hintenberg verses gracez44, handquilting frame, which is better
 

I am going to buy a handquilting frame, but can't decide which one. When you quilt on these, do you start at one end, then go to the other? Is it possible to start in the middle on either?

I have a Grace and find it quite comfortable to work on. I have a different model than you are looking at, I think mine is a Z23 and have done only crib/lap quilts on it but it will hold up to queen size. I don't know of any reason that you couldn't roll the quilt and start to quilt wherever you want to. Sorry I don't know anything about the other one you are considering.

I have a Hinterberg frame, and I love it. I start quilting at one end and then go to the other. It's a 3 pole frame so I don't have to baste the quilt, and it tilts so it's comfortable for me to work with. They no longer make the model I have, but I think the newer Hinterbergs are similar. The company has been very supportive, too.

However, if I remember correctly, the Grace is also a 3 pole frame, and I think the Grace Company is supportive, too. So I can't really say if one is better than the other.

Janet

I had both frames for my quilting machine and I can say the Grace Frame was much better than the hinterberg. However, I don't know about the hand quilting frames.