copehome

I have a simple Brother sewing machine that is a bit of a struggle to FMQ with - and I have NO space for a mid-arm and a frame. Does anyone have experience using a portable tabletop quilting frame (such as Handi Quilter II)?

MzMcKee

I have a modified HQII frame (I extended it and made it permanent. You’ll find that people use a mid-arm or long arm on the frame because the take up roller (bar) uses some of your throat space. For example, I have a brother pq1500 mid-arm machine with a 9” throat space, the take up roller uses about 2 ˝” of that space and more as I roller the quilt to work a new section. So if you’re using a machine with a 6” throat space you’re quilting range is only 3 ˝” and less every time you roll the quilt to the next section.

As for the frame… I love it! When I used it right out of the box it was great and allowed me to tear it down when I need the room.