How to load hand quilting frame

[Dawn S.]

Please Help! I bought a lovely vintage cherry huge floor quilt frame and have NO idea how to load er up.
It did not come with any directions and I have no clue. thanks in advance for your advise! Barb

[Jo H.]

Barb,

Do you need instructions on putting the frame up or how to attach a quilt in it. Can you post a picture of it? I'm sure it is lovely and cherry wood that has aged is beautiful.

[Jo H.]

Me neither, but if you could manage to add a photo of it, that would make it easier for folks 'in the know' to identify the sort you've got and then know how to advise you. (Most of us tend to be visual learners/etc. )

[Terry K.]

Hmmm. . .Barb, could you google the manufacturer and see if you can download an instruction booklet? Or, maybe there is someone listed in customer service that could help you. I bet your frame is beautiful. Cherry wood is a favorite of mine.

[Terry K.]

Thank you for your kind help. I have googled and only find loading for machine quilting information. It has 2 long bars with attached leader cloth to
I am only guessing that you baste the quilt first and load to back rail and advance it as you get the part completed? Barb

[Margo C.]

Maybe this will help: http://www.quilting-tidbits.com/hand...ing-frame.html

[Catherine S.]

Barb, I two types of hand quilting frames. The one my husband made me is from an old Mountain Mist design. There are stands at both ends, and two long rail separating them. The ends have a notched wheel on them to tighten the quilt. If yours is simular, here is what to do: Make quilt sandwich as usual and baste layers. Pin or sew backing to leaders on long rails. Carefully roll rails to have center of quilt near front rail. Back rail fits in slots and needs to be removed to hand roll the quilt. Tighten quilt by turning front rail and bring the small bar forward to catch in notch. I start quilting in center of quilt and work my way out. I quilt across the quilt, then lift back rail out and release a roll or two of quilt. Position rail back in slot. Tighten quilt from front and continue quilting. Oh, I almost forgot the cloth strips I have attached on the end stand. I bring them over the end and pin to quilt to tight it across. Hope this makes some sense.
I also have the four corner stands that support four long wooden slats. My slats have holes drilled through them. Using crochet thread I sewing the quilt backing to the four slats using the holes. Keep in mind which ones you will be turning. Slats are held in place by c-clamps. After stretching backing, place batting on and smooth it out. A yard stick helps in the areas you can not reach. The quilt top is then placed on top and smoothed out and pinned to backing. This is definitely easier with two people working. I am not sure if this is the proper way to do things, but it is what Grandma did. The older generation seemed to like the quilt stretched tight. Maybe that was to keep it from sagging too much when the cat lays on it. :lol: Hope this helps. Have fun!

[Catherine S.]

thank you Cathy, It makes perfect sense!
Barb