Working with Frames and Hoops

   Hand quilting often brings to mind images of grandmotherly women perched around an old wood frame, needle in hand, stitching and chatting. Well, let me say, that is a rare sight. Most of us quilt alone in our homes one project at a time. As quilting habits have changed over the years, so have quilting frames.

   Traditional quilt frames generally were wooden and large enough for a king size bed quilt. This in mind, these frames took up an entire room when set up which wasn't a problem when the frame was only up for a day of quilting with the ladies. In our day and time, this is not at all practical.

 

    One of my early frames was a simple set up purchased from Hobby Lobby. Well fitted for a large quilt, my husband cut shorter pieces for smaller projects such as this small baby quilt (above). Though it was much smaller than the traditional frame my grandmother had, it still took up a hefty portion of the room, and was cumbersome to reach across for quilting the top or middle of the quilt section.

   This frame, a Flynn, (also pictured at very top) was a wonderful find. The original kit fits a crib size quilt and is easily adapted for larger projects. Having the option of rolling the quilt unbasted on three poles is handy for smaller quilts, but I find it not practical for larger bed quilts. The narrow frame is adjustable in height and tilt..making it easy to reach all areas of the quilt section. As far as frames go, this is my favorite.

   Admittedly, there are sometimes designs that are just plain difficult to maneuver in a frame. Here is where the hoop comes in handy. My hoop is a 12" large wood hoop..this one is thick..narrow wooden frames just won't support the many layers of a quilt. Here you see my daughter's vintage star quilt with a scattered star motif. There was no way on earth I wanted to contort myself to quilt this image on a frame..the hoop saved the day.

   When a quilting project is ready to set in frame several things are taken into consideration before I decide which frame will be used or whether a hoop is the better choice.

    1. Availability? Before I had a frame of any kind I used the wooden hoops for all my hand quilting projects. Frames came as finances and space allowed. The reality is..any quilt can be done in a hoop.

    2.  Space? I don't always have room for the frame set up, especially around holidays. A hoop can easily be tucked away when the project is 'resting'...as can some frames. The Flynn frame can stand upright and roll out of the way. Space is a big factor in planning hoop or frame. 

    3.  Size? Little projects are hoop projects, but larger quilts often work better on a frame. The frame keeps the fabric from touching the floor, so larger projects stay neatly rolled while I work. 

    4.  Design? As with the vintage star quilt, some designs are just hard to manage on a frame meaning a hoop would be much easier. 

   Join the discussion and share your experiences with hand quilting. Have questions? Feel free to leave them in the comment section or email me at simplyscaife@yahoo.com.