I just purchased a Handi Quilter quilting frame.... older version will be looking for info from you gals that have experience with this frame. I have quilted on a machine frame at the local quilt shop but I am going to try at home. Any advice?

Wish I could help but I am learn myself. Will be watching to see what others will say. Good Luck!!

I've heard that once you get used to it they are nice, but I've never tried one.

Be interesting to hear the responses though.

Thanks maybe we can learn together ....someone out there that can give us advice

:P

I don't have a Handi Quilter frame, but a Super Quilter table top frame. As with most of us that use a domestic sewing machine with these frames, I want 'bigger', but it is a lot nicer to be able to quilt my tops on a frame instead of tugging the quilt around by hand. The only problem I have is the quilting room at the end of the quilt. I try and start with my quilting the same way I will have to end it.

The hardest part about the table top quilters is to get a sturdy table to put it on and to get it level. My DH bought me a solid core door and we put it on 2 wall cabinets that we bought at a second hand construction store. Spent about 70 dollars for the cabinets and door and my frame cost me 400. Then electrical cord, PVC pipe and switch for 'handles' was about 20. Not a bad deal.

thanks for the pic and info, I had never thought about the leveling. i too was going to use a door on top of a table for stablity, what is the mirror for?

:-P

How do these things work?

Some really nice person recently gave me one of the older HandiQuilter frames. I got it set up (with only a few trials and errors). Found there is definitely a learning curve. I have a Janome 1600P. Having problems with thread breaking, but I remember a conversation about thread brands which I am going to try and find and see if there is a fix there. Then just the FMQ is a skill that takes lots of practice.

HOWEVER, the feel of the machine and ease of movement is really, really cool.

Hope this remains an active thread and all us newbies can learn together.

Try a 100 Needle. this is a little heavy and should solve breaking thread

I have a "b-line" (I think thats the name) table top frame and I have it sitting on 2 solid wood kitchen tables - my only problem is how to anchor down the 4th corner that sits in the middle of the table since the two tables are a little bit to long. Thanks for your picture - I never thought to put a mirror underneath laying on the table - great idea ! Thanks. What is everyones system for loading the quilts onto the poles ?