It is a separating zipper like you have in a coat. You have a pair for each roller on the quilting frame. One half of each pair is sewn to the leader on the roller. You pin or baste the other halves to the top and bottom edge of your quilt backing. Now instead of pinning the backing onto the leaders you just zip it on - fast and easy, so it reduces loading time. (You can also zip the quilt top onto the top roller.)

Thank you!! Now I understand and I think I like that idea. You learn something new everyday.!!

Me, too. Haven't heard about the zipper part before?
Robin in TX

I went to Bits and Pits today...Love that store in Pelham, NH...I have decided to have them quilt my King size quilt...110.00 - I think it will be totally worth it...its a bit cheaper if I do it myself and rent it but I have decided just to let them do it this time. They also bind the quilts for 25-35 but I can do that myself.

Curious about Red Snappers too.

Here is a link, I love my Red Snappers!

http://quiltsonthecorner.com/red_snappers

I LOVE my Red Snappers! I can load a quilt in less than 15 minutes and unload in less than 5 minutes.

Here's a video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udj94FQ1juE

Thanks. I do plan on buying some.

It would be so nice to have $$$$$ bti hire it done. I also think I need to learn and try for myself. grrrrr..... Never did like trying new things. :) Wish you the best.

You have so many answers!!! Some I disagree with

1) Zippers -- our LQS rents out the machines. She sells you parts of a zipper. You take them home and BASTE with your DSM the zipper parts onto your quilt top and backing. Then when you go to the shop, it only takes minutes to zipe it onto the leaders. NO PINS!

2) Even when I first started out, it took me only 2-3 hours to do a LARGE meandering on a queen quilt.

Note: you should have someone there to help you when things go wrong. At home, I had no one to help me so I took a LONG time figuring out what the heck went wrong. I was in a quilt shop not long ago and the woman that worked there knew NOTHING about the machine and couldn't help the quilter. So make SURE someone that's knowledgeable is there to help you!