Quilt Making Frame Directions

PVC water pipes for a quilt frame.

A quilting frame is a large frame that holds stretched fabrics in position so that the fabrics can be quilted, stitched or embellished. Often quilts are the size of blankets and this makes them unwieldy for the crafts person to maneuver. Having the fabric stretched allows the crafter the ability to see the area they are working on and to hold that area in one position. Making a light and easy to use quilting frame is not difficult.

Things You'll Need

• 11 pieces of 1-inch PVC pipe 36-inches long
• Saw box
• Hack saw
• 6 3-way connectors
• 2 90 degree elbows
• 4 Snap clamps
• PVC glue

Instructions

1. Cut 11 pieces of 1-inch PVC pipe 36-inches long.

2. Apply PVC glue to the outside of one end of a pipe and the inside of a 3-way connector. Slide the pipe into the connector. Place the connector on the floor so that the pipe and one end are flat on the floor and the third end is facing upward. Glue the end of another PVC pipe and slide it into the end of the 3-way that is on the floor. This should form an L shape.

3. Glue the inside of another 3-way connector and the outside of the pipe you just attached. Slide the pipe into the 3-way so that the 3-way mirrors the first 3-way or forms a U shape.

4. Glue a third pipe on the end and the inside of the second 3-way connector that is level with the floor. This will form a U shape. Glue the end of the third pipe and the inside of a new 3-way connector. You are forming a square shape. Glue the last pipe and connector in place to form a square with the last leg of each three way connector pointing upward.

5. Glue three pipes and two more 3-way connectors into a U-shape. Glue an elbow to the end of each pipe facing the same direction as the remaining leg of the 3-way connectors. Turn your square shape with the connectors facing down and your U shape with the connectors facing up.

6. Glue a leg (pipe) between the square and the U shape at each open connector and elbow. You will have a cube with one leg missing. This open area faces your chair so that your knees can fit under the frame.

7. Attach your quilt using snap clamps on each side. Place the quilt over the frame and the clamp over the quilt and press the clamp over the pipe.

Tips & Warnings

• You can make this type of quilt frame any size you need. The frame is lightweight and can be stored easily from a ceiling hook.

References

• PVC Plans: Quilt Frame