I've only had my Continuum frame for a few months and I can't tell you how helpful your video has been! I watch and re-watch to be sure I've got everything set up right. Thank you so much for taking the time to make your helpful video! And thank you husband for making the instructional video for setting up the Continuum frame. We would have never gotten it done correctly without his help!
Want to say THANK YOU so very much for this video!! I just got my Continuum Q15R and have been very hesitant to start trying it because of the loading process. You ROCK :)
Thank you so much for this video. We used this instead of the manual to assemble my new continuum frame. You made the directions so clear. Couldn’t have done it without you!
So glad they've been helpful! Here's a great video on loading and NOT floating - by my friend Marie Bard-Curtis. Next time I load, I hope to follow her method: th-cam.com/video/TWyxcweuXQM/w-d-xo.html
This was extremely helpful. I just assembled my frame (with the help of your husband's video) and was unclear what to do next. Your explanation was clear and I appreciated seeing your demonstration of the rails.
Thank you for sharing that :-) I'm glad it was helpful. There are *so many* videos here on TH-cam for loading (as you prolly know!).....but some of them lose me (esp those with different looking frames) or the camera angle kept me from seeing a detail I really needed to see....so that's why I added mine. Hopefully you'll soon be loading in your own unique way that works great for you! And who knows in a year from now what changes we'll have made to how we're doing it now! lol May we never stop learning!!
just found this video. I'm thinking about getting a continuum ( also with my Q'Nique 15R) so was glad to see how the take up rail was used, too. Thank you also for telling us about the facebook group -specifically for the 15R.
I keep thinking I'm going to re-do this video as there's some things I do different now....but I keep finding other things to do! Pretty sure you'll like the Continuum if you get it - it's nice knowing if you ever get bigger machine, the frame will still work.
Next time I load a quilt, I'm going to follow like it's shown in this video. We're in the middle of moving so I'm not getting to quilt these days. Can't wait until we come out on the other side of our move!! th-cam.com/video/TWyxcweuXQM/w-d-xo.html Something else I do a little different - is I've learned to not always use the center of the leader for smaller quilts - but to rotate loading them more to the left and more to the right, so the leaders won't warp as fast.
@@Joyfulstamper Thank you that advice too. I have struggled with the center of larger quilts being mire slack than the edges. I assumed it was the rails, but the leaders may be contributing too. I am over the moon to be get to buy a new system and will keep this in mind so the new leaders wear more evenly. I hope your move goes well!!
Thanks Janet! I have never done long arm quilting but just ordered a beginners machine/frame combo and looking forward to using it. I know I will be referring back to this often!
Congrats!!! I will be glad to help you all I can. (Note: These videos document my "learning journey"....so the older they are, the less I knew! I only recently learned the best way to nest rows - using the Fit feature! The software will keep your brain working!)
Hello, love all your videos, so helpful, you mention you might do an updated video on loading a quilt an the continuum 2 frame, I would be delighted if you did 😅
I just got the new Evolution Elite frame. I hope to make a video showing putting on the leaders and another to show loading. (I've learned a few more things since making this video!)
This is another great video! I’m behind on watching because my father passed away recently. I just loaded my first Flitter Butterfly quilt on my Continuum frame (that your husband helped my husband set up) and it turned out beautifully. I did run into problems that could have been avoided if I had watched this video. I didn’t center my backing, so it’s approximately 18” from the bottom of my quilt! 😂. Also, the channel lock is a genius idea and would’ve been beneficial, had I engaged mine😳. Finally, it’s a great idea using the lighted makeup mirror to see the tension on the back of the quilt. Per your advice I am a member of the Q’nique Facebook page. I’m preparing/saving for the 21” Q’nique Machine and the computer software that you have, God willing. I just want to take this time to thank you for such detailed videos, that answers the questions that most new quilters would want to know.
Candy....I am so sad to hear your father has passed away. That is such a big loss that just doesn't get replaced. I know. My dad passed suddenly 35 yrs ago. I recently saw a great-looking quilt that made me wish I had some of his shirts. It had a log cabin, kinda scrappy look...made entirely from some guy's shirts. There's a quilt to treasure! (But I didn't know how to quilt back then, so I'm just glad to have a teddy bear made from one of his flannel shirts.) Well...I'm sure these past days have not been easy ones, in so many ways. I'm so sorry ((hugs)) Thank you for your kind words on the videos. And you're in good company with your backing story - I've heard quite the variety from quilting friends! It doesn't take loading too many quilts before you really do start picking up on things that make the process better. I thought you already had the QCT software?? Hopefully you'll be able to get the Standard version. Especially with the Q 21"! Would be nice if you could get a really good deal buying both together. Then you & your husband can make videos for me to watch in case I ever upgrade to the 21" and Standard version!! :-) Lastly....you better post a pic of your quilt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! How great that it turned out beautifully!!!!! I would love to see it!!!!!!!!!!.....and pretty sure everyone else on the Q'FB page would too!!!!! It's so encouraging to see other folks' quilts quilted on their Q!!!!
Hi Janet! Very helpful.. do you find the idler rail helpful? I’m considering adding but heard it takes away from sewing space. I only have a Q’nique 15. Happy quilting!
Excellent video. It is the same way I do mine. The one thing I do different, when I baste the sides, I baste up and not down. This is a recommendation from Jamie Wallen and it really can make a difference when you get to the bottom of the quilt.
Totally agree!! Since making that video, I also baste UP sides. A few other things I do different too. Really is time to re-make this video! Thanks for the prod! 😊
Id like to have seen the front quilt top bar loaded. Not many show that including grace co. My husband figured it out for me and then I found one short video of a lady loading that bar for the top. Once I figured out how it was easy and worked better than floating my top.
I still had more to learn when I made that video! For instance, I never baste down the sides but always up, and away from me. I also don't put horizontal seam of backing in center. Here's a more recent one by Marie Bard-Curtis on loading and not floating - it's great! th-cam.com/video/TWyxcweuXQM/w-d-xo.html
I do a few things different since this video was made.... A big one is when you baste the sides.....baste going up instead of down! This will help with sides not getting stretched down and being longer than center of quilt. I also have several spots marked directly across from each other on leader so that I can rotate where I load. I found out the hard way that always loading using center of leaders will soon warp them.
Thank you for your video. It’s very helpful. I am having trouble keeping the tension on my top bar tight. Every time I adjust the lower backing rail, the top loosens.
So you don't have an idler rail? If that is the case....since I have never *not* had an idler rail, I'm not sure how to answer. After I "clamp down" the takeup rail and then the front rail - and turn the front rail to get the tightness I want, my top stays that way until one of the rails is unclamped.
@@stephanieminch6720 If you have a Continuum....I would call the Grace Co and describe the problem to them. As long as you have the leader cloth oriented to turn the right way....it sounds like a faulty part or one wearing out maybe??
Good suggestion! I am going to make sure the leader cloth is on correctly and try pinning it the way you showed in the video. I have been doing it from the opposite side. Thank you!
Joyfulstamper, you are a genius! I decided to unpin the back of the quilt that I am quilting and look at the leader cloth. It was flipped over wrong. I repinned the back to the leader cloth (very carefully), and everything is working as it should. Thank you so much! I would not have thought to look at it if you hadn’t suggested it.
I have started floating all my quilting rather than using the front rail to roll the fabric on. It seems to be much easier to keep it more square and to make sure ther are no bunching under the top of the batting and back.
My next quilt, I plan to load it the way this video shows: th-cam.com/video/TWyxcweuXQM/w-d-xo.html When I have loaded minky backing, I have been using the lower front rail instead of top.
Thank you for the wonderful video. I was wondering why your display panel on machine was flashing like that? I've noticed that on some other peoples videos for these machines - is that normal? Thank you for your response.
Thank-you for this informative video!! I just purchased the Unique 21"...this tutorial is so helpful!! Just wondering about your quilting foot...it there a purpose for this foot vs. the hopping foot? Thanks!!
Glad you found the video helpful! The Glide foot is great for quilting across uneven surfaces of the quilt (like dimensionals & where lots of seams intersect) - and when quilting off the edge of the top and then back on, it will not cause the top edge to fold over. (But that can also be accomplished with a hopping foot - doing a zig-zag style baste when you baste up the sides.) [Note: in this video, I show basting down the sides - since then, I no longer do that. I baste up the sides, starting with the machine closest to me and then basting away from me. This keeps that slight stretching down of quilt top sides from happening. I think I do a better job in a later video: th-cam.com/video/bqsk3vVzF08/w-d-xo.html It seems no sooner than I make a video...I figure out something I'd do different! :-) ] If you are interested in the Glide foot, it can only be bought in a set - I would compare cost + postage to see which is the best deal: 1. www.graceframe.com/en/product/9-piece-foot-attachment-set 2. kathyquilts.com/9_piece_attachment_foot_set_for_block_rockit_15.html?category_id=298
Thank you for your videos, they have been so helpful. I have the same machine but mine didn't come with the horizontal channel lock, did you purchase it as an add on?
Both horizontal and vertical channel locks came with the Continuum Frame. People who have frames without the locks have come up with ways to get the same results using various clamps (but you don't want a metal edge - like that of a binding clip - against your wheel.) www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/channel-locks-t282189.html
I started out (with Q'14+) with Side Grips by Leader Grips (www.leadergrips.com/) but I broke the top clamps because I was clipping them over the batting (only supposed to clip over backing). Ordered some mondo clips (clip n' seal) and used the upper clamps as replacements. After getting the Q'21, the rod wasn't long enough. Went to WalMart and got a pkg of cafe curtain rods (www.walmart.com/ip/Mainstays-11-19-Adjustable-Swivel-Sash-Rod-5-16-Diameter-White-Set-of-2/50015133?athcpid=50015133&athpgid=athenaItemPage&athcgid=null&athznid=PWVUB&athieid=v0&athstid=CS004&athguid=76c7079a-3d7-172ed06e7cc32a&athancid=null&athena=true) that slide and taped at correct length. Tied ribbons thru metal loops on end. #redneck but works!
The quilt shop I got it from has long since gone out of business .... but you can do a search for a "zero center tape measure" and find them easily available from multiple sources.
Hello…3 years later I finally got my 21 Pro and I’m so happy 😁. I’m trying to learn how to end my stitching and when I push the “Start/Stop” Quilting button #3 on my left handle, the needle goes up and then down in one motion. Does the 21 Pro not have a button that can be pressed to make the needle go up one time and then press the button again and the needle goes back down? I have selected the needle down default in Needle Stop Setting. Also, I looked at Leah Day’s video on how to break thread on a qnique long arm without a thread cutter and her 21 allows you to needle up once and needle down once. I sure hope this makes sense. 😬
@@Godfaith33 Glad you got it figured out! When you tap on the sprocket in the bottom left corner of your machine's display, that's where you change needle stuff.
It was a freebie from a quilt shop no longer in business! Do a search for "zero center tape measure" and you'll find a variety of places to get them from.
Mine was purchased from the Grace Co at the same time we purchased the frame. Another option is the Glide rail that prevents loss of quilting area. Yet another much cheaper option that also doesn't cause you to lose quilting space is a tension rod placed directly under takeup rail. Several have gotten them from Amazon and posted pics on the QCT Facebook page.
I do all of what you do but find that my batting shifts to the left and towards the end of a large quilt almost bundles up on the left. Then my top stays neat (square) for almost three-quarters of the way and then the sides seem to shift and I get bowing at the bottom. Any idea why or how I can eliminate this?
After I advance the quilt, I baste up both sides (moving machine away from me, toward take-up rail.) Make sure the quilt's horizontal seams are straight with the top bar across the front - and if not, take up any fullness on the sides when you baste (is pretty easy to do using the baste feature in the red tool box.) When I put the long blue quilt clips on the top bar in front, I put one directly in the center - and then one on each side (I've stopped using just 2 - so that there is never a break between clips in the center.) When you get near the bottom, go ahead and roll it so you can baste across bottom (you won't be able to use quilt clips.) Put straight pins near/across the bottom edge so that it is held straight - then baste across (you may want to start from each corner & baste to center.) Remove pins and baste up sides, adjusting in any last fullness. Move quilt back up so you can finish.
I think the Grace videos on tension are great: the one for bobbin tension: th-cam.com/video/jTcdiwvCHMc/w-d-xo.html and the one for upper tension: th-cam.com/video/b13IOqxbAQk/w-d-xo.html Other things can make a difference.....like making sure your quilt fabric isn't too tight on your rails, the hopping foot is the distance it needs to be from the needle plate (th-cam.com/video/lkeoT37qKj8/w-d-xo.html He uses paper....I use a credit card slid under foot) and making sure your thread easily pulls off spool with nothing catching it and hasn't come out anywhere/properly threaded. Turning your needle eye ever so slightly to left or to right could help. (Stick a pin in the needle eye to turn.) Once I switched to Glide thread and their magnetic bobbins.....that put an end to my having to deal with getting tension right!!! You take the spring out of the bobbin holder and put the magnetic bobbin in.....set the tension so thread pulls out without lifting bobbin holder off your hand, but enough for it to stand on its side....then set top tension.....and once you do that, you rarely have to adjust either!! Others love having the TOWA bobbin gauge but I don't have one. One suggestion I've read is, once the bobbin tension is set, to adjust top tension so that the bobbin thread can be seen on top. Then gradually adjust the top tension until the point you're no longer able to see the bobbin thread on top.
If you are on Facebook, I highly recommend joining this group: Q'nique 14+ / 15R Mid Arm Quilters (aka Dream Quilter) You can do a search for "tension" and find a lot of helpful information. There is *much* discussion on it!
Not sure when I'll be able to do that....but quick answer for a small quilt - if the backing is not pieced - is to snip and rip! That way you know the edge is with the straight grain of fabric. For one that is pieced (and I've never had to do a super big one) I treat it just like fabric yardage that I'm squaring up. I hold the long edges together and "slide" the edges until the fabric hangs down smoothly - then lay it down so folded edge is even with cutting mat line and cut across. There are several videos already here on TH-cam that show squaring backing fabric (if you haven't already watched them :-) )
They are Side Grips by Leader Grips. Love them!! (But they are not meant to go over batting - just the backing fabric. The clear top part that clamps over will crack....ask me how I know!! But I already had mondo clips - so that made a great replacement part....and is stiff at first but works over batting too.) th-cam.com/video/phh7vpFcFco/w-d-xo.html Glad you like the video - a couple things I do different now is when I get ready to baste the quilt top at the top, I pin a couple inches down all along near the top edge and have conquered basting within 1/4" from edge. Yeah! (I also do that when I get to the bottom.) Also, when I baste the side edges, I now only baste moving the machine from closest to me toward the take-up rail. That keeps the sides from stretching out/down as you get to the bottom. If there's any "ripple" in a border, I'm able to work in the fullness with my fingers without causing a pleat.
Sorry for that. Good thing there's a million videos on YT for how to load 😄 There's a few things I do different since making this video....time to make new one so will remember your feedback when do. Thanks!
I've only had my Continuum frame for a few months and I can't tell you how helpful your video has been! I watch and re-watch to be sure I've got everything set up right. Thank you so much for taking the time to make your helpful video!
And thank you husband for making the instructional video for setting up the Continuum frame. We would have never gotten it done correctly without his help!
Thank you so much for the kind words Jenny! -- Doug & Janet
Want to say THANK YOU so very much for this video!! I just got my Continuum Q15R and have been very hesitant to start trying it because of the loading process. You ROCK :)
Thank you so much for this video. We used this instead of the manual to assemble my new continuum frame. You made the directions so clear. Couldn’t have done it without you!
You are most very welcome, Sally...glad to hear to found it useful!
I have watched so many videos….your is the most helpful I have found….by far!!!!! Thank you!!!
So glad they've been helpful!
Here's a great video on loading and NOT floating - by my friend Marie Bard-Curtis. Next time I load, I hope to follow her method: th-cam.com/video/TWyxcweuXQM/w-d-xo.html
This was extremely helpful. I just assembled my frame (with the help of your husband's video) and was unclear what to do next. Your explanation was clear and I appreciated seeing your demonstration of the rails.
Thank you for sharing that :-) I'm glad it was helpful. There are *so many* videos here on TH-cam for loading (as you prolly know!).....but some of them lose me (esp those with different looking frames) or the camera angle kept me from seeing a detail I really needed to see....so that's why I added mine. Hopefully you'll soon be loading in your own unique way that works great for you! And who knows in a year from now what changes we'll have made to how we're doing it now! lol May we never stop learning!!
Thanks Janet & Doug. My Continuum has been ordered from the US. Can't wait!
just found this video. I'm thinking about getting a continuum ( also with my Q'Nique 15R) so was glad to see how the take up rail was used, too. Thank you also for telling us about the facebook group -specifically for the 15R.
I keep thinking I'm going to re-do this video as there's some things I do different now....but I keep finding other things to do! Pretty sure you'll like the Continuum if you get it - it's nice knowing if you ever get bigger machine, the frame will still work.
Best video that I have seen in a long time. Thank you!!
Next time I load a quilt, I'm going to follow like it's shown in this video. We're in the middle of moving so I'm not getting to quilt these days. Can't wait until we come out on the other side of our move!!
th-cam.com/video/TWyxcweuXQM/w-d-xo.html
Something else I do a little different - is I've learned to not always use the center of the leader for smaller quilts - but to rotate loading them more to the left and more to the right, so the leaders won't warp as fast.
@@Joyfulstamper Thank you that advice too. I have struggled with the center of larger quilts being mire slack than the edges. I assumed it was the rails, but the leaders may be contributing too. I am over the moon to be get to buy a new system and will keep this in mind so the new leaders wear more evenly. I hope your move goes well!!
Thanks Janet! I have never done long arm quilting but just ordered a beginners machine/frame combo and looking forward to using it. I know I will be referring back to this often!
Congrats!!! I will be glad to help you all I can. (Note: These videos document my "learning journey"....so the older they are, the less I knew! I only recently learned the best way to nest rows - using the Fit feature! The software will keep your brain working!)
Hello, love all your videos, so helpful, you mention you might do an updated video on loading a quilt an the continuum 2 frame, I would be delighted if you did 😅
I just got the new Evolution Elite frame. I hope to make a video showing putting on the leaders and another to show loading. (I've learned a few more things since making this video!)
This is another great video! I’m behind on watching because my father passed away recently. I just loaded my first Flitter Butterfly quilt on my Continuum frame (that your husband helped my husband set up) and it turned out beautifully. I did run into problems that could have been avoided if I had watched this video. I didn’t center my backing, so it’s approximately 18” from the bottom of my quilt! 😂. Also, the channel lock is a genius idea and would’ve been beneficial, had I engaged mine😳. Finally, it’s a great idea using the lighted makeup mirror to see the tension on the back of the quilt. Per your advice I am a member of the Q’nique Facebook page. I’m preparing/saving for the 21” Q’nique Machine and the computer software that you have, God willing. I just want to take this time to thank you for such detailed videos, that answers the questions that most new quilters would want to know.
Candy....I am so sad to hear your father has passed away. That is such a big loss that just doesn't get replaced. I know. My dad passed suddenly 35 yrs ago. I recently saw a great-looking quilt that made me wish I had some of his shirts. It had a log cabin, kinda scrappy look...made entirely from some guy's shirts. There's a quilt to treasure! (But I didn't know how to quilt back then, so I'm just glad to have a teddy bear made from one of his flannel shirts.) Well...I'm sure these past days have not been easy ones, in so many ways. I'm so sorry ((hugs))
Thank you for your kind words on the videos. And you're in good company with your backing story - I've heard quite the variety from quilting friends! It doesn't take loading too many quilts before you really do start picking up on things that make the process better.
I thought you already had the QCT software?? Hopefully you'll be able to get the Standard version. Especially with the Q 21"! Would be nice if you could get a really good deal buying both together. Then you & your husband can make videos for me to watch in case I ever upgrade to the 21" and Standard version!! :-)
Lastly....you better post a pic of your quilt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! How great that it turned out beautifully!!!!! I would love to see it!!!!!!!!!!.....and pretty sure everyone else on the Q'FB page would too!!!!! It's so encouraging to see other folks' quilts quilted on their Q!!!!
Thank you for your video! IT really really helped me to set up everything on my frame! Thanks also for your other video on how to set up the frame!
I love your demonstration
Thank you so much for this helpful lesson!
Thanks for your video. Very helpful.
Hi Janet! Very helpful.. do you find the idler rail helpful? I’m considering adding but heard it takes away from sewing space. I only have a Q’nique 15. Happy quilting!
Excellent video. It is the same way I do mine. The one thing I do different, when I baste the sides, I baste up and not down. This is a recommendation from Jamie Wallen and it really can make a difference when you get to the bottom of the quilt.
Totally agree!! Since making that video, I also baste UP sides. A few other things I do different too. Really is time to re-make this video! Thanks for the prod! 😊
This is a great lesson!
Thanks, glad it was helpful....I've changed a few things since then, though! Wow, almost 4 yr ago!!! Hard to believe!! Time sure flies!!
Thank you
Id like to have seen the front quilt top bar loaded. Not many show that including grace co. My husband figured it out for me and then I found one short video of a lady loading that bar for the top. Once I figured out how it was easy and worked better than floating my top.
I still had more to learn when I made that video! For instance, I never baste down the sides but always up, and away from me. I also don't put horizontal seam of backing in center.
Here's a more recent one by Marie Bard-Curtis on loading and not floating - it's great! th-cam.com/video/TWyxcweuXQM/w-d-xo.html
Excellent!
I do a few things different since this video was made....
A big one is when you baste the sides.....baste going up instead of down! This will help with sides not getting stretched down and being longer than center of quilt.
I also have several spots marked directly across from each other on leader so that I can rotate where I load. I found out the hard way that always loading using center of leaders will soon warp them.
Thank you for your video. It’s very helpful. I am having trouble keeping the tension on my top bar tight. Every time I adjust the lower backing rail, the top loosens.
So you don't have an idler rail? If that is the case....since I have never *not* had an idler rail, I'm not sure how to answer. After I "clamp down" the takeup rail and then the front rail - and turn the front rail to get the tightness I want, my top stays that way until one of the rails is unclamped.
Joyfulstamper I do have the idler rail, but the top clamp does not seem to stay locked. The other two lock perfectly.
@@stephanieminch6720 If you have a Continuum....I would call the Grace Co and describe the problem to them. As long as you have the leader cloth oriented to turn the right way....it sounds like a faulty part or one wearing out maybe??
Good suggestion! I am going to make sure the leader cloth is on correctly and try pinning it the way you showed in the video. I have been doing it from the opposite side. Thank you!
Joyfulstamper, you are a genius! I decided to unpin the back of the quilt that I am quilting and look at the leader cloth. It was flipped over wrong. I repinned the back to the leader cloth (very carefully), and everything is working as it should. Thank you so much! I would not have thought to look at it if you hadn’t suggested it.
I have started floating all my quilting rather than using the front rail to roll the fabric on. It seems to be much easier to keep it more square and to make sure ther are no bunching under the top of the batting and back.
My next quilt, I plan to load it the way this video shows:
th-cam.com/video/TWyxcweuXQM/w-d-xo.html
When I have loaded minky backing, I have been using the lower front rail instead of top.
Thank you for the wonderful video. I was wondering why your display panel on machine was flashing like that? I've noticed that on some other peoples videos for these machines - is that normal? Thank you for your response.
Hi Dawn...the display panel really isn't flashing. It's just the way the camera records it.
@@dfgeorge Thank you for letting me know.
Where did you you get your side grips
Thank-you for this informative video!! I just purchased the Unique 21"...this tutorial is so helpful!! Just wondering about your quilting foot...it there a purpose for this foot vs. the hopping foot? Thanks!!
Glad you found the video helpful!
The Glide foot is great for quilting across uneven surfaces of the quilt (like dimensionals & where lots of seams intersect) - and when quilting off the edge of the top and then back on, it will not cause the top edge to fold over. (But that can also be accomplished with a hopping foot - doing a zig-zag style baste when you baste up the sides.)
[Note: in this video, I show basting down the sides - since then, I no longer do that. I baste up the sides, starting with the machine closest to me and then basting away from me. This keeps that slight stretching down of quilt top sides from happening. I think I do a better job in a later video: th-cam.com/video/bqsk3vVzF08/w-d-xo.html It seems no sooner than I make a video...I figure out something I'd do different! :-) ]
If you are interested in the Glide foot, it can only be bought in a set - I would compare cost + postage to see which is the best deal:
1. www.graceframe.com/en/product/9-piece-foot-attachment-set
2. kathyquilts.com/9_piece_attachment_foot_set_for_block_rockit_15.html?category_id=298
Where did you purchase the warm and natural batting on the roll?
That was a long time ago.....I think we purchased thru Amazon.
Thank you for your videos, they have been so helpful. I have the same machine but mine didn't come with the horizontal channel lock, did you purchase it as an add on?
Both horizontal and vertical channel locks came with the Continuum Frame.
People who have frames without the locks have come up with ways to get the same results using various clamps (but you don't want a metal edge - like that of a binding clip - against your wheel.)
www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/channel-locks-t282189.html
Can you tell me where you got your midarm leader grips, I'm having a hard time finding them.
I started out (with Q'14+) with Side Grips by Leader Grips (www.leadergrips.com/) but I broke the top clamps because I was clipping them over the batting (only supposed to clip over backing). Ordered some mondo clips (clip n' seal) and used the upper clamps as replacements. After getting the Q'21, the rod wasn't long enough. Went to WalMart and got a pkg of cafe curtain rods (www.walmart.com/ip/Mainstays-11-19-Adjustable-Swivel-Sash-Rod-5-16-Diameter-White-Set-of-2/50015133?athcpid=50015133&athpgid=athenaItemPage&athcgid=null&athznid=PWVUB&athieid=v0&athstid=CS004&athguid=76c7079a-3d7-172ed06e7cc32a&athancid=null&athena=true) that slide and taped at correct length. Tied ribbons thru metal loops on end. #redneck but works!
Where can I buy the tape measure that you have on your rail?
The quilt shop I got it from has long since gone out of business .... but you can do a search for a "zero center tape measure" and find them easily available from multiple sources.
Hello…3 years later I finally got my 21 Pro and I’m so happy 😁. I’m trying to learn how to end my stitching and when I push the “Start/Stop” Quilting button #3 on my left handle, the needle goes up and then down in one motion. Does the 21 Pro not have a button that can be pressed to make the needle go up one time and then press the button again and the needle goes back down? I have selected the needle down default in Needle Stop Setting. Also, I looked at Leah Day’s video on how to break thread on a qnique long arm without a thread cutter and her 21 allows you to needle up once and needle down once. I sure hope this makes sense. 😬
Never mind 🤦🏽♀️. I just watched your Bobbin 101 video and you answered my question with the single stitch button. Thank You!
@@Godfaith33 Glad you got it figured out! When you tap on the sprocket in the bottom left corner of your machine's display, that's where you change needle stuff.
Where did you purchase the ruler that is on your idler bar?
It was a freebie years ago from a quilt shop now out of business. Do a search for zero center tape measure and you will find them lots of places!
Where did you get the double sided ruler to measure?
It was a freebie from a quilt shop no longer in business! Do a search for "zero center tape measure" and you'll find a variety of places to get them from.
Janet can you tell me where to get the idler rail?
Mine was purchased from the Grace Co at the same time we purchased the frame. Another option is the Glide rail that prevents loss of quilting area. Yet another much cheaper option that also doesn't cause you to lose quilting space is a tension rod placed directly under takeup rail. Several have gotten them from Amazon and posted pics on the QCT Facebook page.
I do all of what you do but find that my batting shifts to the left and towards the end of a large quilt almost bundles up on the left. Then my top stays neat (square) for almost three-quarters of the way and then the sides seem to shift and I get bowing at the bottom. Any idea why or how I can eliminate this?
After I advance the quilt, I baste up both sides (moving machine away from me, toward take-up rail.) Make sure the quilt's horizontal seams are straight with the top bar across the front - and if not, take up any fullness on the sides when you baste (is pretty easy to do using the baste feature in the red tool box.) When I put the long blue quilt clips on the top bar in front, I put one directly in the center - and then one on each side (I've stopped using just 2 - so that there is never a break between clips in the center.) When you get near the bottom, go ahead and roll it so you can baste across bottom (you won't be able to use quilt clips.) Put straight pins near/across the bottom edge so that it is held straight - then baste across (you may want to start from each corner & baste to center.) Remove pins and baste up sides, adjusting in any last fullness. Move quilt back up so you can finish.
Also, can you make video on adjusting tension? That would be extremely helpful, I am still struggling with tension issues on my Qnique 14+.
I think the Grace videos on tension are great: the one for bobbin tension: th-cam.com/video/jTcdiwvCHMc/w-d-xo.html and the one for upper tension: th-cam.com/video/b13IOqxbAQk/w-d-xo.html
Other things can make a difference.....like making sure your quilt fabric isn't too tight on your rails, the hopping foot is the distance it needs to be from the needle plate (th-cam.com/video/lkeoT37qKj8/w-d-xo.html He uses paper....I use a credit card slid under foot) and making sure your thread easily pulls off spool with nothing catching it and hasn't come out anywhere/properly threaded. Turning your needle eye ever so slightly to left or to right could help. (Stick a pin in the needle eye to turn.)
Once I switched to Glide thread and their magnetic bobbins.....that put an end to my having to deal with getting tension right!!! You take the spring out of the bobbin holder and put the magnetic bobbin in.....set the tension so thread pulls out without lifting bobbin holder off your hand, but enough for it to stand on its side....then set top tension.....and once you do that, you rarely have to adjust either!! Others love having the TOWA bobbin gauge but I don't have one.
One suggestion I've read is, once the bobbin tension is set, to adjust top tension so that the bobbin thread can be seen on top. Then gradually adjust the top tension until the point you're no longer able to see the bobbin thread on top.
If you are on Facebook, I highly recommend joining this group:
Q'nique 14+ / 15R Mid Arm Quilters (aka Dream Quilter)
You can do a search for "tension" and find a lot of helpful information. There is *much* discussion on it!
Can you do a video on how you square your backing fabric?
Not sure when I'll be able to do that....but quick answer for a small quilt - if the backing is not pieced - is to snip and rip! That way you know the edge is with the straight grain of fabric. For one that is pieced (and I've never had to do a super big one) I treat it just like fabric yardage that I'm squaring up. I hold the long edges together and "slide" the edges until the fabric hangs down smoothly - then lay it down so folded edge is even with cutting mat line and cut across. There are several videos already here on TH-cam that show squaring backing fabric (if you haven't already watched them :-) )
Just came across this....rosecityquilter.wordpress.com/2012/03/05/a-quick-and-easy-way-to-make-a-perfectly-square-quilt-back/
What are the long plastic pieces called that you clipped the bungees to? Where would I find them? I’ve enjoyed your video so much. Thank you!
They are Side Grips by Leader Grips. Love them!! (But they are not meant to go over batting - just the backing fabric. The clear top part that clamps over will crack....ask me how I know!! But I already had mondo clips - so that made a great replacement part....and is stiff at first but works over batting too.) th-cam.com/video/phh7vpFcFco/w-d-xo.html
Glad you like the video - a couple things I do different now is when I get ready to baste the quilt top at the top, I pin a couple inches down all along near the top edge and have conquered basting within 1/4" from edge. Yeah! (I also do that when I get to the bottom.) Also, when I baste the side edges, I now only baste moving the machine from closest to me toward the take-up rail. That keeps the sides from stretching out/down as you get to the bottom. If there's any "ripple" in a border, I'm able to work in the fullness with my fingers without causing a pleat.
You move to fast , I need help with right and wrong sides on each bar, before pinning
Sorry for that. Good thing there's a million videos on YT for how to load 😄 There's a few things I do different since making this video....time to make new one so will remember your feedback when do. Thanks!