Thread: Question for longarmers

http://cowtownquilts.com/2013/07/09/zipper-leaders/

This is about leader grips instead of zippers. http://timberhillthreads.blogspot.co...e-zippers.html

I don't have a long arm (can I say "yet?") but this is of interest to me. I'll wait to see what our fellow quilters on the board have to say.

My leaders have zippers attached to them, but I don't use them like they were probably intended. Some folks here on the Board actually unzip the leading edge, sew their backing on via sewing machine, re-zip to the other leader, and then proceed normally to add the batting and the top. I don't do it that way. I use the red plastic pieces and mine goes on quickly and I don't have to do all that moving around. Hope this is a bit helpful. Can't remember what the red plastic pieces are called right now, sorry.

Red Snappers

I made my own zippered leaders.

I looked at dozens of video's and articles and came up with own method in the end.

I purchased pillow ticking because the stripes are woven, therefore on the straight of grain. I DID NOT pre-wash the pillow ticking.

I then used the stripes as my guide to attach the zippers and attach the leaders to the poles. I attached the ticking to the poles by first drawing a horizontal line on the poles, then little strips of duct tape, then a long strip of duct tape. I double checked every step to make sure my ticking was still horizontal to the poles.

When I attach the zippers to my backing, I make sure that my backing is 100% square.

I float my batting and my top.

I used zippers once (when I rented time on a machine at a store). I don't find them helpful - it's too tricky to get the backing completely square and pinned to the two zippers so that it is straight when loaded onto the frame. I prefer to pin my quilts directly to my leaders - although if I could get leader grips or red snappers here in Canada for a reasonable price, I'd probably jump at the chance. Hmm... anyone know a quilt shop near Grand Rapids, Michigan that might carry them?

Originally Posted by donna13350

Thanks to all who have replied. Think I will go with the snappers.

Good decision.

Great decision I love my Red Snappers. Great investment.