question for hand quilters who use a large floor frame
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: central California
Posts: 636
I am considering buying a used floor frame, out of state so I can't try it first, my concerns are: I can't quilt away from me, How hard is it to learn? What kind of thimble do you use on your thumb, in order to do that? What are the reasons you like your floor frame over a hoop? I have a standing hoop and a lap hoop. I like both of them but with a large quilt, I am thinking that it would be nice to have all that material off of my lap, especially in the summer. I also love the idea of not having to baste a quilt. Do you set your frame up in your livingroom or in a sewing room? Any and all responses would be so appreciated. Thanks.
#2
Moderator
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: North East Lower peninsula of Michigan
Posts: 6,231
My mom gave me one the only place big enough was in the basement. I had a hard time getting the quilt on even and then couldn't figure out how to even begin quilting so took it off and did it on my lap hoop. Maybe someone who uses one can tell you more. I just found it way to big for my small house.
#3
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: California
Posts: 3,502
I am quilting my first quilt on one now after using a floor stand hoop. I tied the first one in it. I really like it. It is hard, for me anyway, to get the top and backing in perfectly straight and it takes me a long time doing it alone.
After that, it's a breeze. I especially like being able to do a large section without having to reposition the quilt in a hoop frame. I am comfortable quilting in about any direction so I can't help you there. I use my thumbnail quilting towards me.
After that, it's a breeze. I especially like being able to do a large section without having to reposition the quilt in a hoop frame. I am comfortable quilting in about any direction so I can't help you there. I use my thumbnail quilting towards me.
#4
I have an Hinterberg and I have quilted in it for 10 years now. I can put a quilt in in about 20 min and turn it my my self. I do not sew away from me. I exactly more of an angle. But most of the time you are quilting right to left and towards you. I use a desk chair with arms and wheels and I love it. II do some lap quilting also, but no frame. I quilt in large sections and then sew them together. But my first love is my large floor frame. It will quilt from a baby to a king. If you are buying a used one I would want to make sure that all the instructions are with it. I set mine up in the den so I can be there with DH at night. I don't use a thumb thimble, but do use a needle puller.
Ninnie
Ninnie
#5
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: California
Posts: 3,502
Ooops, you said quilting AWAY from you and I meant that I use my thumbnail to quilt away from me, not towards me. I prefer towards or away, side to side going away from me is the hardest so I scoot my chair along so that I'm actually quilting towards me (if you see what I mean).
I also use a swivel office arm chair on wheels. Being able to adjust the height in a second is nice too. If my back aches from too long in one position I can change it.
I also use a swivel office arm chair on wheels. Being able to adjust the height in a second is nice too. If my back aches from too long in one position I can change it.
#6
Originally Posted by roselady
I am considering buying a used floor frame, out of state so I can't try it first, my concerns are: I can't quilt away from me, How hard is it to learn? What kind of thimble do you use on your thumb, in order to do that? What are the reasons you like your floor frame over a hoop? I have a standing hoop and a lap hoop. I like both of them but with a large quilt, I am thinking that it would be nice to have all that material off of my lap, especially in the summer. I also love the idea of not having to baste a quilt. Do you set your frame up in your livingroom or in a sewing room? Any and all responses would be so appreciated. Thanks.
#8
Having learned to quilt on a floor frame I have no problem with it. You just roll it as you finish the section you are on so that you are not quilting all that far away from you. I've got quilting hoops too. I usually quilt small quilts in them. I set up my floor frame in my den right now cause thats where I have the most room and I'm about the only one that uses it anyway. If you have a sewing room large enough to set it up in thats what I'd do. I'd put mine in my sewing room but it doubles as a guest room, so not to good an idea for me at this time.
Connie
Connie
#9
Originally Posted by Ninnie
redrummy, that is the same thimble that I use and I love it. I found a place on line that I can get 3 for about the same price that I was paying for one in a quilt shop!
#10
you will have to go to links and resources and go back a few pages, I think I posted it Thimbles for everyone! I need to go find it also, since I didn't save it on my computer! I posted it on April 10th. that might help.
Ninnie
Ninnie
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