How to Set Up Your Grace Q-Zone Hoop Frame with a Home Sewing Machine

[@judithlpn-quilter7757]

Thank you for the help. I am 76y/o and my hubby is 82, With your expert instruction we set up my new Hoop frame. I love it so far. I am practicing and I find it very easy to attach the quilt with the clamps and easy to to roll up the top and clip it. I had a 10 ft frame before and for us seniors a small size is better. Now I have some room in my living room.

[@leslie-gailellis1578]

You video made building my frame such an easy task. THANK YOU!

[@dianag.6431]

Love the picture hanging behind you. Please do a video on how you made

[@deannalindsey889]

Thank you so much, I am debating whether to get a Q-zone or a Cutie and you putting this one together has helped a lot, I know I can put this one together because of you being so thorough.

[@LeahDay]

Glad it was helpful! You may want to watch my video comparing two Hoop Frames here - leahday.com/blogs/machinequilting/cutie-vs-evolution-hoop-frame-comparison

[@tonyfloyd8531]

Thank you for the video! I watched your video while I was waiting on my frame to be delivered and I am glad I did! Thank you again.

[@LeahDay]

Glad I could help!

[@gloriaschwazenhag2252]

Thank you so much for your step by step tutorial. Including the little nuances that always happen when one is putting something together. The instruction manual was not very helpful. My SIL’s hubby got this for her and we put this together as a surprise when she was away for thanksgiving weekend. She was totally blown away. I sent her your tutorial so she can see your other videos. Again, great job! And that quilt on your wall..... beautiful!!!!!

[@LeahDay]

You are so welcome! That is so sweet of you and your husband! What a wonderful gift!

[@HobbygirlDolls]

Boy! James is huge!!! I remember when he was a baby.

[@LeahDay]

No kidding! LOL!

[@gailtipps834]

I just bought the 8ft q-zone pro frame .thank you so much for this video

[@owenprince4823]

I enjoy your happy smile and your knowledge on quilting. I am learning a lot so want to thank you for the time you put into this.

[@LeahDay]

Thank you Owen!

[@JoannePulgarin]

Thank you Leah Day for sharing not only your sewing and quilting skills but this great video on setting up the Q Zone Frame my dream is to own this lovely hoop fame.

[@LeahDay]

You are so welcome!

[@zibergirl2]

Thank you Leah! With your help I set up my new Grace Hoop Frame today. I also was confused by the sewing machine lock. It sure didn't want to go on the right side of the carriage for my Brother 1500SL. I'm glad you figured it out, and I paid attention. It went easily on the LEFT side. I'm looking forward to learning how to use my new set up by following your tutorials. You're and excellent teacher.

[@LeahDay]

Thank you Barbara! I'm so happy to hear you got it working and set up properly!

[@lindalosier5989]

Thanks for the video on the frame. It is the one I'm considering for my home because of the size and price. I'm looking forward to seeing more videos on this frame.

[@LeahDay]

Thank you Linda! I'm filming a new video today for Friday!

[@debmitchell8578]

Thank you thank you! I have learned so much from you. Was having a problem with the Chanel lock and because of you I figured it out! You taught me to FMQ and now this. Your a awesome teacher and person! ❤️

[@LeahDay]

Glad I could help!

[@justjinger80]

Saw these today at the Australasian Quilt Convention in Melbourne. Thanks for an awesome video.

[@lyndasnart7823]

Yes I was at that show to on Saturday and looked at this frame it defiantly looked like food for thought👍😎🇦🇺

[@LeahDay]

That's great! I'm so glad you both liked seeing this frame!

[@lindabridges445]

You have taken the mystery out of using a home machine on a frame . Thank you

[@LeahDay]

Thank you Linda! I'm working on more videos to play with this frame. It's a lot of fun and I'm excited to try quilting my art quilts on it.

[@geminithrese]

Thanks for this video! I looked at this and was wondering how it works, setup etc. This answered a lot of my questions.. I'll be watching for future videos...

[@LeahDay]

Wonderful! I'm planning to film my second video on this frame today!

[@VickiePoe-qw3fv]

Thank you so much for this video! It was very helpful!

[@TheDonnaIC]

I am watching you on my smart tv but had to get on the computer to tell you...I put this thing together all by myself . (I use a kitchen chair with rails on the back to hold parts for me on the other side.) But those channel lock Carriage stops whoop my b___ for a couple days. I put the rest of the frame together and came back to analyze channel lock stops. Why I am posting here is to tell you, I had the very same problem of putting the one channel lock.. one the wrong side. It was the black part that made me realize this. It doesn't show in the book. (Although I do think the book is awesome!) I didn't work on it constantly but looked at the other video from Jan 19 over and over, print screens and copied them to help me figure them out. otherwise this frame was very easy to put up. I enjoyed it, actually. I will say the packing by Grace Company was wonderful! Best packing I have ever seen! But those Channel lock things...OOOOOhhh. I wish I had watched this video a week ago!

[@LeahDay]

I know what you mean! I very rarely get turned around, but that one part threw me for a loop. I'm so glad you've got your frame set up and ready to go now - channel locks included!

[@HWolfe]

Would never have use for this particular vlog; don't have a Grace machine, but loved looking at the quilt in back, and you are enjoyable to watch doing things; while I feel guilty vegging out watching...well, better go be useful when this is over. TFS!

[@LeahDay]

LOL! I'm so glad you found this entertaining!

[@delorisking1737]

Thank you for your video, I’ve been thinking about getting one of these, if I do I will show this to my hubby.

[@LeahDay]

Let me know if you have any questions!

[@jeansanders7131]

Hello Leah, Thank you for your most helpful and encouraging videos. After watching you unbox and build your Q-zone frame I now have a Brother/Grace hoop frame that works with my Babylock BLQP. I have found your videos to be the best to guide me through the learning process. I'm sure I have about a thousand questions but I will watch all I can to learn more first. I love being a quilting friend!

[@LeahDay]

Great! I'm so happy you found this video helpful! Please share it with your quilting friends!

[@paulettekemper8492]

Hello, I just set mine up watching your video today, the only issue I am having is the carriage won’t stay on the track. Can’t wait to figure it out and get using it. Thanks for this video, I do better virtual learning.

[@rocheleauk]

I bit the bullet and bought one of these this afternoon off your site! I watched the whole video through and I'm so glad I did. I have a Singer at home that I know won't have much throat space so I also ordered a Juki 2010Q to use along with this frame and the stitch regulator. I am officially subscribed, so keep those videos coming :-)

[@LeahDay]

Wonderful! More videos are on the way!

[@noragelatt5881]

Leah is wonderful. Thinking of get one this month. Thank you!! This ,and other video answered all my questions.

[@LeahDay]

Glad it was helpful!

[@vickig7033]

Thank you for your videos on the quilt frame. I just bought one from a Viking dealer. I didn't realize it's the same frame until I opened it up! Keep making more videos on using this because there aren't any others that I can find! Please make videos on the extras. I haven't heard anything about them!

[@LeahDay]

That's great Vicki! I'll definitely keep the videos coming!

[@angelar1500]

Your objective views on this frame is appreciated, especially considering your affiliation with Grace co. This was completely informative and presents a good option to an expensive long arm purchase for a beginner like myself. Thank you.

[@LeahDay]

Thank you Angela!

[@102166dhr]

I’m waiting on two of the four boxes and this video is perfect for set up help. Thank you and I’m so excited to start quilting.

[@lesliewalsh]

Thank you so much Leah for this demo. I have had my Q Zone frame for about 6 months and am using a Juki TL 2200 QVP mini on it. Still in learning mode so I am looking forward to more demos by you. So far I am liking the combination a lot. I don't have the space nor the budget for a true longarm so this does the trick for me. I am not a fancy FMQ'r, pretty much sticking to meandering at the moment, but I love that I can finish my own quilts with greater ease than "stuffing" and quilting. Keep up the great tutorials!

[@LeahDay]

That's great Leslie! I'm planning to shoot a new video on this frame today!

[@montraclements6988]

Thank you Leah, very interesting. I have so little space, but I enjoyed this video.

[@LeahDay]

Thank you Montra! I'm so glad you enjoyed this video!

[@marybarnett7277]

love your Shoes, i am really thinking about ordering this frame.

[@sarawalden3873]

Love this, guess I need to win the lottery or something. It would surely make my quilting a lot easier since I mostly make throws and baby quilts. Thanks for the info.

[@LeahDay]

You're welcome Sara!

[@kerryl4031]

Oh I do love working on things with my husband. I say - it's not on right - you've done it back to front! No I haven't! Half an hour later he says oops, I put it back to front. Sheesh! Sometimes it's quicker if I do it! LOL! James is nearly as tall as you! Where did the time go! Anyhoo, nicely put together Leah.

[@LeahDay]

LOL! That is so funny! Yes, James has sprouted up fast in the last few months. And we're getting that delightful tween behavior too! LOL!

[@darbyrd3539]

Hello Leah i love your instructions.I will be purchasing this frame and a machine like yours for it

[@LeahDay]

Thank you Dar! You can find the frame on my website: leahday.com/products/grace-q-zone-hoop-frame

[@catherinejbaker]

Super cool, Leah! Thanks for the really detailed video, it daily helped me understand how these work! I think I'm still team Continuum, but I really enjoyed watching this!

[@LeahDay]

Thank you Katie! I love my Continuum too, but this frame is so small and I've been able to fit it into places I never thought possible. It's really growing on me! LOL!

[@Lyudmila-Shilova]

Умница!На все руки мастер.!

[@LeahDay]

Спасибо!

[@Millie.Daze.]

Great video!

[@LeahDay]

Thanks!

[@Tanya99503]

Can't wait to see more videos. I have the sister "dream frame" that I use the brother dream creator and babylock unity. I have the sure stitch regulator which I recommend......

[@LeahDay]

Thank you Tanya! How many quilts have you made on your frame so far?

[@Tanya99503]

@@LeahDay I am in the middle of my second one. It was fun and I learned a lot. I have 3 more to do after that 1.

[@bigislandstitches7911]

I have a Brother Dream frame (A similar type of frame and setup). The machine I use on it is the Brother Dream Quilter 15 (Grace Q'nique) I also have the dream motion pro quilt automation software. My advise when quilting on these types of frames is to break the quilt up into zones and focus on one zone at a time, Especially when attempting to quilt larger quilt projects.

[@LeahDay]

Thank you so much for sharing! I've just prepared my first two real quilts to go on the frame and I'm really curious to see how it goes.

[@shellynoe1138]

Thank you, I've been wanting one of these.

[@LeahDay]

You're welcome Shelly!

[@katimelgarejo1010]

Looking forward to the next videos!

[@LeahDay]

Thank you Kati!

[@kellyrobertson1912]

I love it!!

[@cherylwhite654]

I watched one of your videos where you used Magnetics to hold your quilt but can't seen to now find it .. where did you get then what are they called/used for thanks

[@Creativeseams7]

Awesome! Thank you

[@LeahDay]

You're welcome!

[@MarciaBaker1205]

Great! I've been thinking about getting one. How big of a quilt can be done on it. Thanks Leah!

[@LeahDay]

You can quilt any size of quilt on this little frame because it's a hoop style frame. It grips the quilt from all sides and you just stitch the space available in the hoop, then shift it over and down and work a bit at a time. It will take more time, but it does take a lot less space than a regular 3 rail frame. I swapped out my home machine for this little guy and it fit just right!

[@janwebster3749]

I have the q zone but really found it limited on s home machine so brought a grace machine. I used leaders that did help but it drove me nuts. Really love the frame though.

[@LeahDay]

Yes, it is definitely a limited amount of space to work in, which is why I shared my first stitch out experiment on my home machine. I think having a plan to upgrade with a bigger machine is a good idea for this frame.

[@lorihampton9831]

i have an elna lotus...will this machine work on your grace q-zone frame?

[@pamornes3592]

Hi Leah, I'm a beginner quilter and I want to learn free motion quilting and this looks like the perfect set up. I'm wondering though if my new (hubby bought it for me for Christmas) Singer Patchwork (7285) machine will work on this. The throat is 5.5" from side to needle and 6" from front to back. I'd really hate to buy this (Pretty spendy) and then find out it wont work. Great video, very informative.

[@LeahDay]

Yes, it will work, but unfortunately you'll likely only have 1-2 inches of quilting space. That will likely frustrate you more than it's worth! I would save and go with a Qnique 15 or 19 and frame instead.

[@shariwatson9030]

I just set my machine up. How do you prevent it from hitting the wall behind the machine

[@BMRoper]

Thank you so much for this video. I didn't know they made smaller ones like this. Now I know what I will be saving my money for. This size would be perfect for the space I have and my needs. What kind of machine comes with the package that includes the machine?

[@LeahDay]

You're welcome Morgan! The Grace Qnique 15R can come bundled with this frame. You can find lots of videos on this machine here: leahday.com/blogs/machinequilting/frame-quilting-friday-machine-quilting-fun-on-a-longarm I'm using a different frame in these videos, but the machine is excellent and will work great on this Qzone frame.

[@Nunya-biz-ness]

Ms Leah, I just bought the grace qzone hoop frame from someone but ordered the pro upgrade from your site and the QCT5. Quick ? which leader clothes should I buy for this frame considering I sometimes make king size quilts beyond the 88” leader cloth size showing as recommended on the grace website. Thanks for all your videos!

[@LeahDay]

Here is the correct leader cloth for this frame - leahday.com/products/q-zone-hoop-frame-leader-cloth

[@AliAliyevPolitician]

Ay love 💕

[@LeahDay]

Thank you!

[@debbiecuerrier7152]

Great Video. I have the grace frame also. My question is are the rails that you attach your quilt to the same height or is the one in the throat higher than the one at the front of the machine? Thanks a bunch,

[@LeahDay]

Yep, the back rail is designed to be higher than the front rail.

[@sharlenehall7794]

I setup this frame yesterday and can’t say thank you enough for the video. I do have one question, for the back rail and front rail how high do you set them, the instructions don’t indicated what to do on the back and say the front should be level to your machine , that would put it on a slope?

[@LeahDay]

It really depends on your machine. You need to set the back rail so it's high enough that it doesn't touch your machine bed, but not so high it causes skipped stitches. The front might be higher than the back or lower. It honestly just depends on what feels comfortable for you and gives you the right tension on the quilt. Longer machines may need the front bar higher so the machine can slip under that bar too.

[@greely51]

Hi Leah, Can I use this with my Juki 2010Q? Thank you for your wonderful videos. You are a fabulous presenter. Jeannie

[@rocheleauk]

I just ordered this frame and the same machine, so I sure hope so. I saw them paired as a combo package on another site, but chose to order them separately. I guess we will find out...

[@greely51]

Thanks so much for your response. Please let me know how the machine turns out with the frame. I love my Juki 2010Q. It is a workhorse and sews like a dream. You will be very happy with this machine!

[@LeahDay]

Yes, Greely51, that is a very common machine to use on a frame like this!

[@rocheleauk]

@@greely51 Hi greely51, I love the machine and enjoy using the frame. My email is [e-mail] and if you want to shoot me more questions, feel free. I had a whole long response typed into the reply window here a moment ago and it all disappeared at the wrong touch of a button. So frustrating! So email if you want details or pics or whatever. I'm happy with my setup.

[@dorycastillo7109]

Hi Leah! Thank you for your video. Please let me know if I can use this quilting frame with my Bernina 790 sewing machine. Thank you for your answer. My email is [e-mail]

[@kaben20]

I was hoping you would include in your video hooking up your sewing machine with the cords (electrical and foot pedal cords, regulator cords etc) to show how to do that. I have a Janome but none of the cords that came with my frame will work on my Janome but I have seen that you have Janome machines in your videos. Do you have a video somewhere to show this that I perhaps missed?

[@LeahDay]

We did not have extension cords for foot pedals when I created this video several years ago. There probably isn't a compatible extension for your machine. You'll need to plug your foot pedal in and shift it on the floor to keep it in the right position. Or you can see if your machine is compatible with a Sure Stitch Regulator here - leahday.com/products/grace-sure-stitch-regulator

[@kaben20]

thank you so much for replying. I am going to look into the surestitch regulator. It does show my Janome 8900 as compatible as did the Cutie frame. I am able to do pantograph from behind the machine as the foot pedal is long enough but I will have to figure out how to use the pedal from the front of the frame if I want to do free motion. Perhaps a board that reaches to the pedal and if I am standing I can use that. I’m hoping and praying that the Elite surestitch regulator will have the correct cords and then I can control the machine from the regulator. Also, I have been a huge fan of yours for years. Purchased all your classes on Craftsy when Craftsy first originated and learned a lot from your free motion videos. 😊

[@dianegerlich6526]

This frame looks like a great solution for home machines! Can you use quilting rulers with it?

[@LeahDay]

That really depends on your home machine. I have that big plastic base around mine which supports the ruler under the quilt. If you have skinny area around the needle of your sewing machine, it might not be the best choice. You'll have to play with it and see and definitely watch out for the ruler tipping or tilting and potentially hitting the needle.

[@dianegerlich6526]

Thank you so much for the prompt reply. Currently I have the Baby Lock Crescendo, not sure if it is compatible with the frame but I will do the research today. I’m already redesigning my sewing studio!!! Please do more videos. Thank you !!!

[@ms2604]

Question Leah: This is the problem: the wheels on my G-Series Top Plate don't go round and round; how do I fix it. I purchased the Q-Zone hoop frame and the Top Plate. I've watched your video many times and it's really helpful. :-) But I have a problem that you didn't have. LOL. When I placed the Top Plate onto the carriage and completed all your directions, my front right and left rear wheels do not engage the tracks on the carriage. I was told by the Grace tech to "loosen the sets of wheels until they are flat." They don't become flat, they simply unscrew from the top plate and fall out. I am certain that you can make sense of this and tell me how to fix it. Thanks so much. I'm anxious to follow along with you and get to using this frame. BTW I use a non electronic Pfaff sewing machine that I bought new in 1982 or so. No gadgets are attached at all. Bless your heart Leah, and thank you!

[@LeahDay]

This video may be helpful - kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4HIopmNp76Srqs I would contact your dealer for more help on this if your wheels continue to have issues connecting with the tracks.

[@joym1218]

I am interested in purchasing the Grace Q-Zone frame. Do you still have the code "Hello my quilting friends:"? How do you type it in, with all caps or small caps, I'm confused to how it is worded. Love your videos. You are very informative. Thank you

[@LeahDay]

Thank you Joy! It's hellomyquiltingfriends - all one word and you place it in the "discount code" box during checkout. If you miss it, just add a note to your order, or send us an email and we can fix it.

[@joym1218]

@@LeahDay Thank you so much and for your quick reply. Have a nice day!

[@petmomful2260]

Leah. I just found out that when you order the Q Zone Hoop Frame, you need a special top carriage for your domestic machine to sit on, when you are not using a Qnique' machine. I was told by my dealer that this top carriage is $250 extra. However, I was told by Grace Frame that that top carriage comes with the frame, and that the dealer should have asked me which machine I was using. Can you tell me if your frame came with the top carriage, because I see that you are using a domestic machine on yours? Thanks, and I have truly learned a lot from your videos.

[@LeahDay]

Different dealers sell these frames differently and sometimes don't include the carriage (in this case for you, they should have asked). We include the carriage cost with our frames, but you can also purchase the carriage separately here - leahday.com/products/q-zone-frame-top-plate-carriage

[@petmomful2260]

@@LeahDay Thank you, Leah.

[@katiebock7679]

Hi Leah, I've been interested in the Grace Q- Zone Frame but do have a few questions. Does the Q-zone Hoop Frame with Top Plate for Your Home Machine Combo that you offer on your website include the handles for the top plate and will they be able to fit for the Juki TL-2010Q? Thank you.

[@LeahDay]

Yes, the handles are part of the top plate carriage for the Q-zone. It's all one piece and yes, it will fit the Juki Tl-2010Q.

[@ellenlanda1818]

Hello Leah, do you know a Dutch seller of the hoop? Thanks for the technical instruction!

[@LeahDay]

You can locate a dealer in your area by using this page: www.graceframe.com/en/dealers/locator

[@dorothywarren426]

What is the minimum width you need with this frame and the Bernina 770? Also, does the stitch regulator fit the B770? I have the BSR, but I need one that will let me use the free motion foot.

[@LeahDay]

This Hoop Frame sets up at 54 inches long, no matter how big your machine is. No, we don't have a stitch regulator that's compatible with the Bernina 770, but I believe the BSR would work. You'd just need to go VERY slow. From what I remember about trying the BSR a long time ago, it didn't do well with very high speeds.

[@AutumnSummer123]

I have a Baby lock Jazz11 machine, do you think this would work well for that machine it is a mechanical machine.

[@LeahDay]

I've been asking Grace Company to work with the Jazz to get a Speed Controller working on it. I think it would work great for this frame!

[@lewisbolt1421]

I watched a different video after watching yours. Does it come with the leader things or is that something that needs to be purchased separately. Thanks Shelly Noe

[@LeahDay]

Leader cloth is typically sold separately. I have a special combo going on this month that includes the leader cloth for the Q-zone frame. It is an additional $119.95 usually.

[@kathyrussell1877]

So you can use a long arm machine on the Q frame?

[@LeahDay]

Yes, this frame is compatible with the Grace Qnique 15R and we will have a new Qnique 19 coming out this summer too. From what I understand, you can use any home machine excluding the newest and most giant Brother and Babylock embroidery machines. I don't think the 16 inch longarms will fit, but I just heard from a quilter that did manage to get hers to fit on a carriage. So I can't speak 100% for compatibility, but I can make my best guess!

[@jeankinde763]

Will a BabyLock Ellegant'e fit on the Gracie Q?

[@LeahDay]

From what I know, all home machines fit up to the 16-inch sit down longarms like the Tiara. So yes, your Ellegante should fit.

[@louisemelton1788]

Would that frame work on my sit down tiara 3 sit down it has 16 inch throat space

[@Timmythechin]

I have it set up with a 14" and there is a lot of spare room.

[@LeahDay]

Unfortunately other longarm companies don't space their wheels out the same as Grace Company so other longarms are not compatible with the Qzone or Continuum frames. I hope that helps!

[@3catscarefreelife]

What is the price for a Qzone frame?

[@LeahDay]

You can find it right here: leahday.com/products/grace-q-zone-hoop-frame

[@catherinegoaack1629]

It doesn’t seem like it would be too much trouble taking the machine off to use to piece quilt tops when not quilting.

[@LeahDay]

This would be a situation where you have 2 machines. One machine for quilting on the frame and another machine for piecing and applique.

[@sheilawilton5683]

I have a janome 9400 which has an 11 inch throat and I use it on the frame for quilting and off for piecing tops. I just leave the back bar off until I put the machine on.

[@briteddy9759]

For someone not planning to get a longarm, this was a very informative video. This might fit into my space here. It is nice to know about options that are available. Now, let me be snoopy! Did you move from one spot in your home to a different one? Or did you change the quilt hanging on the wall in the background. The quilt changed during the video. Anyways, that just allowed us to see one more quilt, so it was very much to our benefit.

[@LeahDay]

LOL! Yes, the quilt changed! I took Dream Goddess off the wall to enter her in a local art show and popped Duchess Reigns back in the same spot. I'm happy you noticed that!

[@kimiikins]

Does this cost a grand just for the frame?

[@LeahDay]

Yep!