How to Make a Home Quilting Frame

Quilt Frame

Typically, quilt frames are made out of wood, but a PVC pipe quilt frame is an ideal alternative. PVC pipe is sturdy and lightweight so if you need to move it around, it is light enough to do so easily. With the smooth plastic, you also don't have to worry about splinters in your material. This project sets the quilt frame at an angle for easier quilting. It can be adjusted in size to meet your individual taste.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• (5) 40 inch x 1 inch PVC pipe
• (4) 25 1/2 inch x 1 inch PVC pipe
• (4) 9 1/2 inch x 1 inch PVC pipe
• (2) 6 inch x 1 inch PVC pipe
• PVC pipe glue
• (4) 3-Way connectors
• (4) T connectors
• (2) Elbows
• (2) End caps
• (4) Snap Clamps
• Pipe cutter or hacksaw
• Measuring tape

1. Bare Quilt Frame

   You can either cut the pipe or have the lumberyard cut it for you to make the project easier. This project will start from the ground up. It is suggested to dry fit first to make sure you don't have to adjust any of the measurements. If you do have to adjust the measurements, simply use the hack saw and trim off any excess pipe.

2. T Connectors

   Lay all 4 - 19 1/2 inch PVC pipe on the floor, 2 on the left side and 2 on the right side. Attach the 2 on the left side together with a T connector. Repeat this on the right side. Next attach a 40-inch pipe into the side hole of each connector to form the cross bar. This will look like a capital I and is the base of the quilt frame. See photo. Add an elbow into the hole on each side in the front of the frame. Add a T connector into the holes on each side at the back of the frame. Next, add a 6-inch piece of pipe into the bottom holes of the T connectors in the back of the frame. Place and end cap into the bottom hole of the 6-inch pipe. This will cause the back of the frame to be raised at an angle for easier quilting. If everything is a correct fit, go ahead and glue together, and allow to dry.

3. Elbow

   Attach a 25 1/2-inch pipe into the top holes of the T connectors in the back and the top holes of the elbows in the front. Add a 3-way into the top holes of each of the 4 pipes. Apply the glue if fit is correct. Allow to dry.

4. 3 Way Connectors

   Connect the corners together with the 40-inch pipe on each side and on the front and back. Glue again if fit is correct. Allow to dry.

5. Snap Clamp

   To attach the quilt for quilting, lay the quilt over the frame, and attach a snap clamp on all four sides, stretching the quilt for a tight working surface.

Tips & Warnings

• Adjust the size to fit your individual taste. Give as gifts.

Resources

• More PVC Pipe Ideas