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how to machine quilt large size

16 years ago

When you make a king or queen size quilt, how do you make the back piece of fabric taut? Do you have one of those wooden quilt frames for large sizes? I want to be able to machine quilt. If I can get it taut then add the batting and top piece, then pin it alot, I was hoping that's all I need. Thanks. Where can you buy one of those wood frames?

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Comments (4)

cmc_97
16 years ago
To make a large basting frame, all you need is 1x2 boards and C-clamps (and some heavy fabric strips, like canvas, to staple to the boards). See the Ami Simms page the in useful link below to see this method in action.

Another technique I ran across recently that you might want to consider is explained in video clips by Sharon Schamber. See her YouTube video page for all her videos:

http://www.youtube.com/user/SharonSchamberNet

You may have to click a link or two to see a list of all the videos. The ones you want to view are "Hand basting a quilt p. 1" and "Hand basting a quilt p. 1".

Or, you can go directly to these links and watch (part 1 first, then part 2):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhwNylePFAA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_EjBGz5vGQ

CMC

Here is a link that might be useful: Ami Simms bastes a quilt
msmeow
16 years ago
I used to use my living room floor. Lay the backing out wrong side up and tape it evenly to the floor w/ masking tape. Make sure it is flat but not stretched. Then lay the batting on top of the backing and tape it in place, also making sure it's not stretched. Then lay the top out right side up on top of the backing & batting and start pinning from the center out. Pins should be 3 - 5" apart. A queen or king quilt takes LOTS of pins and LOTS of time on your knees on the floor!

Donna
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toolgranny
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The class I took taught us to clamp the backing, wrong side up, to a large table. In her case, three folding tables side by side. She used large binder clips from the office supply store. She had us make it very tightly stretched. Then she smoothed down the batting and then the top, not making them tight. She pinned from outside in since you lean on outer edges and she said they would distort if you started in middle.

I've used this with success but have a hard time finding a place to clamp it down to. I must make a table. I used plywood the last time but the pins need to be able to scrape as you go so the dining room table is out.

I then schmush it all up and quilt with a machine on a table.

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I do it like Donna and have never had a problem. The harder thing is to get it to fit through the sewing machine.

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