Watson

How do you like it?
What machine do you use on it?
How do you like having to still use the floor pedal? (This is holding me back.)
I have a mid arm so will have decent area in which to quilt and it will fit in the space I have available, but not having controls on the handles is a bit of a show-stopper for me.
I know you can buy the stitch regulator (for $995.00 here in Canada.) but I hadn't planned to do that. If you buy the stitch regulator I'm assuming you can control the whole thing from the handles?
I've watched a bunch of videos but don't seem to be finding the answers I want so am hoping someone here can help.

Watson

mkc

the stitch regulator only works with specific machines, so you would need to check with Grace to see if it worked with the one you wanted to use on the Hoop Frame. This link has a drop down list so you can check which machines it is compatible with: Sure Stitch


It appears that the stitch regulator has the following, so that seems to indicate all functions are controllable at the handles.

• Dual function stitch regulator and speed control
• Easy controls at your finger tips: on/off, pulse, stitch length

Without the stitch regulator, since one of the frame compatibility questions is "does your machine have a foot pedal", then yes, you need to use the foot pedal if you don't have the stitch regulator. I suspect the stitch regulator plugs into the machine in place of the cord for the foot pedal.

BTW, keep in mind you lose roughly 12" of the width of the quilting area because of the carriage width (the needle of the machine cannot reach closer than 6" or so to either end), so the effective quilting area width is 42" (3 1/2 feet).

mkc

I should also ad - watch FB Marketplace (and, since you're in Canada, Kijiji) for used Q-zone frames. I see them all the time half-price in the US.

Jerseyrayne

I don't have that frame, I have the old Handiquilter tabletop on a frame my son built for me. I use my Pfaff expression 2.0 on the frame.

You don't need the stitch regulator. What you need to eliminate the foot control, is the Grace Speed Control. It has the On/Off button, pause button and speed adjustment. https://www.graceframe.com/en/product/speed-control

Good Luck with your system

mkc

Do note that this only works with certain machines as well. Check the drop down first to see if your is one that's supported.

janemc

I just got the same setup HQII and Pfaff Expression 2.0.I am looking at alternate speed controler and attaching handles to the Pfaff. Have you done this. Nay comments or information you have would be most welcome.

Watson

janemc...I have a Tiara and the speed control/stitch regulators don't work for these industrial machines. My husband is an engineer and put together a set up so that I can run the foot pedal off of a bike brake on the right hand handle. If you would like the PDF he made of how to do it, please PM me.

Watson

Watson

An update: I ended up getting the QZone Queen frame which is not a hoop frame, but a long arm frame where you roll the backing/batting/quilt top on. It ended up being longer than I thought (Some miscommunication from the dealer), so it takes up a good portion of my sewing room, but I'm really happy that I got this one rather than the hoop frame.

Watson

loking

Hi Watson: I have a Tiara, did yours fit on the carriage of the Q Zone frame? I'm about ready to order it, but am a little nervous

Lori

Watson

Lori...are you ordering the QZone HOOP frame or the QZone Queen frame? They are different. The hoop frame, you have to move the quilt around the frame as you quilt and baste and the Queen frame is more of a long arm type, where you put the quilt on leaders and roll it up.

I have the Queen and I love it with my Tiara. For it, I had to order the special carriage and expandable handles. Also, the Tiara still has to run off of your foot pedal for either of these unless you can jimmy a replacement handle like my husband did. I am happy to send you the PDF of how he made a bike brake handle work as a hand controller.

PM me if you have more specific questions I can answer.

Watson