't stitch anything down. If I try to stitch I end up distorting the shape of the quilt. I pin the top about 6" apart and go to town.

Darren

I stitch the top and batting across the top only. On the video that came with my machine they said to stitch across top and on left side as you quilt. I no longer stitch on the left side I find I like it better when I don't.

i do a partial float for the top and batting. I straight stitch the top 1/8 of an inch to anchor it. Then I straight stitch down the left side, and baste on the right side. when I get to the very end I baste along the bottom.

For a large quilt, I like to roll it. I recently purchased Leadergrips. When I get within a few inches of the last edge, I take them off so I can quilt all the way to the edge.

Same here, but I also measure each side edge from the frme with each advance so I know I'm keeping it straight. Sometimes I baste the sides, sometimes I don't. Just depends how things are going.

I do not float my top or batting on my Tin Lizzie, I like everything secure. I was helping my DGF with her setup, and she floats her top and batting. I don't particularily like this method due to the fact you are always adjusting the top and double checking everything to line it up. Now that being said, that was her setup and she seems fine with it. Maybe it is just what you get use to.