Quilting Frame Plans – Do It Yourself
For the beginning quilter, the price of a quilting frame may seem pretty hefty. Which may cause that purchase to be put off for a time. However, it’s good to know that it is simple, easy and very affordable to make your own quilting frame yourself. Plans for a quilting frame can be purchased alone or along with all the supplies. Learning where to find such a product, and taking the time to see what is available will help you make your decision. Basically, why fret about the high cost of a quilting frame when you can simply make your own?
Quilting Frame Plans: Make Your Own and Save Money
Avid quilters sooner or later will need to invest in a quilting frame in order to create beautiful handmade quilting projects. In generations past, once the top of the quilt was pieced and joined together, the quilter would place a piece of batting or an old blanket between this top layer and an old bed sheet. These layers would be pulled taut across a wood frame to allow the hand stitching to be done. This is how they put the final touches on the quilted piece. Today, quilters who are ready to add this finish to their own project will also need some kind of quilting frame to hold the pieces together while the hand stitching is being completed. Of course there many beautiful and functional ready-made quilting frames on the market today, but this can become an expensive investment. A great alternative is to make your own frame by using quilting frame plans.
Where to Find Quilting Frame Plans
Quilters will find a variety of quilting frame plans within a craft or quilting store or through many of the websites on the Internet. Some of these plans will be quite inclusive and offer the wood and hardware in addition to the instructions. Others will offer the written quilting frame plans, which then will provide a list of needed supplies so that you can purchase the wood and hardware on your own. Be aware that if you decide to take this route with your quilting frame plans, you will want to select a sturdy type of wood for the frame, such as oak. That way it will be able to withstand the strain and pull of the heavy fabric. Likewise, the hardware needs to be high quality, since there will be a great deal of pressure placed on the joints of the quilting frame.
The Most Basic Quilting Frame Plans
You can go a step further and simplify your quilting frame plans even more. Do this by purchasing four oak two-by-twos and several C-clamps to create your own quilting frame. Be sure that two of the boards are longer than your fabric width and covered with a loose length of heavy fabric like denim or twill. This fabric is what will hold your quilt to your frame, so take care to staple it securely to the boards. You can attach your quilt to these fabric ends either with a basting stitch or with a large safety pin to hold it taut and steady. Next, attach the other two boards to the ends of the first two, using the C-clamps. This will hold the boards and your quilt in place. Now place this quilting frame across sawhorses or chairs, and you can begin the stitching process.
A good, sturdy quilting frame is vital for quality hand stitching on your quilt. By investing in quilting frame plans, you will save money and gain great satisfaction by creating your own personalized frame.