I am comming close to having my first quilt top pieced. So I figure it's time out what I need to hand quilt it. I have a 14 inch embroidery hoop that I used once before. But that was when I was quilting the blocks individually. There is no way I would try that with an entire quilt top. [my hands would fall off lol.]

So I've been looking around. And I've seen those pvc frames that look pretty easy to make.

And I also read an article about using ladderback chairs and 2x4 pieces of lumber with padded canvas stapled to two of the pieces.

There was even a way to quilt without a frame. I don't think I would try that. I'm thinking it would break my back to be bent over for long periods of time.

So the question is what do you think the best way to hand quilt is?

I have a pvc frame and I love it! easy to assemble/disassemble, inexpensive and holds the quilt nice at the tension you want. It has the added bonus of being a WONDERFUL hammock for the cat!!

Oh Shadow would love that wouldn't he? Thank you for the input. I've been kind of leaning towards the pvc.

I think the frame depends on how much space you have. I am doing a King size with a 14 inch hoop. I also have a larger oval floor hoop that I am learning to like. It doesn't take up much space as I have small rooms. My Mom uses 4 2x2 boards with c clamps on the corners and tacks her quilt to them, Her's is set up in the basement. She ties her quilts but you could set it up on saw horses or something to make it higher. I have a regular full size quilting frame but it is way to large to leave up and I couldn't get the hang of it.

Jim bought me this and I LOVE it.

I just finished a quilt using the pvc frame, it's great.

I had a friend bring this frame to the Workday at the Post and we used it to tie quilts ... it was just great! <wave> (the PVC one)
Have you done a "search" at the top of the page, typing in: "hand quilting" and checked out some of the threads that are here?
Ninnie has been showing a Burgoyne Surrounded quilt that she even did a tutorial/diary of the creation of the quilt and now is showing how she is hand quilting it ...
a LOT of good quilters on this forum <g> <wave>

I have the PVC frame and use it quite a bit, but still like a hoop too. The largest quilt I have done in a hoop is about 64", sometimes I like it where I can put my feet up and watch tv. If you get the PVC make sure you get the leg extenders to put it at a slant. If I were using a hoop, I would use an 18" round or my preference is an oval. I have 5 or six different styles of hoops. The oval and 18" also go on a stand up frame. Jean Brown who is a famous hand quilter does all of her quilts on a 14" hoop that has a lttle base that allows it to sit on your lap, I have it too and like it a lot for small projects, although she does everything even King size. She has a web site. I would love to get a square 18" makes it easier for borders. You have a lot of options, you have to decide what is best for you.

I have a Q-snap frame like this one. I love it. I always have a quilt on it and hand quilt in the evenings. It's relaxing.

I'm a hooper!! Makes it portable. I've tried other things and actually the easiest for me is the hoop. My stitches seem to be different otherwise.

I got the Q-snap PVC frame for my girl scouts (for $40 way back in the dark ages) and it worked very well. I have not hand quilted much since then, and plan on working without a frame when I start back.

Check with JoAnn's for the Q-snap. They have them on sale frequently, and you can use a coupon.

Even with my PVC I am a mostly a hooper too, especially if I am quilting a lot of turning motifs. It is harder on the PVC. Straight lines and grids are great on the pvc, but if it is a small quilt many times I have to finish the middle by hoop, anyway. But still love and use the PVC too. The quilt I am hand quilting now has baseball and bats to quilt, found I was contantly moving around the PVC frame so moved it to the hoop.

You all had me going there for awhile. My last name is Hooper and I was wondering where all the relatives were comming from lol. Thought maybe I won the lottery or something. hahaha.

My problem with the hoop is holding it. My hand cramps like there is no tomorrow. Plus the constant having to move the hoop.

I'm definitely going to look into the Q-snap. If I could get it for 40 bucks that would be great.

I went to the hardward store to get the pieces for the q-snap. The first thing the owner and I discovered was that the pictures and the supply list are not for the same frame. So the owner sent me home to draft exactly what I want and then we will go from there. He has very generously offered his cutter if I pay for his time. Otherwise I'd be trying to take 10 foot lengths of pipe home in my nissan sentra {that wouldn't work}.

But even though I had to buy an entire order of the 3 way connectors because he doesn't stock them I should still come under 30 dollars. and that sounds great to me.

Now on to the drafting table.

MARVELOUS! Now, THAT is the American way! <wave>