I use variegated yarn to tie them a lot and just use a needle with a big enough eye. I use the thick cheapie batting you can get at Ben Franklin's. It is only 2.99 a yard. They are closing here though and I got 10 yards last week for 1.99 a yard. They do have some nice frames. I have been looking at one that costs $599. It is the kind that you use your own sewing machine with to turn it into a longarm quilter. I am still learning to ladies. :}