How to Quilt with Pantograph Designs on a Longarm Quilting Frame

[@lindachampney7480]

Thank you. Husband wanted to know why there were slight wobbles. I told him if he doesn't like them, he can buy me the computerized system - LOL. Love you reference dashed lines.

[@dorothyvadas3559]

Your tutorials are so easy to follow. Thanks!

[@LeahDay]

You're very welcome!

[@normatulloch376]

I have used these for years, and love them. Thanks for this great tutorial.

[@LeahDay]

That's great Norma! I'm so happy to hear this!

[@lindachampney7480]

Just bought your stippling pattern. Your instructions are amazing and I especially appreciate the sizing guidelines!

[@mgs783]

I know I’d love a long arm and have test driven a few. A helpful tip one vendor/quilter gave me was to achieve a smoother shape increase speed greater than a crawl while completing the curve then pause & adjust your feet and begin through until the next curve. It felt smoother and the pattern was more manageable. So much fun!

[@LeahDay]

That's a great suggestion! Thank you for sharing!

[@4GiveN4get]

Leah, thank you for your delightfully detailed class; and the 18:23 object lesion.

[@LeahDay]

Thank you Kristine!

[@lamoabird]

Very, very helpful! Thank you so much!

[@chickiez11]

I am enjoying all your quilting videos and have learned soooooo much! I just purchased the Q’nique 15R. I already have the Continuum 10’ frame So I will be good to go as soon as my new machine arrives! I am so excited!

[@LeahDay]

Wonderful! Wow - you have a bigger frame than me! Lucky!

[@denisek5208]

What fun! I am saving up $ for a long arm one day... so, hopefully I'll be able to use these new pantographs

[@LeahDay]

Thank you Denise! Pantographs are a lot of fun and definitely fast. I find I'm done with a row and ready to advance the quilt far faster than I expected.

[@TSMerc98]

I found quilting to a rhythm to be helpful for me... in fact Garth Brook's "The Dance" was just the perfect one for me to do meanders, loops and such. I was using an unregulated machine at the time, but it still works on my Q! Of course, she screams at me from time to time ;)

[@LeahDay]

Oh yes! Having music playing definitely makes it more fun! Oops! Be careful about making the machine shriek!

[@thepinkstockbrokers]

I’m going to have to try it

[@walterw9829]

Thank you for the tip about the straps. That is genius. When I use those clunky clips on the side, the machine platform hits those and causes a wobble. Maybe you have already done this, but what about tutorial about squaring the quilt top - so that when you use the panto it doesn't slant. Thanks again. Your tutorials are awesome.

[@LeahDay]

I'm so glad you found that helpful Alex! I'll add that topic to my list. Most likely the issue is stemming from piecing first and that's what I'd check in on to begin with. What is the method you use to attach quilts to your frame? Do you pin to leader cloth or use something else?

[@scrappinvt]

This was great Leah, love that you added those lines. Thanks for all this info.

[@LeahDay]

Thank you Pat! I hope you love your new pantograph designs!

[@cazfromoz1]

Hi Leah, I can quilt with pantographs at the FRONT of my machine with a laser pointer attached to the handles. I can clearly see what my needle is doing right in front of me. I place a pantograph sheet on top of my ironing board (or use slim table - at the right height!)...while using my Cutie Frame. Also, I extend the front handles toward me (with the laser light!). Can this method work on other frames, too? So easy to move the ironing board along (w/panto) when it's needed! Love your videos. So easy to follow - and they're timeless! Thank you!

[@Weatheread1]

I really need to try this always been afraid of how to line up

[@LeahDay]

It took awhile for me to work out a system that worked consistently. I'm really happy I took the time to figure this out and dig in!

[@paulinehunt4069]

Have been watching other tutorials on lining up. Leah you made it so much easier than Most tutorials. Thanks.

[@huisuk]

Thanks. I don't have longarm machine but I'll try on borders.

[@LeahDay]

That's a great idea! You could transfer the designs using a lightbox or bright window and it would be a great border design.

[@belyndamulloy33]

Great tutorial.

[@LeahDay]

Thank you for watching Belynda!

[@jolynnhillard2181]

I was wondering...I have seen many people that lay plastic over the pants to secure them in place and also to place strips

[@jolynnhillard2181]

With your pants you have placed lines to place the needle down and numbers. Some pants one must draw or place your own taped lines to know where to start, stop, and begin at #1 or end at #2. Do you use the plastic and if so where might one find the plastic to lay on top of the pattern. Thnx.

[@maryelliott1480]

Thank you!

[@janetmoore8885]

I have been quilting a couple of years and have never seen a comment about checking the underneath stitching; just the top stitching. How do you know that underneath stitching is perfect and how often to check? Any tips would help. I have enjoyed all your tutorials. Thanks

[@LeahDay]

On my longarm, I first run a test to the side of the quilt at the beginning of any quilting session. Something could have gone wonky, especially if I haven't quilted in a bit. I also test to the side when I change needles, change bobbins, and change threads. Basically - any change deserves a test and check the top and back of the quilt. If the machine sounds weird, if the thread looks weird, if anything goes weird in any way at all, I always stop the machine immediately. And with pantos because you're quilting from the back - it's a good idea to check in with every row. I would especially check the amount of thread in your bobbin at the beginning of each row because a thread break in the middle of a panto is ANNOYING!

[@gigibaay417]

Can you please tell me about your laser? I have one that came with my 15R but it is big and there is nowhere to attach it. Thank you.

[@debbiedevriend7527]

can you put the pentagraphs on a 12 ft. CONTINUUM II frame ... I didn't see any inserts or do you need them with this frame?

[@rosanneclouston9847]

I know this video is older but I'm hoping you will see this question. How much room do you have between your carriage (or the farthest your machine goes back) and the wall behind you when you do the pantographs? Right now I have less than 2 feet of room on the back side of my frame. I might be able to squeeze out an inch or two more.

[@LeahDay]

That's a good question - I set my frame 22 inches from the back wall and this feels comfortable to stand in for me, but I don't do tons of panto quilting. If you plan to do a LOT of pantograph quilting from the back, give yourself more space.

[@rosanneclouston9847]

@@LeahDay Thanks, when I move the frame back into position after stowing the Christmas boxes away, I will find a way to gain a few more inches.

[@paulinehunt4069]

Some one had mentioned they were temped to draw the line on, why not why be temped? Also do the large blue plastic clamps you are using to hold quilt on fit all frames? I have an older HQ 16. As far as using a wider panto pattern wouldn't you advance the same amount of the quilt? Whole quilt would still be quilted. Maybe I just did not under stand the explanation. Thanks Pauline Love all your tutorials

[@LeahDay]

Yes, the Quilt Clips can fit on most frames. A wider panto would quilt your quilt faster with fewer advances. If you had an 8 inch panto that would double the speed of the project over a 4 inch panto.

[@tamihale391]

The video says free guide book but I’m just finding one for $9.99. Should there be another place to look. Thanks

[@suefliss7210]

I am wondering the same thing.

[@dianeturner7090]

Where did u get your leather cup on the back side of your machine. Thank you.

[@LeahDay]

I make them! We're hoping to come out with a new batch soon! leahday.com/products/quilting-tool-caddy

[@suefliss7210]

I am interested in a few of your pantographs, but I am confused by exactly what the actual pantograph that we receive looks like. How big is the big one for a longarm and how much of the design is in it? It looks pretty dense in your sample picture. I hope you understand what I am asking. I wish you would show a picture of what an actual printed page would look like.

[@LeahDay]

My pantographs have changed since this video was published - leahday.com/panto We now offer downloadable pantographs only that come in a 3 inch and 7 inch height that can be mixed and matched together. As for density, there is roughly 1/2 - 1 inch between the lines of quilting. Some are denser than others, but I generally keep these on a bed-quilting scale. As for sharing a preview - that's a good way for people to copy the design and avoid buying it if you get my drift. I'll try to offer quilted photos with objects like quarters as a reference point soon.

[@jeritejas9433]

Hi, Leah. I really enjoy your tutorials. I have the Q'nique 15R on an SR2 frame (would really love to have the Continuum Frame) and I love using pantographs. Lining the quilt up perfectly once you advance is tricky, but gets easier each time. One non-quilting related question, please. What is the gizmo you have on the spool holder at the back of your machine? I'm completely fascinated! Keep up the great work!

[@LeahDay]

Thank you Jeri! That's my tool holder I made from leather and rivets. I love having all my tools, scissors, and needles close at hand.

[@paulinehunt4069]

Leah How about a DIY on your tool caddy?

[@danniyoung1569]

I have the Qnique15 on a Grace SR2 frame. What is the best size of pantograph to use?

[@TheLablover3]

Hi Leah, I’m researching a bunch to load my quilt on an old grace wooden frame, and then to do panographs (waiting for your set up videos) can you tell...if my quilt just fits on my rail, therefore hardly any room for the batting and backing extra on the sides... I’m worried about not reaching the edge of the quilt with my janome 6600... what would be my best option.... should I just quilt the main body of the quilt and leave the edges like a border and do the edges / borders on my sit down machine? Hope this makes sense

[@LeahDay]

Unfortunately this quilt is just not going to fit on this frame. I would advise either ripping off the borders so you have an extra 5-6 inches on both sides of the frame, or breaking this quilt down in some other way so it's smaller. This is the challenge with rolling rail style frames, which all of the older wooden frames were - the frame must be BIGGER than your quilt. 1 foot bigger on the rails so the backing has space to spread out and not be cut short and another foot because the sides of the frame take up space too!

[@thepinkstockbrokers]

Awesome

[@donelleashley]

Great tutorial. I wish my pantos had those lines. I'm tempted to go draw them on! Also do you plan on adding a bigger selection of pantos? I have the Block Rockit, which is the same machine as the Q'nique just branded for another company.

[@LeahDay]

Yep! I do have plans to make a lot more pantos. It's just REALLY hard to make anything that requires special folding and cutting like these right now with my studio so torn up. My house flooded in February and we're basically renovating the entire basement to make it easier to use as a studio and office.

[@donelleashley]

@@LeahDay sorry to hear about the flooding. I can't wait to see more. I'm even drawing lines on my older pants because your method is so much easier to line up row by row. Thank you.

[@TheLablover3]

Hi Leah, have you done a video on how to set up your pantograph? Can you refer me? Thanks Heather

[@LeahDay]

I'm working on a new batch of pantographs and pantograph videos. I've revised my method and designs so they work even better on a wider variety of machines!

[@TheLablover3]

@@LeahDay ok great I’ll wait for your videos...I have an old Grace original quilt frame and a janome 6600 I’m going to use on it....all a new to me! Your videos are awesome by the way! Easy to listen to and follow

[@kajohn345]

Can pantographs be used with a sit down quilting?

[@LeahDay]

No, this is a technique specific to frame quilting because you need to be able to move the machine following the pattern. On a sit down / stationary machine, you're moving the quilt, not the machine, so there really would be no benefit to following a pattern with a laser.. It just wouldn't work the same way!

[@kayshakespear7979]

What are the silver band around the body of throat space for?

[@LeahDay]

My own camera mounting weirdness! Don't worry about that!

[@darlenetaylor1024]

Do you still have the single wave Paper pantagraph?

[@LeahDay]

No, this was replaced with the Spiraling Pantograph when we moved to PDFs of these designs. You can find it here - leahday.com/products/pantograph-quilting-designs

[@sharonosullivan8349]

Hi Leah I have just recently purchased a 15 continuum machine and frame im from Australia and have learnt heaps from your videos thanku also im having trouble finding a pantogragh design to purchase as I purchased the laser and back handles can you tell me where I can purchase them in Australia please .ps Keep these videos coming loving it thanks

[@LeahDay]

Hi Sharon - You'll want pantos up to 8 inches wide for your machine. I have some 4 inch pantos right now with plans to make bigger ones this year! leahday.com/products/longarm-pantograph-quilting-designs

[@amberdaniels4118]

Leah, i am new to Pantographs. Can you tell me what kind of laser I need to buy?

[@dorisroot514]

hi ive been realling enjoying your videos :) but i have a ? where did u get that white bar to put the lazer on I need one of them ? tyvm

[@dorisroot514]

i just got my qnique 15R last week & totally love this machine

[@LeahDay]

That's great Doris! The white bar should come with the laser light to attach to your 15R.

[@dorisroot514]

@@LeahDay ty i jjust ordered this :)

[@tammyjones6358]

Leah, when you say needle down position are you talking about the button on the machine? Surely you are not saying keep the needle down in your fabric because how would you move and reposition your fabric? Would you make this part a little clearer when you say in your instructions to make sure it is in the needle down postion? Do you just use the hand will and take the needle up and move your fabric and reposition it? Sorry I am not understanding this. I ordered the pro frame, laser, stippleing pattern and guide book from you. I am waiting on the laser and want to try it, but I need to understand it more clearly. I thought the guide book would give me the answer, but it is still not clear enough to me. Sorry.

[@deborahlindgren9669]

Will they work for any long arm?

[@LeahDay]

Yes! I share instructions for mixing and matching these Pantographs to fit any size machine from a home sewing machine to the biggest longarm. I've changed the designs since this video was filmed and you can find all the designs I offer here - leahday.com/products/pantograph-quilting-designs

[@pattalcott8644]

Could you please tell me where to find the panto guide book on your website ( I couldn’t find it)?

[@LeahDay]

It's currently unavailable as I update the guidebook for the new way I'm offering pantographs.

[@pattalcott8644]

Ok ... Tks! Will look forward to it!

[@sharonstanley903]

Where can I order the the pintagrhams?

[@LeahDay]

You can find my new pantographs (slightly different from this video) here - leahday.com/products/longarm-pantograph-quilting-designs

[@bonnieclark3619]

Can I ask where you got the little tool holder on your machine?

[@LeahDay]

I made it! I'm planning to create these in limited quantities to sell as well! Coming soon!

[@csbollard2698]

I think if you have the pants a further to the side you may feel better

[@LeahDay]

I was focusing more on talking than on my body location in this video. I've started standing to the side of the machine rather than directly behind it and it works great that way with less neck strain.

[@dorisroot514]

? i see alot ladies put laser on left side of the machine why is that ?

[@LeahDay]

On this longarm the encoder is on the wheel on the opposite side which would hit the bar that the laser attaches to. Might not be the same for all machines like this, but that's the way mine works!