How to Install Renae's Red Snappers on a Longarm

Learn how to alter your leader cloth and load your longarm frame using Renae's Red Snappers! This will save you so much time loading your longarm frame because you'll never have to pin again! Find Red Snappers here: leahday.com/snapper
Read a bit more about modifying your leader cloth and installing the Red Snappers here: freemotionproject.com/2019/08...
Check out the longarm and frame I'm using in this video: leahday.com/products/grace-qn...
Find Quilt Clips to secure the front of your quilt here: leahday.com/products/grace-qn...
I'm now a dealer for Grace Frames! Browse through all of the Grace Company products I carry at: leahday.com/Grace
Use the discount code: hellomyquiltingfriends to get a discount on either the Grace Continuum or Grace Q-zone frame from my store!
Leah teaches quilting online through free KZbin videos uploaded weekly. Subscribe to our channel so you don't miss out on any of the new videos on patchwork and machine quilting uploaded weekly: / lcvday
Find tools and supplies, plus video workshops to guide you through all the steps to creating beautiful quilts on Leah's website: leahday.com/

[@suefliss7210]

I'm a brand new longarm owner and after seeing this tutorial I went right out and ordered a set of Red Snappers. Then with the help of this video and the tip given below to use a hair dryer to make screwing together the pieces easier I had the set on my leaders in about 20 minutes. My leaders already had a casing so I was just able to slip the tubes in. It is not snug, so I just thought I would try it this way and see how it works and I can always sew snug casing in using my longarm if I need to. I have gotten a lot of good information and learned a lot from your tutorials. Thank you so much.

[@caroljohnson7286]

Thank you. So finally learned how to use the clamps

[@maryrose6561]

Just got mine today from you. Can't wait to install them, thanks for the tutorial!

[@LeahDay]

Awesome! They will save you so much time!

[@AiryAsh]

I just finished my gussets on my leader clothes! Paid homage to ya Leah and used orange thread to make my straight lines. 😂❤️ I also revamped my take up bar leader cloth. I seamed ripped off the Velcro and put it on the front of the cloth. Some of us can’t afford that little bit of bulk it creates. I’m working with a Brother PQ1500.

[@margaretmartin9606]

Just purchased them for my new long arm and found your tutorial very helpful.

[@LeahDay]

Glad I could help!

[@Sandwil69]

Just FYI. Great video. I received mine today and was having a hard time getting them screwed together. My husband said to use the blow dryer and heat up the strips. This was genius. Just had to heat for less than a minute and they went together so easy. No pliers needed.

[@LeahDay]

Great idea Saundra! Thank you for sharing!

[@lindablake1113]

I just tried the heat method to put my red snappers together---what a game changer! So much easier on arthritic thumbs. Thanks for this idea!

[@bonitablake4429]

In installed my Red Snappers on my 10 foot longarm frame about 2 years ago and just totally love them. Best money spent on my whole set up as it's such a time saver and can load and unload a quilt in no time at all!!

[@LeahDay]

Wonderful Bonita! Thank you for sharing!

[@kellyf4154]

I am so glad that you posted this video. I have the red snappers but didn’t know I had the double sided screws since they must have fallen out of the bag when I first opened it. I found the screws much much later but didn’t know what they belonged to so I tossed them in a basket. I have been struggling with just having the inner red “poles” butted up together with tape. A soon as I saw how you showed the screws, I paused the video and ran to my sewing room. Thank you so much!!!

[@LeahDay]

Yay! I'm so glad you've figured out that mystery of the weird screws! LOL! Now you can get everything connected together and it will work so much better!

[@monsooniphone]

Hiya Leah. This is nothing to do with you’re video but I just want to say, I was free motioning today & I had the best results ever. Only 2 to 3 thread breaks. I tried the speed & stop turn motion like you do in all you’re videos & it definitively works. I think if you’re rushing to get a piece done then you’re going to have a problem then that problem turns into a chore then the quilt that you’re working on becomes boring & in disfavour. Then a lot of times they End up going in the store room as I can’t be bothered with them anymore! 😑 But I took a leaf out of you’re book & did the whole steady speed, stop turn, carry on like you do. Boom no thread breaks the work looks neat & I’m very happy. I just like to say Thank You 🎃 again for all you’re videos. I haven’t been quilting for a while now as I make hacking jackets for the aristocracy. Also I have a ill mom to care for & in May my significant other was killed in a motorcycle accident. Tomorrow is his birthday I’m not look forward to that. But I have found new ideas & you’re videos have helped me. A plethora Thank You to you 🎃 xxx Scott from England.

[@LeahDay]

This is wonderful to hear Scott! You're right - rushing only leads to more issues and it's never any fun. I hope your weekend wasn't too bad and you were able to find some time to quilt just for you. Remember, quilting is just like stitching yourself back together. It's healing and I hope you'll take time for it and yourself. Big HUGS from NC!

[@ANotiontoSew]

Thank you, Leah! If I don't have to pin, it's a win!!! I shall be ordering from you in September (after pay day, LOL). Pam

[@LeahDay]

Thank you Pam! You're 100% right!!!

[@Ceilvirginia]

Enjoyed your video! I have the red snapper clips and use 2” paper tape strips to initially secure the quilt edge instead of the mini clips. You can apply the long clips without removing the tape.

[@LeahDay]

That's interesting! Thank you for sharing!

[@cmtandrlt]

You need 3 or 4 hands to get those snappers on straight and even. I'm going to try your tape idea.

[@ShadowMoonFarms]

Thank you

[@susierosefinlay1589]

I LOVE Red Snappers!!!! We have them on the 2 LAs I run at Sew Yeah Quilting. I'll never go back to pinning. Zippers...I would rather sew 10,000 beads on a formal gown.

[@LeahDay]

LOL! I only rented time twice using zippers. OMG what a complicated mess! I'm with you - Red Snappers are the best!

[@cindyblackwell2741]

Thanks for sharing all your helpful tips, you’ve shared so much useful info. I have a Juki LA frame, so I would like to know the diameter of your roll-up bars to see if the blue clips from Grace would work on my frame. Definitely going to look into getting the snappers and the clips if they will work.

[@LeahDay]

The blue clips are 1 1/2 inches and should work on most frames. The thicker 2 inch pink clips are for thicker quilts.

[@bekkicampise7296]

I just ordered my red snappers from you today!!! Can’t wait to get them!!! Assuming that if I fold fabric over one inch an take a qtr inch seam that gives me the needed 3/4” gusset!! Correct me if I’m wrong.

[@LeahDay]

Thank you for your supporting our shop! On the gusset - just be sure the tube has 3/4 inch within. It sounds like you have the right idea!

[@bekkicampise7296]

Leah Day you are absolutely the best!!!

[@ronaldapettrey3250]

I have the leader grips they work the same. These are great. Since I am new to long arm quilting it has been a little confusing but so much easier than pinning. My system connects with shrink tape. I think the screws might have been a better choice for me though. This video has really helped me. Thank you. Are you going to get the side grips instead of the clamps that come on the long arm. I am thinking of getting those because I think it might be a little more stable than my clamps. It could be me too because I am a newbie to long arm quilting.

[@LeahDay]

I'm so happy you found this helpful! No, I don't plan to try the side grips as I like my clamps just fine.

[@joanneluster369]

Love watching your videos. You talk me so much. I have a Dream Frame and would like to know if this would work on my frame. Love this idea. I think it should. If you could let us know that would be great. I have a quilt I need to finish by the 7th of September.

[@LeahDay]

I'm not sure on hoop frames yet! You'd better start pinning that quilt as I definitely won't have an answer this weekend!

[@sandrateer1994]

I purchased the Red Snappers a couple of months ago and just put them on my Continuum frame last week. I tried quilting a queen size quilt using the red snappers and also my quilt clips. I could not use the quilt clips because they did not fit over the red snapper clips. After struggling, I removed the red snappers from the front rail and was able to continue quilting. I could not figure out what I was doing wrong. I will continue to use the red snapper to load the backing to the take-up rail but won't use for the other two rails. I see you used both on the small quilt but was not able to do the same.

[@LeahDay]

Yes, I know I need to make an update video on this Sandra! I'm using snappers on my top rail and bottom front rail, but not on the top front rail for exactly this reason. I'm still working out my favorite methods and will share a new video as soon as I can.

[@pbl4him]

Thanks for sharing your video. How thick is the material for your leaders? I have removable leaders for my frame. One is canvas and the others are mid weight drapery material. I think if I make a gusset with these the fabric will be too thick for the snapper to clamp on. My back leader is also very short. I was thinking about using drapery lining fabric that I have to make extensions to my leaders. I could sew the gusset on those and sew them on to my leaders. Do you think that would work?

[@LeahDay]

You can change the placement of the leaders to have a longer cloth on the back rail if you wish. If your material is particularly thick, simply fold the fabric over and stitch the gusset wider.

[@37debbiek]

These look supper helpful, I will definitely check them out. Where did you get the blue clip you used on the quilt? I have a Q'nique 15R and I'm so excited to learn from someone with the same type machine. I hate loading the quilt and I'm not very good at quilting yet but I use the pantographs and I hope to improve. My straight lines are curved and my curves are pointy! I hope this improves! Lol. I'm printing your guide and hopefully that will get me on the right track.

[@LeahDay]

You can find the blue clips at leahday.com/clip I'm sure you will improve if you quilt every day. Have you tried quilting with rulers yet? It's so nice on a longarm and pretty quick if your design is fairly simple.

[@marypatterson471]

I love my blue lips, they are a game changer!! I cant wait to try the Red snapper.

[@sandraleshikar3714]

Great tutorial Question: Do you use the Red Snappers AND the quilt bars on the same rail?

[@LeahDay]

I tried this and it sorta worked, but it wasn't my favorite. I ended up taking the leader off the front rail of the frame and now lock the backing to the bottom front rail instead. Then I can use the Quilt Clips on the front top rail with no issue.

[@colleenpaton6016]

Hi Leah, I am just wondering now that some time has passed since u did this video if you have had chance to try it on the q'nique frame yet as that's what I have and would love to not have to pin!!

[@LeahDay]

Not yet! I need to get another leader cloth to test because I don't want to stitch the one I have and then have to rip it all out if it doesn't work! ARGH!

[@kaym804]

How did you sew the gusset in your leaders? Using domestic machine? I have had my red snappers for about 5 years but because my leaders have zips I’m not sure how to go about sewing the gussets. My leaders are also glued/taped to my bars!

[@LeahDay]

Yes, Kay, you'll need to remove the leaders from your machine and then fold up the edge 3/4 inch and stitch along it on a home sewing machine.

[@dawnwerner3243]

I'm guessing you had the hand stitch that leader cloth

[@suzieq3006]

Hi Leah, we just purchased the Continuum frame. It came with zippers. We are brand new (never used a long arm before) users! So our dilemma is install the zippers or purchase the Red Snapper system. Can you give me some pros and cons to both please? I’m leaning towards the Red Snapper’s but my mom thinks the zippers would be best. I need info to give her to try to get her to try the Red Snappers 😊. Thanks in advance.

[@LeahDay]

Well, if you have the zippers, I'd try them! I used them in a quilt shop where I rented a longarm before getting one myself. The reason I didn't like the zippers is I was constantly afraid I'd attach them the wrong way (definitely a right and wrong) and that required WAY too much mental jumping jacks for me. I also pinned the zippers to my backing fabric - this was just as time consuming as pinning the backing to the leader cloth! Dad would machine baste, but then he'd spend an hour ripping out the basting stitches once the quilt was done. I just found zippers more time consuming, but if you already have some, give them a try!

[@shirleymiska2389]

Can the Red Snappers bu used with the one cloth leader on the Q-Zone Hoop Frame?

[@LeahDay]

I haven't tested this myself, but a quilting customer did and found it worked. I've had an idea to modify a cloth leader by cutting it in half as I like mostly quilting smaller quilts on my Hoop Frame. It's definitely something I plan to test and share in a future video.

[@Tanya99503]

have you tried on your qZone frame? I have the dream frame and oh....this interests me. I hate the pinning part of quilting the absolute most. If that works, let me know or do a video please? I will buy it!!!!!!

[@LeahDay]

I still need to test this on my Q-Zone. It's a risk because if it doesn't work, that's a lot of seam ripping to make my leaders go back to normal!

[@ladybuggrandma7940]

Leah Day , I just got a Q Zone frame. I plan on using it with my Juki. I’m thinking of getting a long arm because I don’t want to have to keep taking my machine off the frame. Can you recommend a reasonably priced long arm for a beginner?

[@Tanya99503]

@@LeahDay what does the manufacturer say about combatability?

[@LeahDay]

The Qnique 15R is very reasonably priced and compatible with the Q-Zone Frame. You can find it here: leahday.com/products/grace-qnique-15r-longarm-machine The best part is this machine comes with a stitch regulator so you don't have to worry about your stitches! They stay the same size so long as you don't stitch way too fast!

[@LeahDay]

Hi Tanya - The Q-Zone frame is compatible with all home machines up to the newest, most titanic embroidery machines. It cannot fit the 18 inch sit down longarms quite yet, but we're working on that. Our Qnique 15 is also compatible and a great choice!

[@wpeters1170]

Leah, could you use these on the side of the quilt as well with the clamps holding it tight?

[@LeahDay]

Yes, but then you wouldn't have enough tube or clamps to cover all your leader cloth. Really it's not necessary to clamp the sides that much, just the two bungee clamps to both sides is plenty.

[@wpeters1170]

Thank you

[@VonnieOdette]

Could you leave the center small clip and add the longer ones on each side?

[@LeahDay]

Sure, I don't see why not. I like to remove it so I have nice long bars covering the quilt.

[@sewcreativedesigns51]

Do you have extra fabric on the border to allow for the fabric lost wrapping over the red snapper?

[@LeahDay]

No, it shortens the leader by 1 inch, but this isn't enough to need extra fabric. The leaders are much longer than needed for each rail so it works even with this modification.

[@marypatterson471]

I was wondering the same thing. If the Red Snappers take 1"" of the borders, then there is no quilting 1" from the edge. A 1" larger outer bouder, should allow quilting to the edge. Am I thinking this through corrctly?

[@kaym804]

Could you please show how you sewed the gusset on your leaders Leah.

[@LeahDay]

It's really as simple as folding the fabric over and stitching along the edge.

[@johannaheer3958]

How did you sew the leader grips to your longarm? Did you use your domestic sewing machine?

[@LeahDay]

Yep.

[@mygeorge1951]

Is this for Longarm Quilting only? I have the Cutie Quilting Frame. Thank you!

[@LeahDay]

This really wouldn't save you any time on the Cutie frame. I used them on my Hoop Frame and found they stuck out in an awkward angle that made advancing the quilt difficult.

[@barbarableigh9593]

These clamps are so tight, it's very hard to get them on the pole. After struggling to snap the clip over the backing, I knew it would be impossible to snap it over the batting and quilt top. I had to pin those.

[@LeahDay]

Please watch the video again Barbara. You only clip the backing fabric using the Red Snappers. You do not clip the batting or quilt top.

[@tammygrigson3742]

My husband just bought the red snappers for me today. I need to sew the pockets and wanting to make sure I do this correct. The hole for the red snapper to go thru is 3/4 and you sewed 1/4 from the edge, so you folded over a full 1 inch. Is this correct?

[@LeahDay]

Yep! I have a new tutorial on this coming out next week if you'd like to wait and see how I sew mine.

[@tammygrigson3742]

@@LeahDay thank you!!!!

[@rachelkachun6063]

Do the tubes cause more bulk when advancing?

[@LeahDay]

Yes, and this is something you may want to consider. It adds around 3/4 inches of bulk to the back rail, and occasionally the tubes will get in my way when I'm first getting started with a quilt. Once the tube is rolled up inside of the quilt it's no big deal, but sometimes it does get hung up on my ruler plate. Personally, I don't mind this! The time savings of clamping verses pinning is huge!

[@rachelkachun6063]

@@LeahDay thank you

[@blmcnair]

Leah, I was watching one of your videos and you had made the Red Snappers for the sides. How did you get the ribbon to go thru the tubes?

[@LeahDay]

The cheapest option is to take a long, stiff wire, fold it in half to create a mock needle, then thread the ribbon and send it through. Poking the ribbon through with a thin knitting needle can also work too.

[@blmcnair]

@@LeahDay Great, thank you.

[@marcythompson4042]

Can you sew the gusset with the long arm?

[@LeahDay]

Nope.

[@berthapotter2548]

Can these be used on a regular quilting table not long arm

[@LeahDay]

Do you mean hand quilting frame? Yes, I suppose.

[@berthapotter2548]

No quilting machine with 3 bars