How to Make a Quilt Frame with Ratchets

A quilting frame holds the quilt tight while you stitch the layers of it together. Sometimes, the quilt layers will slip and pull out of place, making it necessary to stop and adjust the quilt. This can become tedious and slow you down. A quilt frame with ratchets can keep a constant amount of tension on the quilt layers at all times. This quilt frame can be taken down and stored in the corner when a quilt is not installed. The frame can be made by a skilled wood worker.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• 2 sawhorses
• Skill saw
• 2 boards, 1-by-4 inches, 2 feet long
• Band saw
• 2 boards, 1-by-8-inches, 10 inches long
• 2 boards, 1-by-8-inches, 1 foot long
• Drill
• 1 1/2-inch drill bit
• 1 pack #8 deck screws, 1 ½ inches long
• Hand quilt frame assembly kit
• 3 quilt rollers
• 103-by-16 inch canvas

Instructions

1. Trim the bottom of the sawhorse legs with a skill saw so the sawhorse stands 28-inches tall. This height is customizable, depending on your preferred working height. Set aside.

2. Make the brackets. Measure 7 inches from the end of one of the 1-foot boards. Mark. Measure 11 1/4 inches from the same end. Mark. Drill the marks using a 3/8-inch bit. Repeat for the other 12-inch bracket.

3. Measure side-to-side 5 3/4 inches from the end of one of the 10-inch boards. Drill with the 3/8-inch bit. Measure side-to-side 1 1/2-inches. Cut the mark into a 1-inch slot lengthwise of the board. Repeat for the other 10-inch bracket.

4. Use the two 2-foot 1-by-4 inch boards to construct the support arms. Draw three holes lengthwise, down the center of the board. Start at one end and draw a mark at 2 inches, 15 inches and 22 inches. Make the 1 1/2-inch hole in the marks with a drill bit. Cut a slot in the wood from each circle to the edge of the board with a band saw. Your rollers will sit in these slots.

5. Bolt the support arms to the 10-inch brackets with bolts and washers. Bolt the 10-inch brackets to the 12-inch brackets. This is the support arm assembly.

6. Mount the support arm assembly to the side of the sawhorse's top crosspiece with screws. Position the brackets 4 inches from the sawhorse's ends. The bolt ends point to the outside.

7. Install the hand quilt assembly kit, according to the directions in the box. This will include the ratchets for the roller tension.

8. Place your rollers in the gaps and tighten with bolts and nuts.

9. Apply the leader canvas to each roller with double sided carpet tape. Wrap the leader fabric in the same direction that the ratchet teeth point.

Tips & Warnings

• When not in use, this frame assembly can be taken apart and stored in a small area.

• Wear protective eye glasses and ear plugs when working with wood.

References

• Kath Kwilts