barrelracer86

I have an on point quilt with 10" blocks that I am struggling with. Every other block has a geometric design done in applique on my embroidery machine. When I lay it out on the floor it is perfectly square (within 1/8") but when I put the top on the take up roller on my frame it is pulling in at the ends up to 4" on each end and has lots of loose fabric on the takeup roller. Is this normal and will work out as I unroll the quilt or shold I just float the top to make sure it stays even all the way through the quilt?

Sadiemae

I float the top...

CoyoteQuilts

Are you loading the top on point? Or is the blocks in the quilt on point? Also, are the setting triangles outside edges on straight of grain or bias? If on bias that may be your problem as it sounds like you have stress on one side that is distorting when rolling.
If you are loading on point I can't help as I have yet to tackle this type, but if the blocks are what is on point I'll tell you how I load my quilts.
I usually mark the center of my quilts and have center marks on my leaders. I match these and either pin or baste stitch starting at that point and go to end, then start at center and go to other end. I have velcro on my poles which are also marked with center and when I load my quilt I match all center lines. At times I have to move one leader, but not by much--an inch or less..

I hope you have many suggestions and find one that works for you.

ljsunflower

Pictures would help us see what you are talking about. Can you take some of it?

barrelracer86

The blocks are set on point, not the quilt on the frame. It has a 5" border outside of the triangles on the edge of the quilt.
I will try to take a pic or 2 tonight when i get home from work and see what you think.

MamaHen

Float the top. I just finished a 95 x 95 quilt, and floated the top. I even float the batting. Each time you roll up after your rows of quilting, lift the top, smooth out the batting and then lay top back down and smooth out, baste down the sides before quilting in the center. This will help keep it smooth & square.
Also, after laying your batting ontop of your backing, smooth it, then lay your top on that. Then baste across the top of your quilt top. Starting in the middle, baste to the left, then repeat and baste to the right. This should help keep it more square. Remember that after if comes off the frame it will probably look square.
Good luck!

stewyscrewy

I agree with what everyone else has stated. I also float and smooth as I go and also pin the sides down instead or stitching them.To me it helps with the quilt drawing up while quilting. but that is just my way.