New Lap Quilting Hoop
 

Hello, everyone!

I have been quilting for seven years and find myself needing/wanting a new lap hoop. I have the traditional round 14" hoop (very old and flimsy) without a lap or floor stand attachment and l am looking into investing in a newer, more solidly constructed hoop. I have researched the newer ones on the internet, but still cannot decide which one will best suit my needs. There are quite a few new options, and I was hoping that some of you might be able to offer feedback from your experiences!

I am now leaning towards a square lap hoop, and I noticed that Barnett's has a really nice looking one as well as does the Grace company. I'm not sure about the tilting and rotating options when quilting a larger project, though, as I have not been able to try any of these hoops out. Seems it would be just as easy to just manually turn a hoop and reposition the quilt as you need to, although the tilting option looks very appealing!

Barnett's did offer a square hoop on a plain, flat base without the rotating base/knob tilt adjustment option, but couldn't find that option with the Grace company. I also like Jean Brown's hoop with the flat base (no rotating or tilt option), but only a round hoop is available through her website. www.jeansimpressions.com BTW...She has a GREAT hand-quilting technique video on her site for those who might be interested. :-)

Thank you, in advance, for your advice and suggestions!

I have one that measures 19" on the outside. I used to use the regular thin ones, but after breaking so many of them, I built my own. I took pieces from 3 of the ones that I broke and created this. I doubled the outside rings and taped them together with black electrical tape, (the only tape I had at the time). Then I doubled the inside rings and taped them together with white electrical tape. The rings are about 1/2" thick now.

It works for me, and I have used this for about 14 years with no problem, (ever since I broke one of the boards to my floor frame).

I tried one of the square snap together ones, but I didn't like it. So, when and IF i break this one, I will buy 3 new ones and make another one exactly like this.

I have one that looks like this: [ATTACH=CONFIG]371505[/ATTACH] and it works wonderfully. I can use it with or without the legs, it tilts or flattens on the legs and is quite sturdy. I got it off Ebay for practically nothing.

I have one of the square Grace hoops on a stand. I found that the square hoop did not hold the sandwich as securely as a round hoop. There are many quilters who really like them, it's just that I'm not one of them.

That said, I do like having a hoop on a stand. It's a lot sturdier than balancing the hoop on my lap, but I am used to quilting on a full size floor frame. I recently bought a Jasmine Heirloom hoop on eBay. It was expensive, but so far I love quilting on it so it's worth it to me.

Good luck with your search.

Janet

The hoops that Barnetts make are extremely well made with the best of woods that are so smooth because of wonderful sanding. The hoops are extremely sturdily made.
I was so pleased to deal with Barnetts as they are so very helpful. You can get any kind of hoop ( square or round) and spinning or not! If I were to need another hoop for whatever reason, I would not hesitate to buy from Barnetts. I am in no way connected with Barnetts except for being a very well satisfied customer.

I have Jean Brown's 14" hoop and really like it. It's sturdy and I can sit in the recliner and quilt. I don't use her technique, though, but Roxanne McElroy's.

ihave a morgan hoop and love it they have a web site morgan hoops and stands

I have a PVC frame (Q Snap)..actually have 3 in diffferent sizes..I recently bought the floor frame model, and am not happy with it..work better with the hand held frames

I have a square hoop on the bean bag base from Barnett's. Harry was so nice to work with and adjusted the height of the hoop for me. I have been using this hoop and base since back in early spring on a bed size quilt. I was having shoulder problems and it was getting harder for me to hold up a lap hoop, but this set up allows me to quilt without hunching over and since it is raised, I do not have to hold up the hoop. I love this hoop and base. I know that it is expensive but it is well made and was worth it to me. I am now able to enjoy hand quilting again.

Harry is always willing to work with you, and never seems to be off the job! Once I called to ask about something and he answered me as he was driving himself back to the shop. In the shop or out of it, he's there for you!

Thank you, everyone for your input! So glad we have this forum to share our experiences. At this point, I'm leaning towards Barnett's but so glad we often have several vendors/companies making similar products so that we can really find the product which best fits our individual needs. I have read posts on other sites regarding Barnett's products and service and they have all been very favorable. Looking forward to getting a new hoop soon!

I'm saving my pennies for one of Harry's hoops... I want the floor stand with a 14" round hoop... even though I haven't spent a dime with him yet, he's answered questions for me!

I bought a round one on a adjustable stand from Edmunds company. I have used it for several years. one piece of it split while we were moving and the company replaced it free. I wouldn't have any other brand. I have used several before getting this one and this is the best. It is adjustable several ways. Just Google Edmunds and quilting and it will came up. Good luck.

You will probably want to try one out first. I thought that I wanted a LAP frame - and I did but a SIT-ON frame was the best for me. I found that with the lap frame, I had a tendency to lose it off of my lap if I moved to reach for something. The SitOn frame works much better. If I am working on something bigger, I have my floor frame that adjusts lots of ways to get it just right. I would just try a few out before you make the purchase.

Thinking that for the exact reason you mentioned I will go with Barnett's. The hoops are interchangeable with all of the bases (including the sit-on), so I'm bound to find a combination that will work. Thanks for your input! :-)

Wow!!!!! Thank you for the great feedback here on this post. I was doing a Google search and this posting poped up. Its been ages since I have been active on the board. If anyone ever has a question, send me a PM and I will get right back to you. I really do love making these lap frames for you! Happy Holidays to all.

THANKS AGAIN,
Harry Barnett