FAQ

Question:
I don't have the fourth rail on my frame. I find it's hard for me to roll up the batting with my quilt as the instructions tell me to do, as I'm getting lots of folds in my quilt. I'm pulling my hair out! What can I do?

Answer:
When I bought my own frame, the quilt shop showed me that they let their batting hang loose in-between the back two rails. I always let my batting hang like this, and this allows it to feed evenly as I roll my quilt. So this might be an option to rolling it up with your quilt. Even letting the batting pool onto the floor works fine for me. The only problem I can foresee is if you have loving animals (or children?) that like to roll around at your feet while you quilt.

Question:
Are these rail-type frames going to be too hard for me to manipulate? I have arthritis, and I'm in a wheelchair. How do the frames work?

Answer:
I really like the ease of all of these rail systems. I think any one of them would be easy for you to manipulate once the frames are put together, as you wouldn't need to baste your quilt on the floor first. Here's what you would do. You'd go behind the frame to the back, and have your backing or quilt lining fabric. Holding this with the print side down, you'd find the center, and pin it onto the center of the fabric leader that's attached to the middle rail. You'd pin this all along the edge of the leader, with your pins about 2" apart. Once this is pinned on, you'd use your hand to roll the lining up onto this middle rail. Then, you'd repeat the process with the quilt top (finding center, pinning on, rolling.) Then, you'd go to the front of the frame, and pull the lining fabric forward to the front rail. Have the center marked with a pin. You'd pull your batting up in between the back two rails and lay this on top of your lining, then pull your quilt top to match the edges of the lining and batting (have the center marked.) Then, you'd match all the centers and start pinning this onto your fabric leader that's attached to the front rail. Once this is pinned on, you want to roll the back two rails backwards again until the quilt is as taut as you want it, and you're ready to quilt. No basting involved.

Question:
Do I need to buy anything else besides my quilting frame? Can I start right off just by purchasing the frames themselves?

Answer:
When you purchase your frame you need to make sure the cloth leaders are included or you add them if they are not a standard part of the package. The cloth leaders are the strips of fabric that you pin your quilt to. The leaders attach to the quilting frame rails. You can make your own leaders but since we have been making them for so long we really have the process down so we can make them cheaper than you can and you don't have to worry about whether they are straight or not. The next most important thing you need to have with your quilting frame is a good light. Over-head light simply isn't good enough in most situations. The Grace Company makes a Gooseneck Lamp that includes a full spectrum light bulb for their machine frames. The hand quilting frames have the swing arm lamp that works very well and enables you to see what you are quilting. You might not realize the strain on your eyes that can make quilting be a real chore. These are the two most important items to include when you purchase your frame. If you are getting a machine quilting frame and you plan on following pantograph patterns you will need the laser to trace along the patterns with.

Question:
What can you tell me about "The Grace Company" frames?

Answer:
Sorry this is so long, but I want you to know what a marvelous company the Grace Company is. Their frames are great, and they really stand behind every frame that they make and sell. They personally make every frame, and I've seen them replace rails and parts that UPS has damaged. I've had my frames almost 4 years, and my rails are wonderfully straight and even because of the laminated hardwood that they've use for the rails. My old frames that my dad made from 1 x 4 Pine are very twisted. I've really loved my EZ396 frames that I purchased nearly 16 years ago, and I'm sure you'll enjoy whatever model you decide to go with. Remember that we are here to help you with your decision. You have 30 days to try out your frame so you know that if you aren't happy we've got you covered!

Question:
Which wheels do I use when installing the Grace SureStitch - stitch length regulator on a Start-Right Frame?

Answer:
The wheels on the Start-Right Frame are flat so you have to take the grooved wheels off the SureStitch encoder and use the wheel that came with your Start-Right Frame.

SureStitch encoder on Start-Right Frame Wheel

Footer navigation