I posted pictures of my floor quilting frame similar to what Iamquilter just mentioned. If you can't find it on this board, and you are interested, message me. I love being able to stretch out the backing completely in the frame, lay the batting on top, and then the top. Quilting it in the frame prevents puckers, keeps it off the floor and off my lap, and adds a decorative touch to my great room. A homemade one is very inexpensive to make and adjusts to fit any quilt size.

I've read alot about how important it is to start in the middle and work your way out evenly all around. Though when I think about those that use a frame, they do it in a linear manner starting at one end of the quilt and going to the other end. So I've always based really good and started at one end of the quilt and worked my way one row at a time to the other end I use a 14" wood hoop and thus far have not had any issues. I think for me the key is the amount of basting which helps prevent any slippage.

I start in the center of the quilt and work out that row. Then I work from that middle row to one end and then work from the middle to the other end. Works for me!

http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...me-t81725.html Here are my pictures.

I looked at the pictures of your frame Martha T. I love those frames. The old fashioned quilting bees were done around those frames and many good memories came to mind. "The ladies" helped me learn how to hand quilt when I was a very little girl. I know now that they picked out what I tried to do, but they hid it from me at the time. Bless them. Good memories. Great quilting frame. I still love hand quilting.


Thanks for the memories.


amh

I quilt in a hoop. It depends on what design I am using. I usually start in the middle and work my way out. Right now I am working on a quilt and I am using a fan design. I started at one end and am working my way to the other. I have never had any problems with puckers or folds.

When i baste my quilt real well, I can start anywhere and not worry about it puckering or shifting. If i don't baste well, i notice that the fabric shifts. I do start in the middle and work my way out - it also seems to keep things a bit squarer.

I'm with one of the members here also, on there suggestion. I start in the middle also, and also try to hand quilt evenally thru out the quilt.

Seems the consensus is to begin in the middle...I do that, also. From there it seems to be a personal preference, but I agree with another poster as to the importance of making sure the sandwich is basted well enough to prevent shifting or puckering. Best of luck to you!