Loading a Longarm the EASY way!

In this video, I will show you the FASTEST and EASIEST way to load the layers onto your longarm frame so you can spend less time doing that, and more time quilting! I use Leader Grips and they can be purchased from Regina's Quilting. Link Below:
leadergrips.com/
If you're looking for those clamps, you will find them on my website in the link below:
www.whirlsnswirlsquilting.ca/...
Be sure to also watch "Creating Casings in the Leaders on a Longarm"
• Stitching Casings Into...
Also, "Pantographs made EASY!"
• Pantographs Made Easy!
Don't forget to subscribe! :)

[@hydeegirl7126]

I am new at this and your videos help alot.

[@sandidavis45]

As a new longarm owner I was thrilled to find your videos. You make loading and using pantographs a breeze. I know with continued practice it will just get easier. Thanks for sharing!

[@sylviaerspamer5353]

You cannot imagine how helpful this was...wish I had seen it a month ago before I put my four QOV's on the longarm. I am self taught without any friends that quilt. I have watched many videos but this was the most detailed and helpful. Thankyou. I will be watching more of your videos.

[@kupton52]

THE best loading video I've seen...(and I've watched alot!) Thanks so much.

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

Thank you so much! I appreciate that! 😍

[@lindarhoades5808]

Thanks, Tracy. Lots of good info here. I appreciate all your videos!

[@anitra7747]

Fabulous instruction! Thank you so much!

[@lorijacobs7341]

Invaluable tutorial! Thank you for sharing! You are my #1 go to person for all my longarm questions!

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

Wow! Thank you so much Lori! I appreciate that. 😊❤️

[@teresacahlik6887]

Very helpful, thank you😊

[@josiefeenn4156]

Great video and perfect timing!

[@maryschiff9580]

Thanks for the tutorial, I like the clamps...and your new studio!

[@lavonnethompson117]

Absolutely awesome!

[@kimdamico8083]

Great video ! A lot of great tips I will be using going forward 👍🏻😁 thank you !

[@isobelgreer7693]

Great video. Thanks for sharing your knowledge on loading a quilt.

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you for the kind words Isobel. :)

[@perfectlypieced5799]

Thank you so much for all of your videos. I moved my APQS machine in tonight and just finished loading my practice fabric. The morning will start with cup of coffee and your video on pantograph set up. Can’t wait. Thanks for everything you post and share.

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

Woohoo! Welcome to the APQS Family! Have fun and thank you so much for the kind words!

[@JRoussel.Creations]

Awesome video! This is the only way I load a quilt! Super quick and easy!

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

Absolutely! ;)

[@luanaamos3224]

The best video I have seen on loading too! Thank you for sharing. It was so informative! Thank you for your time!

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

Thank you Luana!

[@helenszgalsky732]

Great video Tracey with helpful photography and explanations step by step. Learned a couple of things to try that I never knew. Thanks for all your time and efforts! You are an awesome quilter and teacher

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

Thank you Helen!

[@sarakhammash5114]

Thank you! Great video!

[@sherryshanahan4277]

Great video. Very informative. I learn something new every time I watch you load a quilt.

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

:)

[@WhiTor1]

Excellent video! Thank you so much! I’m in the huge learning curve with my first longarm. So clear and helpful. I like the clear explanation about how to be sure it’s straight. I also like the thought of using your regular stitch length for basting.

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

Thanks again @WhiTor1. ❤️

[@kareniris6770]

I just bought a longarm and this is a great tutorial for me. I've sewn with friends on a different machine and will be working alone with my new one. I love your videos.

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

Thank you Karen! Enjoy your new machine!! :D

[@theclosetquilterelliemiria198]

this is by far THE BEST video on how to load on a frame ( I am getting a cutie hoop frame but the tips are so helpful ) thank you !

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

Thank you Elizabeth! I appreciate the kind words. :)

[@carolynhowden9440]

Fantastic tutorial! Thanks for making it😄

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

:)

[@MargieOh]

great tips ! I'm a newbie and appreciate your detailed explanations. Easy to understand. Thank you !

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

Thanks Margie!

[@lyndaplamann32]

This is very helpful. Thank you so much!

[@lynsellers2352]

Your videos are the best. Just found them. New to LA. These are so detailed and easy to understand for even beginners ! Thank you so much

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

Glad you like them! Thank you so much Lyn!

[@rebeccasorensen7925]

Great video and loved the Panto video too. Thanks!

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

Thank you Rebecca! I appreciate the kind words. :)

[@sharongrieser3978]

So much important info! Thank you!

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

You are so welcome!

[@sherylp.9570]

Your quilts on the walls around your studio are amazing! That skull! .. WOW!! 😍

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

Thank you so much! I LOVE the skull. It's a free pattern too! If you google 'free skull pixel pattern' it should come up. I can't remember what it's called.

[@scrappinvt]

Great info! Thanks

[@shelaghmillett3704]

Just love your tutorials. Learning all the time.

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

Thank you Shelagh!

[@bev458]

Thanks for another very informative video. Have loved them all!

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

Thanks Bev!

[@maureentaphouse5206]

Very very good tips about lining up your quilt. Thank you

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

You're welcome!

[@teresaslagle2794]

Thanks so much for sharing!

[@JohnMurray1977]

You are a wonderful teacher!! I learned a lot from your video thank you very much!!

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

Thank you so much! I appreciate the kind words. :)

[@pjinlaca5489]

Wow, a magnificent video!

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

Thank you very much PJ! :)

[@SuperBettyboop23]

Thank you so much for showing us how to load it with those clamps I have something similar but they’re called red snappers looks a little harder than the ones you have but it it’s pretty much the same. Excellent teaching and showing how to put the Clamps on❣️✂️🧵🥰❤️

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

Thank you so much for the kind words! I appreciate it. I use Leader Grips.

[@memapoppy4]

Thank you. Great video.

[@lorrierunnals140]

Great instructions!

[@susangibbons312]

I just watched several of your videos, and they're great. I've subscribed! Thanks to Karen Brown for referring me to you!

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

Susan, wonderful to have you! Karen is awesome isn’t she? She’s rockin’ that new baby of hers too. 😁

[@clariceson358]

Thank You!…Great Video…💜

[@pcloudy8564]

Such a wonderful tutorial. Thanks so much!!

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

Thank you! 😊

[@andreaheles5016]

Excellent video! I've been using red snapper clamps for some time but didn't realize that I could only catch the edge of selvage and have that be secure enough. I'd been loading the backing with at least an inch of the selvage going over the snapper rod because I was afraid it would slip out. Thank you Tracy.

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

As long as you have just enough to clamp, you'll be good! :)

[@phylliscampbell2325]

This was super helpful! Thank you!!!

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks Phyllis!

[@mariemarion1678]

This will make my life easier. Thanks!

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

I'm here for you! :D

[@lamoabird]

Awesome video! I’ve learned so much! Thank you!!!

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

Thank you 😊❤️

[@normamurphy2827]

Fabulous tutorial!!! Thanks a zillion!!!!

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

You are so welcome! Thank you so much! 😊

[@lindajeffreys]

I am a beginner on the longarm and her videos are so very helpful Thank you so much

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

Thank you so much for the kind words Linda! I hope you have a long and happy longarm journey! 🥰

[@showmegalusa4521]

One of the best tutorials I have seen. I will be following this method. Thank you.

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

Awesome, thank you! I appreciate the love. :)

[@debbiecadwell1945]

Excellent video! Thank you!

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

You're welcome Debbie! I'm so glad it helped, thank you for the kind words. 😊

[@lindabrown7005]

Excellent video! So very helpful! And you explained everything so well. I’m new to long arm quilting and was not sure I was loading my quilt on properly. Turns out, I had the “ski hill”, but, thank goodness, my first quilt actually came out fine. I now know how to load it properly and precisely. Thank you for this. I’m now a subscriber 👏🏻

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

You are so welcome Linda! Thank you for the kind words! I'm so glad the video helped. 😁

[@rq3980]

Great tutorial!! Thank you !!

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you! 😁

[@nancyharvey5102]

Awesome video

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@nancytoth3704]

Very-informative ! Thanks

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

Thank you Nancy!

[@marilynamy2007]

Great video, thanks

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

Thanks Marilyn!

[@jeanlorenz3024]

Thanks! Super helpful

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

You're so welcome! I'm glad you found it helpful. :)

[@jeannettasmith2825]

I use red snappers to secure my projects to my Innova frame. Love it!

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

I use Red Snappers also. I used Leader Grips for a long time but they need to be replaced too often as they tend to get brittle and break. I went back to the RS about 18 months ago. Bulkier but better.

[@cathyerrion18]

Thanks!

[@treasuresnownthen]

Just want to say thank you for these videos, they are my lifeline and I hope you are ok, since its been a while for any new videos. :)

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

Thank you so much! I appreciate the kind words and I'm looking to get back to producing content on a regular basis again. The past year has been a rough one, the worst of it being I lost my Mum. Thanks again and watch those notifications! I'll be back soon

[@carolynlfarlow3635]

I just got a BabyLock Gallant (8'Villa frame-all the space I had and it is still tight) but....this is a awesome tutorial! Thank you! I think I am almost ready to quilt on a practice piece. I do have a question about thread, what kind is best? My friend likes Glide, it is strong (she has a Gammil long arm) I just received these clamps and rods, they are hard to get on but someone said they get easier....sure hope so. hahaha

[@margarethines8911]

Thank you very helpful

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

You're welcome! I hope it helped. :)

[@catherineross14443]

Well executed video with valuable information. Thank you. Liked your C clamp idea, it's a much easier visual for me than using a measuring tape. Figuring out if the top is straight using a seam line was an Aha moment. Made so much sense. Sewing your basting line so close to the edge is brilliant but makes me a little nervous......like walking on a cliff edge. Afraid I'll fall off. So glad you showed how to get back on.

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

I'm so glad I helped with some light bulb moments! :D

[@janicelannon2599]

Great videos! I am new to longarm quilting and find you instructions so helpful. Do you have any suggestions on how to make sure quilt is staying straight if you do not have a third roller to place clamps as you suggest? I only have two rollers. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

You can use a centering tape. It's got 0 in the middle and measures out on either side and has moveable markers you can slide and position where you need them.

[@michaelasmaturemakeupbeaut816]

Oh my gosh, I learned so much from this video, wish I had found it years ago when I started quilting. Took notes and snap shots on my phone for reference. Maybe next one you could use dif colored fabrics would show up more in pics. Good Job! Thanks so much, will def keep watching for new videos.

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

Glad it was helpful Michaela. I appreciate the kind words. :)

[@sandan2358]

New long armer an my sides always sag. I can’t wait to try loading your way. I have a question on basting. Before you start quilting do you only baste what’s in your throat space or do you baste the whole quilt. Thank you!!!

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

Correct. You baste only in the quitable space you're in before you quilt. When you advance the quilt, you baste that quitable space, then quilt that row. So on so forth. Have fun! :D

[@treasuresnownthen]

It would be so helpful if you used a different color backing from the color of the leaders...it all looks the same . I agree this is the BEST loading video I have seen and I have watched soooooooo many! :)

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

Great idea! I agree, I didn't think of that. :) Thanks Jody!

[@denahillis5201]

Thank you so much!! I needed help and you answered all my questions! I will be subscribed to you from now on!

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

Awesome! Thank you! That makes me happy! :D

[@sandyhumissouri5131]

Thanks, good demo, very clear. Did you change to the float method to save time?

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

I started floating to make it easier to tweak quilts that were really not square or flat. Having them float gives us more leeway.

[@lindaseitz3502]

You briefly touched on the tightness of the backing when you loaded it. Do you have a video where you talk about how tight to load the backing, betting and top before basting and quilting? I think I’m stretching mine too tight as I end up with lots of puckering towards the outside edges whether quilting tightly or loosely as far as density. ❤️❤️❤️ your videos! Wish I’d found them earlier. Thank you so much!

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

I don't have a specific video for that but that's a great idea! I will get one done. We never want 'drum tight' on the backing (or the top for that matter). You want to have some give. Think of a mole under the snow. We just want to see that machine moving slightly. I'll try to remember to talk about that next Monday night and show what I mean.

[@Jabezgirl57]

APQS suggests being able to stick your finger up from the bottom thru all 3 layers and be able to grasp your finger. Much looser than I would have thought.

[@myradavis2284]

Do you need to raise you top bar and the leveler bar to allow the clamp/rod to fit under when advancing the quilt? Also I actually set the top of the backing with the clamp system between the leveler bar and the pickup roller. Otherwise the thread cutter and/or the ruler base gets caught on the clamping system - when i move the machine head towards the pickup roller.

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

No, everything rolls right under the leveller bar. You may need to tweak the angle you are attaching the clamps onto the dowel.

[@kathleencraig8374]

I enjoy you videos, explained so well. Do you use a base extender? When you do basting is quilt taunt?

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

Thank you Kathleen, I always use a base extender when using rulers. It's not harmful to leave it on all the time but I've only got mine on when I'm doing ruler work. Quilt is always 'firm but with give'. You don't ever want the top or backing too tight when quilting. Soft is your friend

[@evileva39]

Where can I get the clamp on and do they just clamp onto the material you have hanging on your machine? I knew it this but I like the way that looks and it looks much better than clamping them on to the bars. Thank you for sharing.

[@mickiewalker3018]

Looking to find link to the way you attached your quilt to frame. Would like to get those clamps and set my leads up.

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

Hey Mickie, I have the Red Snappers in stock. I just haven't got them on my website yet. Shoot me an email with your information and I can get some to you. [e-mail]

[@veliatorrez6523]

THANK YOU. This has been so helpful as I am a beginner on the quilting machine...??...The skull quilt do you have a pattern for it.....if so where can I buy it. Again thank you have fabulous day.

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

Thank you for the kind words! I'm happy the video helped you. :). The skull quilt was a free pattern online. If you google "pixel skull quilt free pattern", it should come up. I can't remember what it's actually called.

[@veliatorrez6523]

@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362 thank you I will look it up I have a sister and two nieces that would love it for Day of the Dead.

[@sallylovig666]

I looked through your website for the dowel clamping system but don't see it. Can you advise where I can look into purchasing or the name of the system for me to find a source? Also, do you not use the side clamps? I've watched all your videos and don't see these put on at all. Thanks for the help.

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

Sally, I've added the link to Regina's Quilting for the Leader Grips to the description above. :)

[@lynnelliott7587]

I am quilting a quilt constructed on the diagonal, how would you use seam to square up for that, there is no borders either. Thank-you

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

Hey Lynne, sorry for such a delayed reply. Did you get it figured out?

[@karenbroughton1072]

Do you baste the entire quilt first or just section by section as you move the fabric up on the machine.?

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

When doing a pantograph or freehand edge to edge, I baste the equitable space as I go. Baste both sides, quilt, advance. Baste both sides, quilt, advance....

[@bjtinker4499]

Side clamps??? When do you use? Or do you never use them. Noticed that on Karen Brown 1st video of her new Millie. I am an APQS rep in Phoenix area. Loved this video. I use zippers bc arthritis in hands prevents Red Snapper method you use. Too Painful to press and remove. Thank you for your great teaching. Karen referred me to you today.

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

Thanks BJ. I don't use the side clamps unless the backing fabric is 'saggy'.

[@bjtinker4499]

@@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362 I alway use them to KEEP backing from sagging. Interesting. Going to try your way with smaller quilts. Woukd save lots of energy and time during quilting and rolling forward. Thanks for the chat

[@mickiewalker3018]

Does your backing fabric go over or under the backing bar when completely loaded on frame

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

Ours feed from the pick up roller and down under the leveller bar, under the quilt top roller and to the backing roller (I call it the 'belly bar')

[@littledrabbitry9410]

I have the same leader clamps as you but I struggle all the time and the clamps are getting bent inside. Also my backing rail is the one closest to the dead bar, the one closest to my belly is my quilt top bar. I struggle with the clamps on that bar because there really isn't anything to lay it on so I struggle a lot getting the fabric to stay on the leader when attempting to clamp. Any advise would be greatly appreciated. I'm new to all of this so maybe that is part of the problem. My sides always sag and the center is tight.

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

Use the heel of your hand to push on the clamp while squeezing the roller. Make sure you're on a good angle first though. :)

[@littledrabbitry9410]

@@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362 Thank you! I will give it another try. I've been using the heel of my hand and squeezing the roller, the problem is the fabric always moves around and so does the leader fabric with the rods in them. Love your videos and all your tips. Thank you for doing these videos. Can't wait to get the hang of all of this.

[@knotnowdesigns]

Hi! I am VERY interested in this method - so over using the pins! Did I miss where to purchase the dowel clamping system? Obviously it's similar to the Red Snapper, but maybe a more attractive price. :) After a Google search I'm wondering if the dowels and clamps are not quilt specific and might be at the home improvement stores. I appreciate any direction you can give. Thanks! EDIT: Leader grips on your website? And then I buy my dowels locally? I just wasn't using the right search words!

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

Hey Jennifer. I have put the link for the Leader Grips in the description above. I thought I had already done that. :)

[@knotnowdesigns]

@@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362 Thanks so much!

[@melanie2846]

Hi Jennifer. A lot of people use the Clip-n-Seal Mondo 10-pack that you can find on Amazon. The clamps come in 41” lengths and you get a few in the pack. Check out the reviews section to see comments from quilters. Here is a link you can check out. www.amazon.com/Clip-n-Seal-Mondo-10-Pack-Clips/dp/B00102TRFG/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Clip+and+seal+mondo&qid=1611290915&sr=8-1

[@knotnowdesigns]

@@melanie2846 Thank you!

[@maureenzimmerman5196]

Where can I purchase your clamps? Look easier than other products out there.

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

Hey Maureen! I missed your comment before. My apologies! The clamps can be found on my website: www.whirlsnswirlsquilting.ca/collections/notions-1/products/roller-clamps?_pos=1&_sid=5edabb063&_ss=r

[@debhaugen7543]

What the diameter on the plastic clamps that went over your bars for marking?

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

Deb, they have an inside diameter of 1 3/4" so they work for narrower rollers as well as wider ones. They will 'give' to accommodate larger rollers like mine. I love them and have been using them for 15 years. :)

[@rachelleressler1271]

Sorry but have dumb question regarding the pantograph. When you move showing to move over then quilt on dark panto (like across green tape) how do you not stitch , just move without pushing stop?

[@rachelleressler1271]

This should have gone after panto utube. Sorry!

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

Did you figure it out Rachelle?

[@cindylewis360]

What is I don’t have that top bar above belly bar? How can I mark like your c clamps

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

You can always get a centring measuring tape and attach it to either end of your frame. That works well too.

[@pamelabargar6939]

What type clamps are you using

[@rinskevuist9046]

Can you tell me Where I can buy the clamps you use by loading?

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

www.whirlsnswirlsquilting.ca/products/red-snappers-10?_pos=1&_psq=red%20sna&_ss=e&_v=1.0

[@joydeemer6629]

Can I use the casing on a king

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

Absolutely!

[@lynnelliott7587]

Tracy, where do you purchase the clamps you used

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

Do you mean the white c clamps I use one the quilt top roller or the clamps to attach the backing? Both are on my website www.whirlsnswirlsquilting.ca/products/roller-clamps?_pos=1&_psq=clamps&_ss=e&_v=1.0 www.whirlsnswirlsquilting.ca/search?options%5Bprefix%5D=last&q=red+snappers

[@normaransom7486]

The dowels & clips, how do get them & how much $

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

I sell Red Snappers on my website.Cost depends on length. www.whirlsnswirlsquilting.ca/products/red-snappers-10?_pos=1&_psq=red%20sna&_ss=e&_v=1.0

[@laurieclos5448]

Where do you get those clamps?

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

Right on my website. 😉www.whirlsnswirlsquilting.ca/products/red-snappers-10?_pos=1&_psq=red%20sna&_ss=e&_v=1.0

[@joanndutton1896]

I’m a little confused. This is a great lesson, except for one thing. At the beginning you show only one bar in front. ( the belly bar ). But soon after that, the camera shows two bars in the front. Now the backing fabric is below the belly bar.PLEASE EXPLAIN.

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

Great question JoAnn! The quilt top roller is covered by the canvas from the belly bar in the beginning of the video. The belly bar canvas goes under and over the quilt top roller and sits on top of that while I clamp the backing to the belly bar leader. Once I roll it onto the belly bar, it rolls off the quilt top roller so the backing runs under the quilt top roller, then under the leveller bar and onto the pick up roller.

[@julietastad4354]

Why dont you take off your bar for the top if you dont use it?

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

I use it for making sure the quilt stays straight. I put clamps along that roller in line with seams on the quilt.

[@CFarrellSew]

Great video! Thank you.

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

Thank you!

[@ilenemartin5330]

Thanks!

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

Thank you so much @ilenemartin5330 I appreciate that very much! 😊