I have my quilting frame put together and have made my "leader" cloths. However, the plastic tubing is much longer than what I need. Do I cut it?

Thanks!
Quilting in NC :lol:

I found that the plastic tubing was longer than I needed for my current project, but just let it "dangle" because I was afraid that I'd short myself for the next project. But it really didn't cause much problem being too long. Well, you can get more plastic tubing for really cheap from Grace, and that way I can have pieces for whatever size project I'm working on.

I have used it for 6 months, and now wonder if the piece of plastic tubing really has to be in one piece. I think it would work just fine to have two pieces butted together along one side.

I also found that I needed different lengths of leader cloths. They included some white cloth that was plenty long. So I used up some ugly cloth that won't be caught sewn into one of my quilts, and made another set of leader cloths for baby size quilts, rather than cut the white leader that was included.

I wish I knew where I could buy additional plastic tubing locally, but haven't really looked yet. Lowes would be my first guess.

So my suggestion would be to not cut the plastic tubing until you are comfortable doing so. But even if you do cut it, having it in one long piece is not a necessity.

P.S. I LOVE my Grace frame - one of the best purchases I've made. Don't know why I struggled with actually getting one for so long. Sara

Wonderful!

So you made your leader cloths the same size as whatever quilt you were working on? I totally missed that! I'll have to go back and make some more.


What type of pins did you use to secure your quilt to the leader cloth?

I am a little nervous about getting started with the frame. I am so afraid that I'll get the tension set wrong and end up with a real mess. Do you have any suggestions?

Take care.

Lori

I just use long pins with a head. (quilting pins?) As I roll, I take the pins out along the sides so that I don't stab myself, which would cause blood, pain and sadness. It's still attached securely on the ends. I have the 'gator clips for the sides, and use them for larger projects.

Now you have given me an idea. Use ugly cloth #1 for baby quilts for the leader fabric; Ugly cloth #2 for double size leader fabric, etc. That would keep it all seperated and organized. And who of us doesn't have some ugly cloth that was purchased long ago when we were in an altered state of alertness!

I've never had problem with the tension. It is a snap! If you are worried, start with a baby quilt and your confidence will g-r-o-w !! Sara

Hi. It's me again!

I have made my new leader cloths. How do you know where to pin your quilting pieces onto the leader cloth? Do you go 1/2 inch along each cloth?

Thanks so much for your help.

Lori