How to Use a Hand Quilting Frame
A hand quilting frame is similar to a loom where the quilt wraps around a . The purpose is to keep the quilt in place while you are hand sewing the details of the quilt design. Hand quilting is still the best method to make a quality handmade quilt. The personal artistic touch and time give an historic feel to the project.
- Measure and cut all layers to the appropriate length for the project.
- Adjust the frame to fit the size of the quilt.
- Cotton Backing. The cotton backing is stretched between the front pole and the middle pole.
- The backing should be two to four inches larger than the top.
- The backing is put onto the quilting frame with the wrong side up.
- Mark the center of the cotton backing.
- Pin the corners on the front leader of the front pole.
- Add pins as needed to secure the fabric to the front pole.
- Secure the backing to the middle pole with pins.
- Roll the backing onto the middle pole without wrinkles, or stretching.
- Batting. The batting is stretched between the front pole, over the middle pole and is scrolled on the forth pole.
- The batting should be equal to the top of the quilt.
- Scroll the batting into the first pole, keeping edge two to four inches smaller than the backing.
- Pin the batting to the backing and to the front pole.
- Do not bunch or over stretch.
- Drape batting over the middle pole and backing material.
- Continue threading to the fourth pole.
- Stretch batting over the fourth pole, do not over stretch or allow to bunch. Keep roll smooth and even edges.
- Scroll batting evenly over the fourth pole.
- Top layer. The top layer is stretched between the first pole and the back pole draping over the middle pole.
- Pin the quilt top to the first pole securing to the batting and backing layers.
- Drape over the middle pole, securing to the batting and backing layers.
- Pin to the back pole evenly without bunching or overstretching.
- Roll top layer onto the back pole smoothly and evenly.