I've asked this question awhile back, so I thank any of you who have already responded, but I could sure use more opinions. I have a chance to buy a used, very high end floor frame for about the same price of a new Grace hoop 2 hoop on a stand. So far I have only quilted with a Q-snap frame in my lap. Any opinions on floor frames, hoops on stands, lap frames, sit on frames, etc... would be sooo helpful. Thank you everyone.

Sorry I can't help. But I'm looking into one that goes over a recliner so I can put my legs up while I quilt. Rather than using a hoop.

I have two large frames the one I set up in the basement , it took up a lot of space and I just couldn't get the hang of it I couldn't quilt in both directions so stuffed that one back in the box the other is an oval about 3 feel long and sat in front of my chair, it angeled but again I don't quilt in both directions so gave up on that, I went back to the hoop in my lap and that is what works best for me. I have to be able to turn my work often. If you can try one first that is what I would do. I was lucky, my mom had the big one and an aunt bought the smaller one for a couple bucks at a resale shop.

I have used a hoop stand ever since I started quilting (it's getting old and rickety though). Since I have never used anything else I can't say if it is better or worse but I like it. It's just right for sitting in a chair, the hoop tilts to whatever angle I need. I prefer quilting in a certain direction but I can do any direction. When it's just too hard to do I turn the stand a little.

I learned at Southern quilting bees with huge floor frames. I learned how to pull the three layers tight enough that only the edges needed basted, but not so tight that it warped everything. I feel most comfy on a floor frame. I inherited my late MIL's frame and if it weren't bigger than my living room I would have it up right now.

I now have a little lap frame, but I just don't have the same confidence on it for a larger quilt than I have for a floor frame.

You do need to watch out for some things. Either arrange the height of your frame or the chair you are sitting in to make sure you can quilt in a comfortable position. You shouldn't have to reach up and over or bend so low over your quilt. The ones I like best hang from the ceiling, but you can get or make some very good floor frames.

If the price is good and you have the room, I say jump on it. But I have a biased opinion because that's what I learned on.

Sorry I am of no help....I have mine machine quilted....but my adice would be how often do you hand Quilt....would it pay to heve this new one or does your lap one work fine?

I use the Grace EZ3 floor stand and really like it. I HATE basting with a passion and this frame is the no-baste system. I sit in an adjustable office chair so it is the right height and position my floor lamp over where I am quilting. The bad thing is how much space it takes it. Granted, you CAN fold it up and put it away, but when the frame is up it takes A LOT of room.I am working on a queen sized quilt right now and it monopolizes a large portion of one wall. It is worth it to me though to not have to baste and to have the smoothest backing you have ever seen. :mrgreen:

I looove my floor frame! I can't quilt in all directions either, but I love the quilt larger areas where the quilting is simple. The I don't have to pin or baste to finish the details in a hoop. i don't think I could survive without my frames.

Lynette

I do most of my quilting at church with other ladies on a floor frame. I am trying to rearrange things here at home to be able to put one up. I also use an adjustable office chair which I find helps me a lot. I can move the height when I want a different position, and I don't get so tired. If you have room for it, go for it! Enjoy! :lol:

Pittsburgpam
Do you mind telling me what brand your hoop is? Would you replace it with the same brand or something different? Thanks

Roselady,

I have two personal floor frames. The first is 30"round and I beleive made by Hintenburg. I bought it at a quilt shop. You have to baste the quilt to use this frame. It has a single leg in the middle and rotates. I find that I tend to overextend my arms when using it unless I force myself to rotate more often. I sit in a wing chair to use it.
My second one I ordered at a national quitl show from Grace. It is 24" and square with rounded corners. It has a single base that has an arm that extends sideways from the base and then the hoop rotates. I find I have a problem with the bulk of the quilt that is not in the hoop getting caught on the arm when I go to rotate. It does have a built in extension light that is nice and was free since I purchased it at the show. Both hoops have their advantages and disadvantages. I usually have a dozen or more needles going at the same time. I stitch as far as I can reach with the first one and then go on to the next until the whole hooped surface is quilted. Then I unhoop and move the quilt to where I continue the lines I started.

Both hoops were in the $100 range and I have had them both for a while.

Good luck

There is no brand on it, I looked. It is very old and I got it at a thrift shop probably 20 years ago. All it is is two uprights with notches on the top. The inner hoop has a wing nut and a bolt that slips into the notch, that's how I tilt it to whatever angle and tighten the nuts.

The base is just two pieces of wood for the feet with a crossbar between them and more bolts and wing nuts to hold the uprights.

I bet any do-it-yourselfer or carpenter could make this stand for a purchased wooden hoop in any size. It could fit multiple sizes by using different sized crossbars.

If you are able to quilt in all directions without moving the quilt around, go for the frame (and as long as you have space for it, too).

I have a hoop. I can move it from room to room (keeping it away from kids and I don't have the space for a frame - yet), and since I can't quite quilt in all directions (still figuring some of that out) this is what I prefer. I also like to keep the quilt loose in the hoop instead of tight, don't know if I can do that in a frame). I find I don't prick my fingers as often.

This probably wasn't much help...
Good luck with your decision, it's a tough one.

lynette, what kind of floor frame do you have?

pittsburgpam has the same frame as I have. I have the original box it came in, all it says is BEACHWOOD LTD. I paid 20.00 for it from a friend. I've had it for years. I quilted two quilts on it and now use a pvc frame.
I do think I will get it out and use it again!!

Have a great day,
simple quilter

I have an old hoop my grandmother gave me its is a large oval probably 12" by 24". That is the only thing I have ever used to hand quilt and like it just fine. It can take my project with me if I want to - I quilt in the car when I know I will be a passenger. I did have to baste my whole quilt but that wasn't that big of a pain in the a**. With the hoop I can turn my work cause I can only quilt right to left :)

I only do hand quilting and bought a frame that sits on the floor and is made of pvc pipe. I bought mine at a flea market for 60 dollars some time back. I would highly recommend this type frame. My mother has one also and we are both well pleased with them. I'm sure someone must have a patten on this type and maybe you could find it on the net.

I also have a floor model Q-Snap frame and find it works very well. :lol:
Very easy to adjust the tension! :lol: