Home made quilting frames
10-26-2011, 02:07 PM
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Belfast
Posts: 289
Hello everyone, I have bookmarked a couple of sites which sell either quillt frame kits or the plans alone. They allow you to use your ordinary machine as if it was a proper quilting machine. I was wondering if anyone has ever bought either and how did they work out for you?
10-26-2011, 02:52 PM
#5
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Beautiful Briery Mountain in WV
Posts: 2,551
I use crafted floor frames for hand quilting. I believe I saw an ad some time ago for a small frame made of PVC pipe for use in FMQ on a regular size machine. It worked like a hoop.
I can imagine some kind of rig on wheels that might let you stretch part of a quilt and run it to-and-fro. What are you considering?
I can imagine some kind of rig on wheels that might let you stretch part of a quilt and run it to-and-fro. What are you considering?
10-26-2011, 04:13 PM
#7
Power Poster
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Western Wisconsin
Posts: 12,930
I've been researching this for awhile. Is this one of the frames you are considering?
http://buildaquiltingframe.weebly.com/index.html
There are some old threads about this on the QB, and those who built this one seem happy with it.
The biggest problem that I foresee is the harp size of the sewing machine. Most of us have a harp size of only 8 inches or so. When you get the pole in there, you run out of maneuvering space for FMQ fairly quickly. I personally also don't like the idea of having to move my machine back and forth for piecing and quilting, and having my piecing machine tied up until quilting is finished. Also, for a frame setup, it's nice to have a machine that sews many more stitches per minute than most domestic machines. For me, then, it's not just a question of building a homemade quilting frame for $200, it's also a question of purchasing a machine for the setup -- around $600 for the type of machine that sews fast and has a larger harp size.
Or, do you mean build a frame for hand quilting? That is an entirely different thing!
http://buildaquiltingframe.weebly.com/index.html
There are some old threads about this on the QB, and those who built this one seem happy with it.
The biggest problem that I foresee is the harp size of the sewing machine. Most of us have a harp size of only 8 inches or so. When you get the pole in there, you run out of maneuvering space for FMQ fairly quickly. I personally also don't like the idea of having to move my machine back and forth for piecing and quilting, and having my piecing machine tied up until quilting is finished. Also, for a frame setup, it's nice to have a machine that sews many more stitches per minute than most domestic machines. For me, then, it's not just a question of building a homemade quilting frame for $200, it's also a question of purchasing a machine for the setup -- around $600 for the type of machine that sews fast and has a larger harp size.
Or, do you mean build a frame for hand quilting? That is an entirely different thing!
10-26-2011, 05:14 PM
#8
Google Goddess
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Central Indiana (USA)
Posts: 30,181
wow, love the qulting frame, I also live in Indiana, USA
Originally Posted by cyhilty
Hubby gotten a grace frame kit for me last X-Mas.I put a reg. sewing machine on it , sure it's not a big outfit like I've seen but works for me.
10-26-2011, 06:10 PM
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: NW Arkansas
Posts: 984
For the life of me, I can't see trying to machine quilt with a domestic machine
and simple frame. Why not seek a used Short (Mid) Arm such as in my
Avatar... which will give you excellent results. For instance, my first and
present set ups were $2000 and $1750 respectively.
and simple frame. Why not seek a used Short (Mid) Arm such as in my
Avatar... which will give you excellent results. For instance, my first and
present set ups were $2000 and $1750 respectively.
10-27-2011, 09:09 AM
#10
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Belfast
Posts: 289
Hello yes this is one of the frames although shipping costs mean I am looking for plans only. I watch the videos on youtube and it looks like a good option for me as like many of us I'm watching the pennies. I like the fact that all the components needed can be bought easily. The frame I am looking to make is for machine quilting. I have a memory craft 6000 at the minute which is old but good but I might buy a basic machine and use it with the frame and for no other sewing, a thought anyway.
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