You can put zippers (mine are 144" long) on your longarm. Then you sew or pin or staple your backs onto zippers, then zip the backs onto the zippered leaders.

I sew all backs onto the zippers, then zip them onto the machine. When I'm done quilting, I can unzip and inspect. If I need to fix something, I can just zip it right back on.

It also allows me to take off quilts before they are done, and know that when I put them back on they will be right where they were before. I'm not the only one using the machine, so I can't just put a quilt on and show up three days later and expect my partner to be happy with me! This way I (and she) can take the unfinished quilt off the machine so someone else can use it.

You're gonna love your machine. I have the TL 18 LS. Once I got the bugs worked it, it's been fun. You'll get the rhythm just keep practicing.
A good way to practice freehand motifs is to buy a dry erase board and draw until you feel like you'd be able to do it on the machine. I like using this method because I'm able to erase and start all over until I'm satisfied.

Now that's a neat idea. Couldn't you do that with the leaders for hand frames too? Where do you get such long zippers?

Ebay - I have one set sewn on the machine leaders, then half a dozen or so extras for backs. I try to prepare several quilts when someone else is on the machine.

Here's the link to 120". They combine shipping, and he also has postings for longer zippers.

http://cgi.ebay.com/120-Quilting-Zip...item3c92f893bb

You can google Longarm Zippers for videos on installing and using zippers.

Thanks for the link. I'm gonna have to study on this some. I think it would work wonderful for loading on a hand frame too!!

Do you have to use the whole length of the zipper?

there's a lot of good ideas here. I have an HQ16 that I haven't had much time to use yet.
I purchased inexpensive white flat sheets, sandwich them with batting and practice. When I'm finished I serge the edges and use for mattress pad.
I haven't used the zippers yet, but I do want to.
I have the HQ set-up and I have a Brother PQ 1500S and a New Joy frame that I want to sell. PM me if you know anyone that is interested.
Good luck ladies and have fun

Dont know if this thread is still alive. I bought a new to me Janome1600 on Grace frame. Well, shortly after, the lady I bought it from had a family crisis ,so not available to give me any training. Then I have had a year of Chemo. I bought this system knowing NOTHING but very eager to learn. I did a few practice "dog beds" Lol. But I dont have a clue how to load frame or how to get started. I am taking advantage of online classes, but still very intimidated how to start. Dont even know if the setup is "set up" correctly! Would love to find someone in Oklahoma who I could pay for a couple of days of training...

visit the HandiQuilter web site- they are offering classes on line-
also the Machine Quilters Society/forum= will have alot of good support/tips/help. enjoy- don't expect too much at first- allow your creative juices to flow :)

Go to Longarm University. Cindy Roth has classes on loading your quilt, doing pantographs, etc.
Some are free, and some things you can get on PDF. Others have a fee, but she send you DVD's so that you can watch on line and later with the DVD.