Quilting is a passion for a lot of people. There are cases where people left their other jobs and started quilting as a business. Some people even build their known quilting frames. Apparently, they are not sewists. They have some great engineering minds as well.
If you also have a knack for quilting and you are sure about making or buying a quilting frame for your machine; also, if you are wondering, can you use your regular machine at all for quilting, then we are here to answer all of that for you.
Can I Use Home Machine For Quilting?
Yes, you certainly can! We mentioned earlier that some people developed their own quilting frames. And, they have used the regular sewing machine they had. So, if you can get yourself a quilting frame somehow, you can simply integrate your home sewing machine with it and have fun quilting with some music on. Sounds fun, doesn’t it?
Can You Build A Quilting Frame At Home?
As you already know, people have built themselves quilting frames; they had some special knowledge about it.
Overall, they know who to build stuff with woods and other materials besides sewing.
Some people buy themselves quilting frames, as you can find some companies selling them. So, all you need to do, buy one and set it up by yourself. Most of the people who can make one at home go for the Q-Zone hoop quilting frame. You can buy one too, and we have a guide for you to arrange it for yourself. And, honestly, this is quite a detailed process. Let’s arrange the quilting frame.
Q-Zone Hoop Quilting Frame
This frame can be set up 4 and a half feet, which means as a quilting frame, it is considerably small. Also, you can use your home sewing machine. Time to set it up!
Step 1
Once all the 4 boxes are home with you, the first thing you need to do is, checking you have all the tools and materials you need. The setting up process is going to take a while.
Step 3
After you check all the parts out, you need to start working from the side frames. This step is important because now it will set the side frames and put them in shape, so your home machine fits in it.
Step 4
There will be a screwdriver with the package. Target the top rectangular area of the side frame, and loose the screws so you can configure it for your sewing machine.
Step 5
Next, you need to go for is- the height of the frame. This frame has 2 options for that; you can quilt while sitting; all you need to do is move our machine while sitting in front of it. Also, you can set it up in a way; you can quilt while standing in front of the machine. To adjust the height, you need to go for the legs of the side frames.
Step 6
There will be side hinges to hold all four sides of the frame. You need to add them to the first frame.
Step 7
It is time to assemble the table support part of the frame. And you can’t do it alone; get someone to help you in this stage. Also, by now, you will see the actual size of the frame, and you can decide on where you want to keep it in your sewing room. Anyway, add the first table assembly support to the frame.
Step 8
After adding the first table assembly support, the frame will be standing on its own. So, whoever is here to help you to hold the frame for you, you can let them go. Then, you can add the other table assembly support to the frame.
Step 9
When the table supports are on the frame, you need to see if they are at the same level. To find that out, use a level scale. You need to check if the side frames are standing straight; you use the level the check that too if it shows the right level, then great! But it doesn’t. You need to readjust the frame and table support bars. Otherwise, the quilting experience is not going to be an amazing one.
Step 10
Next, you need to set the rails at the top part of the frame.
Step 11
Now, you add the secondary carriage for your sewing machine on the frame. But before that, you have to install the channel lock. Take wheels off and add the channel locks. Then put the wheels back on and make sure you tighten it up well.
Step 12
You put the channel in an open position and set it on the frame. Make sure the wheels are lined up on tracks of the table support bars.
Step 13
Next, you have to check if the bar is moving freely. There is another thing you have to do in this step. You need to loosen and adjust the screws by the tracks, so the wheels get to move smoothly. But make sure the carriage is moving back and forth on its own. You adjust it in a way; it only moves smoothly when you are moving it.
Step 14
Now, you need to install the top plate carriage. Assemble all the handles and top plates together by checking the manual now. Next, add the channel lock to it, and it should be on the left side of the top carriage.
Step 15
Next, you place the top carriage on the frame over the secondary carriage. Then set your sewing machine on it.
Step 16
You need to add the back bar that goes through the machine and add it to the side frames. This is what will keep the machine going back and forth.
Step 17
Now, connect the whole frame to power. You can now start quilting by laying fabrics through the machine and frames. Remember, you can’t go all the way back to the frame. You need to leave by 1 ½.
We hope this guide helps to fulfill your quilting wishes. Have a nice time quilting!