My great grandmother didn't use a frame. She sandwiched her quilt between two mattresses. She stitched a row and rolled it up and then, pulled another row out from under the mattress. She quilted sitting on the floor. A frame was only necessary for quilting bees. My great aunt (her sister) had a ceiling frame made with broomcorn slats clamped together with C-clamps. Pulleys were screwed to the ceiling. The ropes were tied around the slats. They ran over the pulleys and were held in place by drape hooks screwed into the walls. Frames from at least 1813 had holes drilled in them for running ropes through the backing to stretch it. In modern times, the backing was tacked or stapled on. Today, we use clips. Only the backing fabric is stretched. The top and batting are basted to prevent them from shifting. Wooden clamps had been in use since at least the 1870s. Some were intended for holding wood slats together, but others were carved as standing clamps to make a floor frame. Metal clamps came into use in 1900. The Stretch Frame, also known as a Floor Frame or Stand Frame hasn't changed much in the last 200+ years. They can still be found in homes today. The one on the top left is probably homemade. The one on the top right is the new FA Edmund's Legacy Frame. I own the Edmund's model 5560D frame on the second row that was marketed with an optional extension kit (5560D1). Both kits are shown beneath the frame. The Edmund's frame on the fourth row is the 5560A. I don't know who manufactured the last frame, but it looks fairly modern and includes an ingenious tool box. Scroll frames were actually intended for making tapestries, but quilters adopted them. On the top row, are two primitive antique scroll frames. I'm going to jump out on a limb here and say that the Scroll Frame is contemporary with the Stretch Frame. Hand frames were such utilitarian objects that dating them is almost impossible without old photos or paintings. If they're primitive, they date before 1900. If they include metal hardware, they date after 1900. The frame on the second row left features a hand carved cogwheel. The one on the second row right is a modern frame. The frame on the third row appears to be a modern homemade version as well. It looks like an adaptation of the Edmund's 5560A. The Dutch Treat Frame on the bottom is another type of scroll frame. Tapestry Frames tilt, whereas quilt frames remain level and stationary. Tapestry frames are also more narrow than quilt frames. If you'll notice, old scroll frames had two legs and round or square rails. An area rug was heavy and had to be advanced or rolled up to make a large rug. Quilt frames always had four legs and flat rails. Combing these two elements has led to some confusion about the different frames and what they're used for. Quilts weren't rolled up. Women sat around a large frame and quilted at arms length. You must keep in mind that the largest antique mattress was a 3/4 size (48x75" or 4ft by 6ft 3"). Women on either side of a four foot wide quilt would have no problem stitching it. They didn't need, nor did they use the massive quilt frames we use today. Despite its simplicity, the Ceiling Frame only came into use during the 1930s to save space. Some time around the 1940s, quilting bees became less commonplace and the market shifted to individual frames and hoops. The Quilt As You Go Frame (bottom left) and Stretcher Bars (bottom right) were ntroduced. In the 1970s, we got the Quilt and Rug Hooking Frame. FA Edmund's, Sears and Gibbs all jumped on the stand hoop bandwagon. Different companies marketed various shapes and sizes of Quilt Hoops. The round, oval, square and half round hoops on the first and second rows were sold by Darice. I don't know who marketed the half round in the middle, but I've never seen one like it. It comes in two parts and has a center bar connecting them. The last one is FA Edmund's border hoop that comes in two sizes. The Quilter's Lap Hoop is two hoop sizes in one. FA Edmund's has recently introduced an upgraded model of the standing quilt hoop. Table Embroidery Frame Table Embroidery Hoop Cross Stitch Frame Needlepoint Frames PVC Snap Frames were recently introduced. They're so cheap and lightweight, they can easily be built at home.
I first saw this binding on a customer’s quilt that was brought into the quilt shop where I work. You’ve seen it on my Little Acorns quilt. On that quilt, I wanted to see if it would be…
Kantha quilting is an age-old textile art form originating from Southeast Asia, particularly Bangladesh and Bengal. Rooted in tradition and culture, Kantha quilts serve both functional and aestheti…
Quilt frames may seem complicated and expensive to someone just beginning to quilt, however, with these simple steps anyone can make their own inexpensive quilt frame.
I’ve had so many requests to explain how I mount my small art quilts on painted black canvas that I decided it was time to write a tutorial! There is a step-by-step description of my process …
I know, I know so long without posting here. Too much ideas, too much to do. Finally I did and succeed to write a post . At the beginning...
I went back over to my Guilds show today, Quilter's Unlimited 40th Anniversary show! I had coffee and a chat with one of the "In the Beginning" fabric designers and President of the DC Modern Quilt guild, Jessie Aller! I am hoping Jessie posts the photo SHE took of us as I was a slacker and didn't get one. I have SO MANY photos from the show, that I thought I'd just share a few of my favs.. then I'll share more another day.. ok? OK! I stopped into That Thread Shop that carries all the Aurifil thread.. I spotted...
We're sharing our top table-top frame quilting tips — and even if you think you know it all, we guarantee you'll learn something new!
As I began to think about what my studio space would look like, I had a vision of framing several
When delving into the world of custom quilting there is one design element that virtually all quilters want to learn to create – feathers! The best part is, with a little practice anyone can create beautiful flowing feathers.
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INVENTORY REDUCTION - Overflow PAPER longarm quilting pantograph design by Sarah Ann Myers More Details A single row is 5.5 inches wide - printed with two rows - 144 inches long Click here to go to our main Panto Directory Page. Click here to see more items of interest to machine quilters. Don't know what a "panto" is? Click here to find out what the heck a "panto" is.
Ever wonder what to do with a fat eighth? Here is one great simple block - it's a disappearing 9 patch - cut on the diagonal and reassemb...
In the world of quilting, there are tons of quilts that have Flying Geese blocks. Actually, my quilt pattern, the Framed Folk quilt has a bunch of them so I figured I’d put this flying geese tutorial…
Quilt frames may seem complicated and expensive to someone just beginning to quilt, however, with these simple steps anyone can make their own inexpensive quilt frame.
Prairie Tracks quilt pattern is now on the shop!You can purchase a downloadable PDF or a printed pattern. I’m so excited to finally share the Prairie Tracks quilt with you all! I’ve had this design in my head for a while now, probably about a year. You see, I love bears and the moment I met the Bear Paw block, I knew I
Quilts and Quilting - Scrappy Pinwheel in a Square
Although it may seem like a regular sewing machine is not capable of free-motion quilting, the truth is you can do it on a sewing machine. Using a regular
No More Getting Stuck in Corners or Having to Cross Over! Stipple quilting looks simple, and it actually is, yet many quilters have a hard time mastering it. It’s so easy to get stuck and have to cross over stitching lines, or to have your squiggles differ greatly in size. While you may have heard …
I think we can all agree that as quilters we have this deeply implanted love of creating and being creative, and that creativity doesn’t just stop at piecing a quilt top. Doing the actu…
Pantograph designs for every machine and every frame! You can now find the perfect sized pantograph design to fit your home machine or longarm machine. We've stitched our pantographs up a notch - with an easy advancing system and mix n' match ability to create unique designs for your quilts. Each PDF Pantograph Design file includes two sizes of the design. Use the smaller design if you're quilting on a home sewing machine on a frame: Use the larger 7 inch design if you have a longarm. Mix n Match by printing out multiple designs and taping them together to create a pantograph design perfectly sized for your longarm machine. If you have an even bigger longarm, you want to maximize that quilting space! These Mix n' Match Pantographs are designed so you can tape multiple rows together to create a truly unique design for your quilt. Start Pantograph Quilting Right Now Our pantograph quilting designs arrive instantly via email as a PDF file. Simply follow the instructions within the pantograph to print, trim, and tape together the perfect sized pantograph for you! Frequently Asked Questions about Mix n' Match Pantographs What do I need to quilt pantographs with a Grace Qnique longarm? Rear Handlebars so you can control the longarm from the back. Qnique Laser Light to follow the pantograph. Solid back table on your frame to support the pantograph. What do I need to quilt pantographs with my home machine? Gracie Laser Light to follow the pantograph. Solid back table on your frame to support the pantograph. Click Here to contact us for help adding a back table to your frame! Can I use pantographs on a home machine set in a table? Not really. These designs are intended for quilting on a frame where the machine moves over the quilt. How many pantograph designs do I get in one PDF? You will receive one 3-inch and one 7-inch version of one design. Example - if you select the Spiraling Pantograph, you will receive one 3-inch and one 7-inch row of Spiraling. Follow the instructions in the PDF to print your rows, cut the designs and tape them together to create your pantograph design. Charts are included to guide you on printing out the correct number of pages for your machine and frame. ----------------------------------------------------------- NOTE - These pantographs are only available as digital downloads. You must have a printer and be able to print in full color on US Letter sized paper. ----------------------------------------------------------- Learn even more about quilting with pantographs! If you need more help understanding how to use these designs, check out Leah's Pantograph Quilting PDF Guidebook. This guide includes a wealth of information on placing your pantographs, how to recover from common mistakes, and how to make the most of the quilting frame you're using. Click Here to find the Pantograph Quilting Guidebook!
I’ll be honest – when I first started quilting, curves gave me the willies. It’s silly, because while I wasn’t particularly good at it, I’ve sewn clothing. I’ve …
Another lovely day yesterday spent at Busy Bees teaching Striped Pieced Landscapes.
Top US quilting blog, A Quilting Life, shares Over 10 Tips for Using Jelly Roll Strips including a variety of block and quilt options. Click here now!!
Browse our favorite minimalist modern quilt patterns and make a simple geometric quilt perfect for your modern aesthetic.
Are you looking for an affordable option for longarm quilting? Follow my journey as I look for the best budget options for purchasing a quilting longarm.
Build your own DIY quilting frames in an afternoon with this easy step-by-step guide. Free plans complete with a cut list and instructions.
Polaroid blocks are quite the rage these days – swaps are flourishing and the products coming from them are so inspiring! I recently participated in a swap host by Kristy from Quiet Play and received a happy little bunch of polaroid blocks the other day. I’ve been collecting a few ideas for what I could […]
Looking for some quilting inspiration? Try these Nine Patch block ideas.
If you've ever made a quilt, chances are you've used the straight line quilting technique. It's a popular choice mostly for smaller projects like table runners, potholders, placemats, baby quilts, etc. but can be used for big size quilts too.
Are you looking for how to build a simple and affordable quilting frame? Here are some practical steps you need to build one by yourself. We did our research an
There are a few different ways to make these diagonal quilt blocks...but by far my favorite method is this tube method below. These are fairly easy blocks to make, but I wouldn't recommend this quilt to a brand new quilter as there are tons of bias (stretchy) edges to deal with. Read through the...Read More
When you're done piecing a quilt, do you often wonder how to finish it with free-motion quilting? Discover how to fill setting triangles, blocks, and borders
It's finally here! The video showing you how I do big stitch quilting - a super easy and fun hand quilting technique! Big stitch quilting is my new favorite way to hand quilt - I'm not sure I'll ever go back to traditional hand quilting. It's just so much fun! I love the chunkiness of the
Straight line quilting is a great beginner quilting technique, but there's a right way and a wrong way. Continue reading to see if you are doing it right!
