Attaching the Quilt to the Frame
Supplies:
quilt frame (four 1” x 3” boards with fabric strip)
four C-clamps (2” or 3”)
fabric for quilt top and quilt backing
batting
quilting pins
For this demonstration, I’ll be using the 5’ quilting frames for a square baby blanket ---fabric measures 44” x 45”, or 1-1/4 yards of fabric that is 45” wide.
The Frame
Lay the quilting boards on the floor in the shape of a square with the flap of the 3” fabric strip facing toward the center of the square, and the stapled or nailed edge of the fabric strip on the outside edge.
Decide the direction of the quilt: some fabrics have an up and down pattern where the print runs from the top-end of the fabric to the bottom- end. So when you lay your fabric out on the floor, you’ll need to know what direction to work. The backing fabric (the first layer to be pinned to the frame) also needs to be set in the top-end to bottom-end direction. The top-end board of the frame and the bottom-end board will later be placed on top of the side boards of the frame so that the quilt can be rolled under at the bottom-end as you finish a row of quilting.
General Pinning
The 3” frame board allows plenty of room for pins to attach all three layers of the quilt. Placing the pins at different intervals on the fabric strip keeps them from being too crowded on the frame. The backing quilt fabric is pinned close to the stapled edge of the fabric strip on the frame. The batting is pinned in the center of the fabric strip, and the top quilt fabric is pinned close to the inside edge of the fabric strip of the frame. This is why I like 3” wide boards for a quilt frame.
Pinning the backing fabric to the frame.
Lay the backing fabric in the center of the square shape frame, right side down, move the side boards in, and place the sides of the backing fabric over the top of the side boards, just till they touch the staples or nails on the fabric strip. Make sure the boards line up with each other lengthwise, and center the backing fabric on the two side boards.
On one side board, begin pinning the backing fabric to the frame by starting in the center of the fabric and working to the left, placing a few pins close to the outside edge of the frame, near the staples. Leave about 6” from the end of the board without pins. Then pin from the center to the right. (Leaving the 6" of fabric unpinned allows space for attaching the C-clamp.)
Then on the other side board, pin from the center to the left, then to the right. Keep the two side boards in place and even with each other on the floor.
Carefully place the top-end board under the loose quilt fabric, but on top of the side boards you just pinned.
Center the top-end board from left to right with the side boards. Lay the backing fabric over the top of the top-end board nearer the stapled edge of the fabric strip. Pin the backing fabric to the fabric strip beginning in the center and working to the left, leaving about 6” from the end without pins. Then pin from the center to the right, leaving about 6” from the end without pins.
Repeat the process with the bottom-end board, placing it on top of the side boards, and pinning the backing fabric to the fabric strip. Now all four sides of the backing fabric are pinned in place.
C-clamps
With the top-end board and the bottom-end board on top of the side boards, gently and slightly pull each board outward so the bottom fabric is nearly free from wrinkles. At one corner, under the 6” fabric left unpinned, carefully attach a C-clamp to the quilt, the twist bar of the C-clamp facing upward toward you, and twist just until snug. Attach the other three C-clamps to the other corners. Then, if necessary, go back and tighten the backing fabric again at all four C-clamps.
Batting
I’m using a thin blue blanket for batting for this demonstration, so you can see it better.
Lay the batting on top of the backing quilt fabric, adjusting as necessary. Lift and shake the batting into position rather than pulling or stretching it into place.
On one side of the quilt frame (it doesn’t matter which side), pin the batting to the backing fabric and fabric strip in only two or three places on each board. You can feel where the pins are on the backing fabric and batting, so you’ll stagger your pins on the boards. Pin the batting in place on each side of the quilt.
Pinning the top quilt fabric
Lay the top quilt fabric onto the batting, lifting as necessary to adjust and center the fabric. Avoid pulling or stretching, especially on this top layer, as this will make the top fabric uneven, and possibly shift the batting layer. Pin one side first, staggering your pins, then the opposite side. Always work opposite (example, pin one side then the opposite, or pin the top end, then the bottom end). This keeps the fabric even.
Repeat with the top-end and the bottom-end. Be sure to leave about 6” from the end free of pins.
One final quilt tightening at each C-clamp is all that is needed before you're ready to begin hand quilting. Adjust only enough to remove some wrinkles. Too tight, and the pins bend and possibly tear the fabric, too loose, and the quilt sags in the middle. You're looking for a smooth, nearly wrinkle-free surface.
Quilt your design, working a section from the bottom end, both from the left to the right (or vice versa), reaching inward toward the top end. Avoid working in different areas at the same time; for example, the left bottom corner, and the far right side toward the top end. This will make the backing fabric uneven, and possibly pucker. When you've completed a section, and can't reach in any farther to stitch, it's time to roll the quilt toward the top end and begin the next section.
To Roll the Quilt
The bottom-end board will be rolled under, tucking in any loose edges. This is best accomplished when the quilt is on the floor.
First, remove the pins from all three layers of the quilt on both side boards, unpinning about 12” to 15” from the bottom-end board. Next, loosen the C-clamps at both bottom-end corners, keeping the shape of the quilt square. Turn the entire bottom-end board under, laying flat any loose edges of backing fabric, batting, and/or top fabric. You can expect to roll the board at least once, probably twice before re-attaching the C-clamps.
After rolling, gently stretch the bottom-end board across the top of the side board on one side just until the top fabric is smooth, being careful not to stretch the boards too tight. Attach the C-clamp and tighten enough to hold the boards in place while you attach the other bottom-end board. Then go back and adjust the other C-clamp a bit tighter, if necessary.
There is no need to put pins back onto side boards after rolling.
You’re then ready to resume quilting.
Finish
When all hand quilting is finished, remove all of the pins from the side boards and top-end board, unroll the bottom end board, remove the pins, and your quilt is ready for binding, or putting an edge on all four sides. Your quilt frame can then be stored for later use.
