How to Build a Wooden Quilt Frame
When sewing a quilt, it can be difficult to keep all the layers together. Some quilters use an embroidery hoop, while others use wooden frame made of lightweight wood like pine. A wooden quilt frame keeps layers of a quilt held tightly together for stitching. The quilt is attached to the fabric of the frame with pins or temporary stitching. The quilt is then rolled up on one end of the frame and secured with clamps. The quilter rolls and unrolls as the quilt is worked. Quilt frames can be built in many sizes from small lap-sized frames to large, floor-standing models.
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Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Hand saw
- 4 straight 1-by-2 boards
- 4 C-clamps
- Staple gun
- Fabric
Instructions
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1
Stapling fabric to the frame holds it securely. Measure the width of the quilt and cut two boards to that width with a hand saw.
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2
Use a hand saw to cut boards for the frame. Cut fabric to the width of the quilt and attach the fabric to both boards. Attach the fabric securely by placing staples about a half-inch apart from end to end. Alternately, a tube or pocket can be sewn into the ends of the fabric to slide the boards into. Leave room for the pockets when measuring and cutting the fabric.
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3
C-clamps hold the frame together. Cut the boards for the sides of the quilt frame. They should be 26 to 36 inches long. Pins on these boards hold the edges of the quilt taut. As the quilt is worked, the pins will be removed so the quilt can be moved to the next work area and pinned again.
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4
Create the shape of the frame. Place the side pieces parallel to one another, and put the fabric-covered boards perpendicular on top of the side boards to form a square. Use the c-clamps to attach each overlapped board corner tightly.
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5
Put the frame at the desired height--on a table or other stand or on the lap of the quilter--once the frame is assembled.
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Tips & Warnings
Use caution when working with saws and staples.
References
- Photo Credit bed and breakfast image by feisty from Fotolia.com heavy duty stapler image by Christopher Dodge from Fotolia.com sawing wood image by Aussiebloke from Fotolia.com Stainless steel threaded clamp with red handle isolated on white image by Olga Sapegina from Fotolia.com
