How to Make Your Own Quilting Frames

Quilt frames may seem complicated and expensive to someone just beginning to quilt, however, with these simple steps anyone can make their own inexpensive quilt frame.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1 inch x 2 inch Screen Stock in various lengths for different size quilts.
• For Crib quilt - 4 @ 6' long.
• For Twin size quilt - 2 @ 6' and 2 @ 8' long.
• For Full and Queen size quilt - 2 @ 8' and 2 @ 10' long.
• 4 C-clamps - 3 inch size
• Thumbtacks to attach quilt to frame.

1. 

   Select lumber at builder's supply in lengths listed. Check each piece for defects, knots, or bowing prior to purchase. Lumber should be flat and lay flush when laid side by side on the floor.

2. Before using, mark each quilt frame piece with a pencil drawing a line at one foot intervals. These guidelines help you maintain 90 degree corners when clamped. Select boards needed for chosen quilt size and lay on floor in rectangular position.

3. 
   C-Clamps

   Use C-clamps to connect frame sides to top and bottom frame pieces at four corners. Thumb tack assembled quilt top, batting and bottom to frame sides, using pencil marks as guidelines. Adjust rail placement as needed to allow top and bottom edges of quilt to be thumb tacked to frame.

4. 
   Stands at comfortable height

   Place clamped frame on quilt stands at comfortable height for hand quilting. Chair backs, stools or saw horses placed at corners may be used instead of quilt stands. Hand stitch as far as you can comfortably reach then release clamps and roll side rails toward middle, re-clamp and repeat until entire surface has been quilted.

Tips & Warnings

• Use softer wood such as Poplar, Redwood or White Pine for your quilt frames as they are easier to use when inserting thumbtacks.
• Begin at middle of side and work to corners when tacking quilt to frame, being careful to catch all layers of the quilt. Be sure to keep quilt bottom taut while tacking.
• Be careful when stretching quilt on the frame. Thumbtacks may pop if stretched too tight or may tear fabric.

Resources

• Quilting Freehand

[scrapjunkie]

on 4/21/2009 the best way I've found to attach quilt to frame. I read in a magazine about 15 years ago this idea; take a roll of rug binding about 3 inches wide cut to length of rail attach to side rails of quilting frame with upholstry tack so 2 inches are loose on inside of rail pin end of binding still on roll to one end of attached binding then to quilt then back to binding on rail continue process pulling quilt as tight as you desire to opposite end of rail binding from roll will appear as zigzag from rail to quilt like so /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

[grannyshirley]

on 3/19/2009 Very good instruction and very easy to do. Thanks! 5*****rrcr

[AllFYB]

on 3/17/2009 Great instructions, I am printing this so my husband can make me a quilting frame. Thanks

[walker7]

on 3/17/2009 Great article with great ideas! Thank you!