Hi,
I first posted a few days ago inquiring about the Kenneth Lund Frame. I received such a responce...some positive and some negative. I appreciate all of the advice. But, now I am looking for input about the original Handi Quilter. Probably the earliest version. A dear friend of mine is giving me her Handi Quilter!!! I can't pass this up. I do plan to pay her for it if it works out for me. Any and all advice will be appreciated so much. Such as the right needle to use, the best thread, and of course any solutions to problems that I may encounter. We should have it up and ready to go by Monday. I look forward to hearing from anyone that can help.

Thanks, Ganma7 in Georgia

find some internet sites that sell this machine and see if there are any reviews also ask your friend if u can read the manuel that came with the machine. i am going to a long arm show in may so i will check it out what year is it

mema

Thanks Mema... I do have the manual but it doesn't go into needle choice, thread choice and etc. It has been a while since my friend had it up to use. I forgot to mention that I am going to use my Juke TL 98E with the frame.

Ganma7 in Georgia

A couple of thoughts: You will use needles from handi-quilter, so you just have to choose which size you need. I suggest you ask your friend first what types of thread she used, then practice with various kinds. Everyone has their own favorites. I would love to use King Tut, but that is not in the budget. My machine likes Swirls and I buy them when they are on sale. A certain amount of people will say only use cotton thread, it does cause a lot more lint in the bobbin area. You will learn a lot just from playing with the machine. You can also search HQ16 for yahoo groups. If you haven't been to the Handi-quilter web site, they have some free videos to watch where you can learn a lot about the machines.
Vicky

try this http://www.sewingmachinesplus.com/hzl-600.php

I guess I am confused as to what you are going to quilt on. Kind of like the story of my life right now.

Hi Gamma7,

Do you mean your friend is giving you a frame for machine quilting?

Or do you mean a sewing machine to go on a machine quilting frame?

Or do yo mean a machine quilting frame and a sewing machine?

We got confused by the Juki comment.

Thanks Vicky... I have been to the Handi Quilter site and the videos are helpful. I guess I am searching for all the info. I can find. Thanks again for th input. Ganma7 in Georgia

Sorry I didn't make it clear. My friend is giving me the first version of the Handi Quilter Frame only for machine quilting. I am goint to use my own Juki machine. She hasn't used it in a few years and didn't really use it much anyway. Ganma7 in Geirgia

I ordered Organ needles from Allbrands. 100 needles for $19.00. They were the ones they suggested using with my Juki machine. If you need anymore info just PM me.

I have the original handi quilter frame and I use a Juki on it. I replaced the rods with copper tubing and also the plastic track with aluminum tracks used to install shelving from home depot. My frame is set up to handle quilts that are up to 85" wide. I use it often and I am sure the new frames have many new improvements but this works for me. I have found that thread used for machine embroidery works the best and you need to keep the hook on your machine well oiled. When pinning your backing onto the lead be extra careful that it is squared up or you will run into trouble getting it to roll evenly. Good Luck!

nice link

Thanks to all of you that have offered help with this front mount frame to go on my Juki. The Handi Handle co. is no longer in business so finding a front mount frame is turning out to be next to impossible. I may have found one on craigslist but it is for a babylock and I have a Juki. Now I need to find out if it will work on my Juki. Ganma7/Joyce in Georgia

hi becca just want to ask I have the handi frame quilter to .new to me got it used at yard sale. I want to put better rods on. but my problem is finding one that fits the round teeth thing at the end that keeps the tension tight don't no the right name of that thing.I called handi quilter they said 3/4 so I picked up some rods that size and way to big and did not fit so what size did you get .thanks