What is the best quilting frame and why should you get one? Well, that is what this article aims to answer. Whether you love hand quilting or just want to speed up your next quilting project, a quilting frame is an excellent tool that can help you. These frames hold all the parts of the quilt – acting as a pair of helping hands to keep the quilt tight as you work. They come in many styles and are made of several materials.
In this post, we review six of the best models you can find at the moment. In creating this roundup, we considered some important factors like the type of frame, the material of construction, the size, and the weight among other factors. After the in-depth review of each model that highlights its features, pros, and cons, we have provided a guide that can help you to choose your next quilt frame. Read on to find out more!
Other features: can be easily modified to accept any quilt width, compatible with any home sewing machine
This unit is designed for both hand and machine quilting. It comes with a simple frame that can help you to work on quilts of more than 38” width. The three rail scroll design comes with parts to hold different parts of the quilt tautly as you work. The first rail will store the completed quilt – which is great because not all quilt frames offer storage options. The two other rails are made to hold the top and backing of the quilt with the backing rolled between the two. With this rolling method, you can be sure that your fabric would be more durable.
Although the quilt can hold up to 38” width, we observed during testing that it can hold even more as it can be modified.
For people that prefer hand quilting, this model comes with impressive adjustability. Also, folks that prefer machine quilting would find this model excellent.
The frame of the unit is lightweight and portable. Therefore, it is easy to store the quilting frame when not in use.
Due to the three rail design, you do not need to do any basting. The layers do not pucker and the tension system is excellent. With a nice design, this model feels very comfortable to use. You can use the frame to keep your fabric off the floor, your lap, and out of the way.
Other features: easy assembly and storage, suitable for traveling, suitable for 2 stitchers
Up next is this model from Q-snap. The original Q-snap is a famous quilting frame and comes with plenty of useful features that make it a top pick. First of all, this frame offers you a large surface to work with without been a burden. The material of construction is durable and will last for a long time. Made in the USA, it boasts of high quality construction at a great price. In addition, this polystyrene frame sports ribbed inner surface clamps that will hold your quilt tautly as you work. Although it comes with many innovative features, it is an affordable option.
The quilting frame offers users more than 1000 square inches of space to work with. If you love quilting with other, this gives enough space to do so with another person without cramping your style. Despite the relatively large quilting surface, this model weighs just 10.5 pounds. It comes with a carrying case – therefore, you will find it easy to transport the frame around. Set up is straightforward and does not require any tools.
Overall, this is an excellent quilting frame that is easy to use and carry about when needed. If you love quilting, we are sure that you’ll love this value pick as well.
Other features: easy assembly and storage, suitable for traveling, universal use, available in 4 different sizes
This budget option is one of the best models for beginners. It comes with a very simple design that anyone can get. Weighing just 4.2 oz. it is very lightweight. It also sports a portable design and is easy to store away when not in use.
Available in four different sizes, you can use it with different quilt sizes. The polypropylene material is not the best out there, but it is durable enough to last for some time.
A budget hand frame, it is a good choice for anyone looking to get into quilting.
Other features: 1.5 inch rail diameter, 21 inch maximum machine throat size, suretrack dual-wheel system, channel locks, leveling feet, adjustable depth, height-adjustable legs
The Grace brand is a highly revered brand in this industry as most of its products are of the highest quality. This model, the Continuum Quilting Frame for Long Arms is arguably the best of its quilting frames on the market right now. It might cost a pretty penny, but the features make it a top choice. It comes with a nice dual rail design and sports handy clasps. This combination results in a frame you can easily load your fabric on.
It offers you plenty of control over the quilting process and can be installed in two different sizes. This machine quilting frame is useful for anyone with large projects. It offers hands-free use and will hasten up your quilting projects.
Other features: three 30-tooth ratchet wheels, foldable
The penultimate option is another product from Grace brand. The Start-Right EZ3 No-Baste Hand Quilting Frame comes with plenty of useful features that make it better than most of the quilting frames at the same price. It is a premium model that sports an impressive 3-rail system. This system is useful for many things, and is especially excellent at preventing basting.
In addition, the frame comes with working area with four angles that allow you to stand or sit in a comfortable manner as you work. Despite the large working area, the Start-Right EZ3 No-Baste Hand Quilting Frame can be easily folded and stored.
Another nice thing about this quilting frame is that the layers are independently rolled on the rail. The frame rolls them up and handle your fabric gently, all of which eliminates problems like basting.
The frame is sturdily constructed and comes with precision ratchets. This design results in better tension control in the frame. The birch plywood from which the frame is constructed will last for years. Due to this material, the Start-Right EZ3 No-Baste Hand Quilting Frame is lightweight and easy to handle.
Regardless of the size of your quilt, you’ll find this model versatile enough to help you to handle it.
While it is more expensive than your average quilt frame, all the features it has makes it worth the price.
Other features: detachable rods, perfect for a group, stitching area can be adjusted
The Edmunds brand is a fairly popular brand in the world of quilting. Most of the models from the brand are made with high quality materials and are thus very durable. The Legacy Full Size Quilt Frame is inspired by the design of colonial quilting frames, and that is evident in how it is built. However, despite the vintage appearance, this frame incorporates modern features that make it easier than any colonial quilting frame.
It comes in a lightweight, wooden frame that promises durability and stability. At 5 pounds of weight, you can move it around easily. Other dimensions include the 37.5” height which makes it easy to sit and quilt on this frame. The height can be reduced by folding – just 16” when folded. Therefore, you’ll find it rather easy to tuck away when not in use.
This is a wooden frame, a deviation from the plastic frames considered in some other models on this roundup. We love the wooden frame because it makes the quilt frame very durable and firm. The stability offered also means that you can practice different quilting patterns on the frame without plenty of hassle.
The base here is also adjustable. With the trio of knobs at the side, you can customize the frame to an angle that you like. If you are looking for a very comfortable model, then this is an excellent choice.
Overall, it is quite easy to see why many love this wooden quilting frame. It is the best wooden option on this list.
In the reviews above, we have considered six of the best models that you can find on the market right now. In this section, we will consider some of the important factors that can help anyone looking for a quilting frame. When considered, the information in this section can help you choose the right quilting frame for your use.
A quilting frame is a structure that holds the quilt. It holds the top, batting, and backing of your quilt so you can work faster and easier. Although they are commonly used for hand quilting, these can also work with machine quilting. If you do not want to baste your quilt, then this is a good tool to use.
There are several reasons why you should consider getting a quilt frame.
First, these machines make it easier to do hand quilting. They help keep your quilt taut as you stitch – preventing any bunching and leaving your work looking great.
With a quilting frame, you will finish projects quicker than usual. The frame holds all parts of the quilt in place. Therefore, you are not moving about and turning the quilt which in turns saves your time.
You can also use them with sewing machines regardless of arm length.
With some models, you simply set up the quilt in the frame and the machine does all the work for you. If you aren’t big on doing everything with your hands, then these frames that are compatible with machines are the best option.
The value you get from these frames is impressive. They usually come at an affordable price that most people can afford.
There are up to two different types of quilting frames and each comes with specific features for certain applications.
This type of frame is divided into the floor frame and the frames and hoops.
Floor frames are excellent if you work with others. It is usually big enough to be used by multiple people simultaneously. One unique feature of these frames is that they come with a rolling mechanism that keeps the quilt moving and ensures that the three layers of your quilt are held together.
There are smaller options as well. These are portable and can be carried wherever you go. An example is the Flynn Multi-Frame Quilting System.
If you’d rather work alone and need something with fewer features, then these frames are an excellent alternative. They are very simple and basic. The design just holds the quilt as you work.
The lap frame is just like the floor frame only that it is smaller and simpler in design. They are made to taut the quilt as you stitch.
As the name implies, these frames can be used with your sewing machine. With these, you can quilt large pieces without all of the stress. With this frame, the whole quilt is held tautly in place. There are different types of these frames. These include:
These are excellent options that are quite popular among quilters. They are pricier than your average frame – but with the features they have, they are certainly worth the cost. An example is the Grace Company Continuum Quilting Frame for Long Arms.
This type of frame is bigger than your regular option and made of steel or other industrial material. If you have a large project, then these are the best models to choose.
They are used with long arm sewing machines. The machine stitches the quilt as the frame unfolds the quilt. With this model, you can jettison any basting.
If the long arm quilt frame is too expensive for you, then you can get the cheaper alternatives. The mid-arm and short-arm frames might not work well with a long arm quilt frame, but it certainly works well enough with other types of sewing machines.
Before making a buying decision, there are several factors that you must keep in mind. These will help you to choose the best quilting frame.
You have to decide the type of frame you need. There are the hand quilting and sewing machine quilting frames, and each style is divided into different types.
Thus, determine whether you’ll be hand quilting or using a machine. You also need to know the number of people that would be working on the frame if you purchase a hand quilting frame.
Unless you do a single form of quilting project, chances are that you need a frame that can be adjusted to meet your needs. An example is the Flynn Multi-Frame Quilting System.
As with many similar products on the market, it is important to consider the material of construction.
The high quality material might make the frame more expensive, but it means that it would last more than a lower quality model.
Many of the best models are made from wood or metal, while others are made of plastic. The Frank A. Edmunds American Legacy Full Size Quilt Frame, for example is made of wood while the Hilitand Square Rectangle Plastic Clip Frame is a plastic quilt frame.
Another consideration to be made is the size of the quilting area. If you are working on a large quilt, you will need a model that can accommodate most of the quilt easily. This will make your work easier and faster. The Frank A. Edmunds American Legacy Full Size Quilt Frame comes with a large quilting surface that makes it easy to work on if you have a big quilt.
This is a matter of preference. There are small frames that cannot handle large projects but are very convenient to use. Others on the other hand have large dimensions and are not easily moved around. If you don’t have plenty of storage space, look for a model that is easy to fold and store like the Grace Start-Right EZ3 No-Baste Hand Quilting Frame.
There are many types and models of quilting frames on the market right now. We have selected six of the best. We recommend the Flynn Multi-Frame Quilting System as it can be used for all types of quilting from hand to machine quilting. It comes with a sturdy frame, easily adjustable tension, and a three-rail scroll design that can accommodate quilts of up to 38” width. The Q-Snap Floor Frame is one of the most popular options and comes with a large quilting surface that still keeps the weight minimal. It is made from high quality materials and is easy to use by quilters everywhere. For people on a budget, the Hilitand Square Rectangle Plastic Clip Frame is an excellent option. It is made of high quality parts that are durable and will last for a long time. The lightweight frame is easy to carry around.
We hope that this review of the best quilting frame will help you to choose the best model for your needs.
