Homemade Quilting Frames
08-27-2018, 01:56 PM
#1
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Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Kansas
Posts: 4,443
Homemade Quilting Frames
Okay, I have been bitten by the aching desire (call it need 
) for a long arm quilting machine. I read with a growing longing all the resent posts here asking for advice on LA brands and pros and cons etc. I know exactly which machine I would buy if I could tomorrow! But, realistically, that is impossible right now in my life... Maybe in 20 years but that doesn't encourage me at all.
So I got thinking about how, back in about 2010- 2014 or so, some quilters on here were asking questions about homemade quilting frames. Does anyone still use one or have a positive experience with one?
The frame set ups I'm interested in are https://buildaquiltingframe.weebly.com/master-kit.html and http://machine-quilt-frames.blogspot.com/p/kit.html.
This post really has sparked the interest! https://conniekresin.com/2014/08/vintage-singers.html I have a vintage Singer 201-2 with 8" of harp space that I think I would try. I do realize that once I get to the end of a 100x100 quilt I won't have much more 3" of quilting space unless I turn the quilt half way through the process. Still, it might be worth it. I'm keenly aware that 8" of harp can't do anything as fancy or detailed as 18"+ of harp, but I'm hoping it might help with the boring basting chore and help keep pluckers at bay. Also I really don't like quilting twin size or larger in high summer on my machine on a table; just too much warm quilt on my lap!
I looked into renting time on a LA at my LQS, but the beginner class, before the rental time, will cost all most as much as a homemade frame.
I might just take the plunge and ask my DH to make me one.
) for a long arm quilting machine. I read with a growing longing all the resent posts here asking for advice on LA brands and pros and cons etc. I know exactly which machine I would buy if I could tomorrow! But, realistically, that is impossible right now in my life... Maybe in 20 years but that doesn't encourage me at all. So I got thinking about how, back in about 2010- 2014 or so, some quilters on here were asking questions about homemade quilting frames. Does anyone still use one or have a positive experience with one?
The frame set ups I'm interested in are https://buildaquiltingframe.weebly.com/master-kit.html and http://machine-quilt-frames.blogspot.com/p/kit.html.
This post really has sparked the interest! https://conniekresin.com/2014/08/vintage-singers.html I have a vintage Singer 201-2 with 8" of harp space that I think I would try. I do realize that once I get to the end of a 100x100 quilt I won't have much more 3" of quilting space unless I turn the quilt half way through the process. Still, it might be worth it. I'm keenly aware that 8" of harp can't do anything as fancy or detailed as 18"+ of harp, but I'm hoping it might help with the boring basting chore and help keep pluckers at bay. Also I really don't like quilting twin size or larger in high summer on my machine on a table; just too much warm quilt on my lap!
I looked into renting time on a LA at my LQS, but the beginner class, before the rental time, will cost all most as much as a homemade frame.
I might just take the plunge and ask my DH to make me one.
08-27-2018, 02:25 PM
#2
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Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Western Wisconsin
Posts: 12,930
I personally would probably go for the second link you listed. I haven’t looked recently, but Kenneth Lund has quite a few YouTube videos about his frames. Also there are several threads on the QB complete with photos that show simple modifications to the casters on his carriage that improve maneuverability. Try searching here for Kenneth Lund to find those threads.
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