brendaj8689

Hello. I just purchased a handi quilter table top frame off FB marketplace and need help. Someone had to pick it up for me and didn't take pictures of taking it apart. I found some instructions on the Handi Quilters website, but not enough to figure it out. I believe it is the original Handi Quilter. What size table do I need? I have to put it on a folding table, because it will not be set up all the time. Once I get a table, then I will deal with the next steps, putting it together. Thank you all. I wish I could afford a longarm machine and frame and had a place for it, but at least this will be a start. I have a Juki 2010q to use with it until the money fairy gives me enough for a bigger machine. Thank you all.

QuiltE

No specific answers for you ...... but ............ I suggest you call the HQ people. When I have had questions regarding by Sweet 16, they have been more than helpful. In a time when customer service seems to have vanished, they rise to the top!!

Also, there is a wealth of info on their website, so there may even be something to help you too.

quiltedsunshine

All of the HQ table top frames I've seen have been on folding tables. If you can find the heavier wooden folding tables, they don't jump as much as the newer plastic "Lifetime" tables. You'll need a table that's as long as your track. Or two tables put together.

brendaj8689

Thank you all.

osewme

Here are manuals for Handi Quilt products. You should be able to find your model from the list. You can also go online & search for videos that should help you a lot.
Have fun with your new toy!

https://handiquilter.com/manuals/

JeanneMa

I was in your situation, almost exactly, and found an old handi quilter frame on Ebay. I put it on an 8 ft cosco folding table. It works pretty well. wish it had better handles and a speed control. Kind of tiring trying to a; see what you're doing from a chair, which you need because b; you still have to use foot control, and c; be able to move the machine around from sitting position while reaching the foot control with your foot. I'm now looking for a set of "handi handles" which will work with this frame/machine I have. It's an ADVENTURE!

FoggyButFocused

Bump!

I am looking for feedback on the Handi Quilter Table Top Frame. There is an ad for one locally. I found this thread and would appreciate some feedback from @brendaj8689 and @JeanneMa , who I think have one.

Did the folding tables work? What type of folding tables did you use? Any info greatly appreciated!

JeanneMa

yes, the folding table worked, pretty well, but to be honest it only took making two crib size quilts on the Handiquilter tabletop edition to make up my mind that if I was going to be serious about doing this, I should get a full size quilting frame. Grace has a lovely frame for under a grand, shipped, and they sell speed controls that work on the handles and if you want to get more into it with your home machine, a stitch regulator that works on most home style machines. I am now sitting here with a Flynn "multiframe", a hand quilting frame, a handiquilter frame that I have no idea what to do with. Having more fun than I've had in years playing with my new grace Qzone queen frame, though.

FoggyButFocused

Thank you @JeanneMa! This is very helpful. I am not very good at FMQ on my machine. I can't seem to coordinate moving the fabric under needle. I am thinking moving the machine would be easier for me, but even the used mid- / long-arm machines with frames seem expensive for an experiment. This might be a way to confirm my ability to FMQ, whether good or bad!

Thanks again for the input. I very much appreciate it.

JeanneMa

DON'T worry about "being very good" at FMQ on you first few attempts, yes, fmq at a sit down, home machine is counter-intuitive, it's like trying to learn to draw by moving the paper while the pencil stays still. It too me a few YEARS to get very artistic about it. NOBODY starts out "good"! I look at the first couple quilts I machine quilted now, and laugh my head off. After you build that "muscle memory", transitioning to a machine frame, (regardless of size) is easy. Couple hours practice and you'll love it.