Questions To
Ask When Looking For a
Floor Quilting Frame:
|
Jasmine Heirlooms Features
|
Does the quilting frame
have three rails?
Basting is eliminated by having the backing fabric on a
separate rail. Fabrics roll off of two rails and onto one as
you quilt in between. |
Yes
|
Is infinite tension or
ratchet tension control available for rail positioning?
Infinite tensioning allows for equal tension on top and
backing fabrics. Ratchets give incremental control and
either top or backing may be too tight or too loose. |
Infinite tensioning
|
Is it narrow enough to
reach the design area from both sides and can you quilt from
both sides?
Being able to switch sides and reach the same design area
eliminates the need to quilt away from your body. This makes
it easier to quilt feathers and circular type designs. You
must be able to reach over the third rail. |
Yes
|
Can I use a floor
quilting frame if I only quilt with the needle pointing
toward my body?
Yes! Technically you need to quilt 360 degrees, but there
are ways to circumvent such. On circular style designs,
simply quilt from the top most point in two directions.
Being able to quilt on both sides of the frame eliminates
the need to start from the same point twice. In addition,
you will compensate for the less desirable directions by
angling your body as much as 45 degrees to the rail, thereby
reducing the quilting directions to 90 degrees — not quite a
single direction, but very manageable. |
Yes
|
Can a large group quilt
on the frame?
For large groups, it is necessary to have a frame wide
enough to sit directly opposite one another in order to seat
everyone for quilting at the same time. The main problem is
not usually the width, but reaching over the third rail.
Floor frames with a sliding third rail can be positioned so
that you can reach over it and still have no-basting for
group quilting. Some manufacturers suggest removing the
third rail for group quilting meaning you will have to baste
your quilt. You need to allow approximate 24" space per
person to quilt. |
Yes, third rail has
slide position
|
Does it tilt and how?
Tilting allows you to see your work much better and provides
comfort for your back. Some tilt mechanisms are much easier
to use than others. A pivot point is the simplest to use.
Having a center pivot point is preferable because the height
can be set for working at the center of the frame. The
height needed for your lower arm changes as you reach closer
in or farther away, and adjusting the tilt will
automatically change the height of the front rail. If it
has a front pivot point, the height of the front rail will
need to be adjusted separately as you change the tilt to
prevent your arm beneath the quilt from being too high or
too low. |
Yes, pivot in center |
Is end tensioning
provided?
End tensioning gives better control on the edges making it
easier to quilt. |
Yes
|
Is it adjustable for
height?
An important feature because both people and chairs come in
different sizes. |
Yes
|
Does it have a place for
lights?
As with any intricate, detailed work, good lighting is a
must. |
All 4 models have
provisions for adding lights
|
Does it have a cross bar
underneath? If not, will it be stable?
On friction type rail systems, the cross bar is not
necessary. It is necessary on ratchet type systems to lock
the end posts together. When sitting straight and still, the
bar is generally not a problem; but, you may bump it as you
move and it may be in the way if you cross your legs.
Without a cross bar, the friction-lock frame is stable. The
end posts are locked together by the friction lock system,
allowing for a frame that is easier and more comfortable to
use without being the Rock of Gibraltar. |
No cross bar, but very
stable
|
How do I choose rails
and what types are available?
You will always need rails long enough to accommodate the
width of your quilt and can always do smaller quilts on the
longer rails. Rails are available in one piece units or with
extensions. Multiple sizes are available (usually at a
discount) to save space when doing smaller projects. Long
rail sections that are finger jointed material are not prone
to warppage. An extension set gives a variety of lengths in
one set. Extension rails have been known to sag at the
extension over time. |
One piece finger jointed
rails
Multiple sizes available
|
Will it be easy to move
or store with a quilt in progress?
Some have a very small footprint and use minimal space and
can be pushed against the wall and/or come apart easily for
storage leaving the quilt in tact, while others fold; and
some must be disassembled. |
Yes
|
Is the wood finished?
Unfinished wood contains acids which will damage your
fabrics. If you are uncomfortable with finishing wood, or
would just rather quilt than apply finish, buy a frame that
comes completely finished. |
Lacquer finish
or
Unfinished kit |
Will it fit in your
room?
Many homes have limited space. You must consider the
dimensions not only of the quilting width but of the rail
lengths needed based on the width of your quilt. Remember,
if you want your family to support your hobby, you must
still allow them to be in the living room with you! With a
negative answer, the alternative is not necessarily bad, as
quilting hoops on a stand have their own special unique
advantages. |