How to Quilt on the Cutie Frame

The Cutie Tabletop Fabric frame is the most versatile quilting frame on the market. The Grace Company's Karla Gerome explains how to use it.
Video instructions on assembling the Cutie Frame are here: • Assembling Your Cutie ...

[@sonjamontgomery2755]

After watching the video, I can see how wonderful this product is. I would feel so privileged to have one.

[@judithlpn-quilter7757]

This is a fantastic Company. I have a Q’nique with a 10 ft table. Their service is great and their people are so friendly and efficient. This little frame looks great for baby quilts. I have sold quilts at Christmas shows and people always ask for baby quilts.

[@stephaniegiles1099]

Brilliant video. Very helpful to see a complete beginner use this frame

[@cg8605]

I just finished paying for one yesterday. The video is going to help a lot. I will watch them before I proceed.

[@tammyc.8751]

Great video!!! What a pretty quilt!!!I This video helped convince me to buy it. I'm watching while putting my frame together, which is easy so far. I will likely watch it several times. Thanks!!!!

[@bethcorwin9193]

Thank you for your great instructional videos. I set up my Cutie a few days ago and intend to load a practice piece today. I was delighted to view Karlas coaching video first! I’m confident I can do this!

[@petmomful2260]

So how is it going? Is it fun?

[@bethcorwin9193]

@@petmomful2260I’m having a great time learning and tweaking my setup. I added more lights, and have ordered a different stool. I never realized how close I was getting my face to the machine when I sit down quilt! Definitely a new learning curve. I am going to try rulers this weekend. Definitely have to rethink how I plan the quilting to deal with my limited zone. Can’t wait until I can afford to upgrade to an actual mid arm like the Qunique 15R

[@petmomful2260]

@@bethcorwin9193 Congrats! Sounds like you are having a great time and learning some new skills. I think the Cutie is pretty cool!

[@carriecreates1207]

I just put one together this evening!! Works great!!

[@ellenhartley4998]

I am wanting one of these so badly. Saving my pennies and hopefully have one by Christmas.

[@karenanderson1107]

Great video! Makes it look easy enough that anyone could use it!

[@chrisgazall9074]

I just got my cutie Sunday and I was thrilled but NO Where does it tell you it will take hours to put together with your husband who is a mechanic. Once together I love love it!!!!

[@anniec7041]

My Cutie is arriving tomorrow. I am soooooo excited!

[@karensartain]

So, did it arrive and how do you like it?

[@anniec7041]

@@karensartain Yes, it arrived. I put it together all by myself, so that wasn’t too difficult. Having never used a quilting frame before, it has taken a lot of learning. I think in the long run this is going to help relieve my back and shoulder pain from quilting. It tucks away perfectly when not in use, and I really like that.

[@marygoodman2540]

I love this little cutie, one day I hope to get one!

[@petmomful2260]

This is so cool, and affordable!

[@barbaraj.niekerk3651]

Great video...great explanations, thank you!

[@buffielorah9946]

Beautiful quilt!!

[@annterrywilliams2304]

Love all of the explanations that are given. It really helped me to understand the process.

[@mariamccallum6122]

I have a Baby Lock JAZZ. Machine is 25" from left to right. The throat is 12" Would this machine fit on the Gracie table?

[@laticecarpenter5887]

Trying to search and look at some questions to get some answers and all I see is people with their evil remarks about them wearing their masks, well people during that time was a pandemic going on and it was to protect each other...don't wear a mask on your time. This is their company. How you gonna demand them not to wear their masks for their safety. If you don't like it, don't watch their video and move on. Just rude. Anyway, I love your product and the video was just fine. Thanks for a great product and mine is on the way!

[@LeslieIRoman]

Can I automate, for example, the Juki you are using in the demo or a Janome 1600?

[@thebanjolady]

can you buy extensions to make the frame wider?

[@mygeorge1951]

I purchased a table extension for my Brother SE625. Will I be able to use The Cutie? Is there a list available of the Domestic Machines you can use with the Cutie? Ty.

[@n2xrcise]

I have mine already but I'm going to right away purchase a different machine because my piecing one (singer patchwork 7285 I think) has almost NO throat space so I don't even want to try with it. I can't wait to get my whole set up going!

[@lindawilson5937]

what size big of table and how big will quite fit.

[@babysgramma5273]

Please someone direct me to the pattern for that stunning "modern" quilt on the wall, the intersecting lines of boxes. Where is it? Thanks so much.

[@theclosetquilterelliemiria198]

i am waiting for my cutie and watching as many videos as I can find. I've watched this one several times. So the batting and top are together with the backing on the rollers? I am new to frame quilting . I'd like to see more about loading a quilt onto the cutie with details

[@cryabinkin]

They have some videos about this for the q-zone and some by Leah day that shows it in detail. She also covers how to move it, etc. and use the side leaders and bungees. As far as I can tell it is basically the same except that you roll up the front on the cutie too since the handles are up front. On the qzone the handles are in the back so you don’t need to roll it up front.

[@nbc911]

Ignore the ridiculous comments. It's perfectly possible to hear and understand you with masks on and I am not American. Thank you for your instructions. It's very inspirational!

[@dcwatashi]

They are not ridiculous comments her voice was extremely muffled. I could understand what she was saying but it was just very unprofessional.

[@tammiefries6228]

I have a Destiny 2. Will it work on the cutie?

[@doubledeesdesigns6935]

I just got my table top frame…. Not sure what is happening but it seems to quilt in the middle only… i was trying to do the tack down first but its not happening… wondering if I have it assembled backwards… really want to use this

[@nola-gurl9595]

How can I prevent the take-up pole from hitting the sewing machine needle?

[@bak-dh1zw]

I would love this!

[@heady70]

How do you accommodate for a larger quilt? Is there an option for extending it?

[@lesliejanicke2250]

ok ive got a couple questions, First ive owned a longarm & a wooden frame, but i had a very old sewing machine that i was using to quilt with, i was using my feed dogs to move the fabric also. so that big machine i was petrified of & i couldnt keep the frame tighten. So we sold it & my husband bought me a Singer sewing machine & that exact Juki!!!!! so watching this video i See that there a "board" i forget what the thing is that the machine sits on but thats where the handles to move the machine is, so i got that. Now i play with my juki alot im not afraid of it but i dont have a frame so im back to using my feet dogs again but thats ok. I need to sit which is great because my spine is very messed up so i" use my office chair with wheels for this. now My questions are these: 1): How do you move the foot petal? is there a video for that? 2): Is there a frame like that one but much larger- that will hold a king size quilt that has the plastic clamps? being left handed i could never figure out how to load my quilts properly. & i TOTALLY freaked out over not having to roll everything on its own bar. I LOVE the idea of not having to finish a quilt before taking it off the frame. we will be going to the Houston quilt show this fall if its still on, but id love to get my questions answered before going there.

[@cazfromoz1]

Why does the leader have a very thick part with padded roll going across the width (or length) of the leader cloth? Could it become too bulky for clamps to clip onto the bar?

[@feryallrahman4890]

How is it stored? Is the machine carriage platform removed before storing under the bed or standing up in a closet?

[@3kidT]

Does it come with a leader?

[@kathybabbitt5248]

I keep reading that you can use your home machine with this frame. I have 2 machines. Brother SE600 and Brother Innov-is BQ3100. Will either of these work?

[@glenysperry3421]

I received my cutie frame and stich regulater. There's instructions for attaching stitch regulater to different carriages for q zone but not for a cutie frame.!

[@susannes2806]

Would a Baby Lock Jazz 2 be compatible with this frame❓

[@lorrigoode4703]

What is the largest quilt you can quilt on the little quite quilt frame

[@nickibair999]

Oh my gosh this is perfect for me! I don't have much room in my sewing area and this would def help in actually finishing up my quilts. I have a Janome Memory Craft and not nearly as much room in the throat plate area, would it still work for my machine?

[@TheGraceCompany]

Hello Nicki, The Cutie frame can fit machines with throat sizes between 7” and 19”. If you have any other questions let us know. Have a great day!

[@MaryonLakePulaski]

I need one of these!

[@kathybradley1917]

I want to do small wall hangings. How can I attach the left/right edges to the frame for wall hangings or crib size projects?

[@carynwood9158]

They sell a bungee system just for this

[@DD-ek8qc]

Seems there's a lot of moving quilt roll. How do you enlarge frame to load a king sandwich?

[@elizabethnevers3945]

You cannot enlarge this frame. You have to reposition your quilt.

[@cryabinkin]

Still waiting on mine to arrive. Now it won’t be shipped till mid/end of March :( Wish they would have shown the use of bungees and or side leaders. I can’t wait to try it out so I’m watching as many videos prior since I’ve never done free motion quilting. I have done one walking foot straight line queen quilt on my Juki. My arms and back were sore from pushing so much fabric. This looks so easy and fun. I can’t wait to get it even more now. I need to look at surestitch regulator videos too. Thank you for the helpful videos. Maybe next year I can upgrade my Juki to a qnique 19 :)

[@GranC53]

Love it!

[@tangofools]

how do you automate, and what does THAT cost? Do you need a special machine?

[@janb3328]

I have a Qzone 5' frame, not tabletop like the video, set up with my Janome 27 Continental. I am having trouble FMQ like shown on the cutie. My thread breaks constrantly. What am I doing wrong or am I trying to do something I can't. Set on Free Motion with the proper foot. Getting frustrated that I spent so much money and can't FM. HELP!!

[@startipper3767]

Jan B - I am no expert but thread breaking is soooo frustrating. Here are a few things I check when my thread starts to break. Make sure your machine is threaded correctly, i.e. not catching on something or looped around something it isn't suppose to be looped around. Make sure you bobbin is threaded correctly and has the correct tension on it. Have you cleaned your machine? Check under your throat plate and in your bobbin case for lent. Don't blow the lent out, I use a pipe cleaner folded in half to get into hard to reach places. Check for lent in you top tension disks. Put in a new needle and make sure it is seated properly. Make sure your spool of thread is turning properly and not catching on something. Sorry, I have no experience on a quilting frame I just move the quilt myself. Remember to breathe and have fun. Happy Quilting ! !

[@kgirard411]

What is the throat space of the demo machine and how much quilting area would I get with a machine with a 9 inch throat?

[@jenadina]

I believe this machine's throat is 8.75" long and 6" tall

[@ifefelix5292]

Where can I find the bungee cords

[@cherylpilch6632]

Can this go on any sewing machine? Babylock ellure

[@deborahlancaster3226]

So you can use domestic machines on this? How do you determine if your machine will work?

[@bethcorwin9193]

Deborah, you will be most satisfied with a domestic that has a large throat size. On my Juki 2010q, I have about 9" from the needle to the column. That allows me 5 to 6" length to quilt before my needle can't reach and I have to rehoop. Anything smaller would probably be very frustrating. Grace will help you figure out whether your machine works.

[@marlanelson2308]

The leaders you are talking about. Does your company sell them and how much. I just got my cutie put together today. I bought one from you in Halifax a couple of weeks ago

[@suepatterson2378]

I ordered my cutie and absolutely cannot wait to start quilting on it! Your videos are so awesome! Thank you so much for providing them! Can you tell me the name of the pattern of that red and white quilt on the ladder? I would love to make one! Thanks again for your tutorials!

[@imamonstr]

Did you get it yet ? How do you like it ?

[@petmomful2260]

Can you do ruler work on this Cutie if you have a ruler table, or are the handlebars too far away from your other hand that is controlling the machine? Would you be reaching too far to hold the ruler?

[@sharonfournier6191]

V

[@jillianwiles9079]

That is a great question and observation. At first I was like..why couldn’t you. But the handles might make it different. My husband just ordered one for me and I have this exact Juki. Guess I will find out soon

[@petmomful2260]

@@jillianwiles9079 Let us know if it works for you.

[@FairyPrada]

@@jillianwiles9079 I'm eager to know your answer on the ruler work.

[@dcwatashi]

@@FairyPrada I guess some people forget to turn on the notifications because they can’t be bothered to answer your question

[@sarahlynnkranendonk7325]

Hello, would a Pfaff power quilter 16.0 fit onto this carriage?

[@TheGraceCompany]

Hello Sarah, The Cutie frame can accommodate machines with throat sizes between 7” - 19”. If the Pfaff Power Quilter has the table attached, it will not fit on this frame. If you have any other questions let us know. Have a great weekend!

[@KATE-SEWS]

I'm loving this ! It that normal for the quilt top not to be taught throughout the whole process? Or is it just because she was at the top edge?? Thanks in advance for the answer ❤️

[@dcwatashi]

Hard to say since they did not show us the backside

[@tammiefries6228]

Does Cutie come with leaders? If not how much are they and where do you order them?

[@bethcorwin9193]

It does not come with leaders, but lots of companies sell them, including Grace. You can buy them "bulk"--by the yard--just decide the largest quilt you are likely to work and order accordingly (don't cut off the excess). I think the bulk ones run about $30/yard. You should be able to find something for $100 or less--you can even make your own out of a heavy woven fabric like cotton twill. Or, if you are willing to leave extra backing on while you quilt, you can skip the leaders all together.

[@carynwood9158]

My Cutie came with leader, software and Lazer light. Free.

[@dabratmoni]

What software comes with it. Did you get a bundle package?

[@huguettegignac1796]

je cherche le prix de ce kit, j,adore vos explications

[@donnamarshall2276]

Cost for the cuties compared to the full size unit's

[@MyCraftingChannel1]

Is there a way on this table top design to have over the top handles instead of them being under the unit?

[@TheGraceCompany]

Hello, The G-series top plate and bottom carriage can be purchased to fit on the Cutie frame. For more information, please visit our website: www.graceframe.com/en/product/g-series-carriage If you have any other questions let us know. Have a great weekend!

[@MyCraftingChannel1]

@@TheGraceCompany there is no option for the Cutie frame on the drop down menu where you pick your machine.

[@dabratmoni]

I don't see the cutie as an option to choose please help

[@splashypuddle]

Would love to have this. Only thing is judging by the video & viewer comments it obviously takes two people to set this up, takes a great deal of time, and seems like you have to constantly keep moving & re-adjusting everything.

[@bethcorwin9193]

I set it up myself in a couple hours.

[@carynwood9158]

I put mine together by myself in an evening. As to the loading, it would look pretty strange if the teacher only did it and the student was standing there. It's human nature to lend a hand. There's a lot to be said for just learning how, then it becomes second nature.

[@splashypuddle]

@@carynwood9158 - Depending on age & ability it takes two people. Plus there is constant maneuvering which makes this a little bit cumbersome.

[@mariamccallum6122]

where do I purchase this table top cutie frame?

[@charliedutoit4202]

Buy it at Bernina Blackheath South Africa

[@elizangelamiranda-artesana3145]

Olá tudo bem? Desculpa não falo inglês somente português falo do Brasil. Gostaria de adquirir essa mesa para quiltar meus trabalho,poderia me passar valores? Muito obrigada!

[@brendawilliams5946]

Can you spray baste your layers or do you recommend pinning? Also how do you use cloth leaders with the Cutie if you don't have enough extra backing at top (8") and bottom (12")?

[@TheGraceCompany]

Hello Brenda, You are welcome to spray baste if that works for you. If you’d like information on leader cloths, here is a video on how to attach the leader cloths to a hoop frame: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q5WagHSmp9pmqck If you have any other questions let us know Have a great day!

[@chrishoyt741]

Just saw an ad on KZbin for this so naturally I came to check it out. I see one issue which is noticeably not taught enough for my taste! I don't want unententional creases and folds.

[@HobbyQuilter]

I heard every word. ☺️

[@dcwatashi]

Good for you

[@deborahcorey3548]

This is wonderful but wish I could understand them better

[@dcwatashi]

Yes it was a bit unprofessional I know it was during Covid but they could’ve done a voiceover

[@bgmckenna1966]

I understand them just fine

[@dcwatashi]

@@bgmckenna1966 well good for you and 15 other people disagree. And the video was done very unprofessionally

[@Bozbaby103]

What are the quilt size measurement limitations? I think I missed it.

[@susanmei9980]

I don’t think there are any limitations bc you can just keep repositioning the quilt to reach all the edges.

[@Bozbaby103]

@@susanmei9980 So a king is doable?

[@susanmei9980]

Bozbaby103 Sure. From what I have observed, you just keep moving the quilt around until you quilt all of it. Pretty cool, huh?

[@susanmei9980]

Bozbaby103 , Although, consider the size of your throat space. For example, if you have a tiny throat space, as you get the quilt more and more done you’re going to have to roll it up inside of that throat space. So if you have a tiny throat space on your machine, you may have trouble getting a king size quilt rolled up in there. But conceivably, if your throat space is big enough you should be able to do any size of a quilt on this type of frame. Does that make sense?

[@Bozbaby103]

@@susanmei9980 It does. I'm not a quilter (yet), but I've worked with machinery most of my life. (Retired Navy) I knew throat space is one prominent variable for FMQ.

[@ericanater8641]

I like to know can I use my viking machine on this frame

[@cynthiaanderson4335]

I say yes I have a Husqvarna designer epic and it fits getting ready to load my first quilt

[@ericanater8641]

@@cynthiaanderson4335 good luck I can’t wait for it to arrive this week

[@angelabrown3365]

Cutie frame use any sewing machine I have a juki hzl_85

[@rosabayhan810]

How big of a quilt can you quilt on it

[@bethcorwin9193]

Any quilt--you rehoop it section by section.

[@kimcarter3110]

Hello everyone. I have been playing with my Grace quilting machine all day and I have a problem. I got it to work on a regular piece of fabric but once I placed the actual quilt in, the sewing machine acted like it did not want to move. It's almost like the fabric is too thick? Is there a fix to this? I would hate to think I will not be able to use this!!

[@TheGraceCompany]

Hello Kim, With thicker fabric, you may want to change your hopping foot height. Here is a video on how to change your hopping foot: kzbin.info/www/bejne/opzIoIdpbNZ-oJo If you have any other questions let us know Have a great day!

[@brendastone9878]

Can you use any machine like brother or singer,?

[@laticecarpenter5887]

As far as singer machines, no.. and that is what I have 2 and they are to small in the throat area, my new machine is on it's way...9 to 19 inches is better.

[@carolmaloney4351]

What is the cost in Australian dollars and is it here in Australia

[@TheGraceCompany]

Hi. Yes there are Grace Company dealers in Australia. If you go to www.graceframe.com and click on "Dealer Locations" you'll see Australia in the menu.

[@annekambic7155]

good piece of equipment

[@susancejka6332]

Do you lock your stitches beginning and or ending of the quilting or if the bobbin ends? Or do you just start up as usual with or with out locking stitches.

[@donnamarshall2276]

Does the company offer a lay away plan for these bad A.. quilting frames!!

[@TheGraceCompany]

Hello Donna, Please contact our Sales Department at 800-264-0644 extension 3002 If you have any other questions let us know Have a great day!

[@inthekitchen8842]

Can this frame only quilt baby quilts?

[@laticecarpenter5887]

No up to king-size quilts

[@ambllb]

Just got my cutie and did my first quilting on it yesterday! I also have this Juki. QUESTION: I notice she is cutting the thread after each section then moving to the next. Is it okay to do this without securing the thread? Do you trim the top thread or bury it?

[@angiesharp5840]

I had the same thought. Whisked they would answer.

[@muttsrule1203]

Would be helpful if someone from the Grace Company would answer some of these great questions. But thanks for the video!

[@dcwatashi]

A lot of these KZbin creators can’t be bothered to answer questions. I guess you could call them I don’t know what their number is. And go ahead tell them that there’s no sense putting out a video if you can’t be bothered to respond to peoples questions

[@cindyholmes4354]

Where can I get the leader?

[@dianarosenthal7737]

That look like I could do it. Wow

[@DD-ek8qc]

No information as to size of quilt that can be done. King, Queen?

[@susanmei9980]

Any.

[@petmomful2260]

@@susanmei9980 Apparently you do a section of quilt, take off clips, move quilt over, and reclip it. So you can do any size.

[@bethcorwin9193]

You could do any size quilt--you would just have to rehoop for every zone--the larger the quilt, the more rehoopings. But its not difficult to shift the quilt in the frame for the next hooping.

[@KATE-SEWS]

Karla most of us heard you just fine! The ppl that are complaining probably had their own background noise going on it wasn't your mask I was watching on my phone with my 3 yr old great grandson and the TV on and I understoid you just fine! Lolol they sell q-tips at just about any store e1 go clean your ears out haha ! Have a nice day all, happy quilting

[@dcwatashi]

Her voice was extremely muffled. You should not be doing an instructional video with a mask on PERIOD!

[@Happybidr]

I’ve got a Martelli table that Is ubhh

[@lindawilson5937]

i have a bother machine

[@lkperry6326]

Good video, although the mask made it hard to understand everything that she said.

[@50mimiblue]

Sacré usine à gaz !! Mieux vaut être deux, voire même trois, pour s'en sortir....

[@annabossarodriguez5738]

this frame is probably discontinued. I saw that the one for $500 was discontinued. The new model is $1,000

[@frankclarkjr6369]

Can't hear !!

[@vivaldi1948]

NO PINS!!!!

[@LauraRealLife]

Amazing frame, so excited me I immediately went looked at your web site to look into buying it and was heartbroken to see it cost $999. Too bad its so ridiculously expensive, but I bookmarked the product page and hopefully over time, it'll come down to a more reasonable $300-$400. BTW, I had ZERO problem understanding what y'all were saying (and I'm deaf in one ear!) so people claiming you are hard to hear due to masks are trolls.

[@dcwatashi]

No we are not trolls just because we don’t agree with you. Her voice was extremely muffled give me a break. Very unprofessional to record a video with a mask on. They should’ve just done a voiceover

[@viviansimon]

I paid $150.00 to have someone else put it together

[@vbennett8087]

They should have recorded the audio without a mask! Great product

[@dcwatashi]

Yes totally agree and then there’s these people on here who are complaining about our comments give me a break. Her voice was so muffled it was so unprofessional she should’ve just done a voiceover. There are other videos on this product probably filmed a lot better

[@mygeorge1951]

Would be nice if the instructor would do a video w/o her mask on.

[@judilodenloden4352]

Can not understand them with masks on😢

[@Sewing_Keepsakes]

Can you film this without a mask 😷? It’s too muffled…

[@christennacarr2917]

I wish you could remake this video without the masks. Very distracting and hard to understand

[@dcwatashi]

Yes I know. What were they thinking?

[@NemoMeImpuneLacessitNevermore]

Great video! Very helpful. You can hear and understand it just fine. Ignore all the political garbage that has no place here. Seriously, people, can’t we all just get along?

[@dcwatashi]

What in the world does the fact that her voice was extremely muffled wearing that mask have to do with anything political? It was unprofessional.

[@Marla.22]

talking is muffled too much with those masks on....:(