I just saw this as I was searching for a video to address this specific problem. The quilt I have is 103 inches wide on an 88 inch frame. I'm doing the fold in on each side and just quilting the center and it's working pretty good. One thing I did was trim the batting down to as small as I could get away with. That helped reduce a lot of the bulk on the edges. So far so good. Thanks for the video!
This was very helpful. I stupidly bought a 4’ frame (I didn’t have room for anything larger) and am wrestling quilting a large lap size quilt on it. I didn’t know what to do with the extra fabric on the sides but seeing you folding yours on one side really helped. I also love the 18” bar magnets you can get at Harbor Freight for $5. They are great for securing the fabric to the metal bats. Thank you so much.
My wife is a quilter and is looking for videos showing how to quilt a large quilt on a small frame. Yours is the only one not using a special frame. More power to you, and keep on thinking outside the box 👍.
I’m about to get a 10’ frame because I’m not expecting to be needing anything longer, but I’m thinking that if I occasionally want to do bigger projects, the sides can be folded in and a length of padding run in between the folds along the take up bar would keep the tension even. The sides would have to be done separately, later. Alternatively, the c-clamps used on smaller frames could be used to hold the layers on the bars instead of attaching the top edges and rolling the entire width. I wouldn’t try this until I feel confident doing it the right way!
Hi Nancy, I bought a queen size Grace frame. My first and current quilt that I am going to longarm is 94 1/4 inches wide, just under 8ft. I didn’t want to cut the border off and somehow resew it back on which is why I am watching this video. I saw your comment and I’m thinking that is how I am going to longarm my quilt, do the middle first, and then do the borders. I would love to have a 10ft frame, I seriously do not expect to make any king size quilts, just queen size, but I just do not have the room for a 10ft frame, this frame barely fits in the spare bedroom with just enough room to squish by to get in the closet. Thanks for the idea.
Thank you for the video. I believe Grace sells quilt clamps that can be used instead of all the pinning. It's additional cost but may make it much easier than pinning and result in a more even taughtness. I too am limited in my room space and an 8ft Continuum was largest the room would hold. I am going to attempt this...wish me luck.
Magnets can help also (the great big tool ones). I have managed a too-big quilt by hand basting (time consuming but less struggle with aligning layers). Not too bad with a really long “straw” needle and contrasting thread. Also can use the pvc clamps like Grace sells or Amazon, to hold quilt instead of rolling onto the bars. Nice video - always great to see people thinking outside of the box. That being said, I just got my 2’ extension so a 12 foot frame. Yay! … except having to climb under if I want to go to the back side…
Hi there. I have a 5foot frame and do a bit of oversize work. I have purchased, from a local plumbing supply shop 6 'clamps', these fit over my work on the front rail. Holding all three layers very securely so I am not pinning underneath. Then you are releasing only the clips, not looking for all the pins. Thank you for sharing your work Marijke.
I’m still a beginner with a qnique 15r and a very small older Bernina frame (approx. 54”) extendable to 10 ft (haven’t built it out yet). Still trying to feel comfortable using what I have before I extend it longer. Thank you for this video. You’re a natural teacher! Will try your method with a quilt that measures a little over 60” and let you know how it turns out.
That’s a beautiful quilt. I think your technique is very good. With practice you should be able to get it just right. I would try spray starch on those bubbles on the back before I would sew them simply because the sewing may make them show up more. Very good video thank you.
Hi Marijke, I was hoping i may get an answer. Im about halfway through my quilt using this method but im finding that I cant get it taught enough with the batting rolled up inside the quilt on the one side. Do you have any tips on quilting the bottom half of the quilt?
Hi - thanks for your question. It is very tricky getting the fabric taut so what I did is a bit labour intensive, but it worked for me. I would reach under and pull the fabric and then using pins underneath and fasten the backing to the batting along the edges of the frame - close enough that the machine needle couldn't hit them. So imagine me standing by the frame and reaching underneath, smoothing the backing towards me, and then catching the bulk at the edge,. pinning it down. It's not ideal and there were some spots that were lumpier in the back than I would have liked, but overall, it turned out pretty well. Does this help?
Thank you for your suggestion but it doesn't work for me. I don't make such large quilts very often and a hoop frame comes with other issues I don't want - like having to move the quilt from side to side, as well as down. I prefer to load my quilt on the frame, without having to baste it first, and then roll it along, after completing a full horizontal pass before rolling it to the next section.
Good to know that there are others who can't have a full frame. Thank you for showing me it can be done!
I just saw this as I was searching for a video to address this specific problem. The quilt I have is 103 inches wide on an 88 inch frame. I'm doing the fold in on each side and just quilting the center and it's working pretty good. One thing I did was trim the batting down to as small as I could get away with. That helped reduce a lot of the bulk on the edges. So far so good. Thanks for the video!
This was very helpful. I stupidly bought a 4’ frame (I didn’t have room for anything larger) and am wrestling quilting a large lap size quilt on it. I didn’t know what to do with the extra fabric on the sides but seeing you folding yours on one side really helped. I also love the 18” bar magnets you can get at Harbor Freight for $5. They are great for securing the fabric to the metal bats. Thank you so much.
Thanks!
Wonderful video! I also have a 8’ frame. Was hoping to see how quilting larger quilts can be done. Cheers to you 🥰
My wife is a quilter and is looking for videos showing how to quilt a large quilt on a small frame. Yours is the only one not using a special frame. More power to you, and keep on thinking outside the box 👍.
Thank you for taking the time to share this with me. It made my day. :)
I’m about to get a 10’ frame because I’m not expecting to be needing anything longer, but I’m thinking that if I occasionally want to do bigger projects, the sides can be folded in and a length of padding run in between the folds along the take up bar would keep the tension even. The sides would have to be done separately, later. Alternatively, the c-clamps used on smaller frames could be used to hold the layers on the bars instead of attaching the top edges and rolling the entire width. I wouldn’t try this until I feel confident doing it the right way!
Hi Nancy, I bought a queen size Grace frame. My first and current quilt that I am going to longarm is 94 1/4 inches wide, just under 8ft. I didn’t want to cut the border off and somehow resew it back on which is why I am watching this video. I saw your comment and I’m thinking that is how I am going to longarm my quilt, do the middle first, and then do the borders. I would love to have a 10ft frame, I seriously do not expect to make any king size quilts, just queen size, but I just do not have the room for a 10ft frame, this frame barely fits in the spare bedroom with just enough room to squish by to get in the closet. Thanks for the idea.
Thank you for the video. I believe Grace sells quilt clamps that can be used instead of all the pinning. It's additional cost but may make it much easier than pinning and result in a more even taughtness. I too am limited in my room space and an 8ft Continuum was largest the room would hold. I am going to attempt this...wish me luck.
Magnets can help also (the great big tool ones). I have managed a too-big quilt by hand basting (time consuming but less struggle with aligning layers). Not too bad with a really long “straw” needle and contrasting thread. Also can use the pvc clamps like Grace sells or Amazon, to hold quilt instead of rolling onto the bars. Nice video - always great to see people thinking outside of the box. That being said, I just got my 2’ extension so a 12 foot frame. Yay! … except having to climb under if I want to go to the back side…
Hi there. I have a 5foot frame and do a bit of oversize work. I have purchased, from a local plumbing supply shop 6 'clamps', these fit over my work on the front rail. Holding all three layers very securely so I am not pinning underneath. Then you are releasing only the clips, not looking for all the pins. Thank you for sharing your work Marijke.
I’m still a beginner with a qnique 15r and a very small older Bernina frame (approx. 54”) extendable to 10 ft (haven’t built it out yet). Still trying to feel comfortable using what I have before I extend it longer. Thank you for this video. You’re a natural teacher! Will try your method with a quilt that measures a little over 60” and let you know how it turns out.
That’s a beautiful quilt. I think your technique is very good. With practice you should be able to get it just right. I would try spray starch on those bubbles on the back before I would sew them simply because the sewing may make them show up more. Very good video thank you.
Awesome Your Quilt Is Just Beautiful. Great Job At Improvising💜💜💜
Great video. Thank you
Hi Marijke, I was hoping i may get an answer. Im about halfway through my quilt using this method but im finding that I cant get it taught enough with the batting rolled up inside the quilt on the one side. Do you have any tips on quilting the bottom half of the quilt?
Hi - thanks for your question. It is very tricky getting the fabric taut so what I did is a bit labour intensive, but it worked for me. I would reach under and pull the fabric and then using pins underneath and fasten the backing to the batting along the edges of the frame - close enough that the machine needle couldn't hit them. So imagine me standing by the frame and reaching underneath, smoothing the backing towards me, and then catching the bulk at the edge,. pinning it down. It's not ideal and there were some spots that were lumpier in the back than I would have liked, but overall, it turned out pretty well. Does this help?
What you need is one of their hoop frames .. it's easy to do any size quilt . :)
Thank you for your suggestion but it doesn't work for me. I don't make such large quilts very often and a hoop frame comes with other issues I don't want - like having to move the quilt from side to side, as well as down. I prefer to load my quilt on the frame, without having to baste it first, and then roll it along, after completing a full horizontal pass before rolling it to the next section.