LONGARM MACHINE QUILTING Tips & Tricks - DIY SIDE LEADERS - Loading A Longarm Frame

In this short video, I quickly show you how I pin my quilting backing to leaders - then I talk about side tension and how to make your own canvas side leaders for improved quilt back tension in preparation for longarm quilting.
Original Sharon Schamber Video:
• Sharon Schamber - Rice...
Side Clamps
www.accomplishquilting.com/st...
michaelquilts.com
qsquiltco.com

[@kathymcmann5959]

Thanks for a great suggestion on the side clamps

[@pamdoner2281]

I made these side leaders and used the yardstick to help lift the sides. It is helping me stabilize my quilt better than just the side clamps.

[@jonihuth786]

So glad that I saw this. I made something similar, but folded it in half and sewed a channel at the bottom of each end. I put strong magnets into one and a steel bar into the other. Holds beautifully and attaches/removes in seconds.

[@michael.quilts]

Oh that sounds like a really cool way to do it too!

[@maureentaphouse5206]

Fascinating and now I have a use for the surplus leader lengths I have . Thank you

[@michael.quilts]

Perfect use! Hope it works for you!

[@christi4169]

I watch so many videos that just want to get things done fast. It's nice to have someone just enjoy all the steps

[@michael.quilts]

Hi Christi! Thanks for your comment. I do enjoy all the steps, and honestly, I have done it this way for so many years that it doesn't seem slow to me. Happy Quilting! Michael

[@cherylnewell9806]

Side leaders are a great idea. Thank you I will use this idea

[@carolskooge5044]

Thank you so much for including the side leader instructions. Your videos are so informative 👍🏻

[@michael.quilts]

Thanks, Carol. Glad you are enjoying!

[@clairepereira8592]

I have the same type of cloth side leaders. Sometimes I use my machine to baste them to the back, easy to un-baste when you need to move them. I also use simple white curtain rods to raise the clamps.

[@michael.quilts]

Great idea about basting them - I actually never thought of that. Thank You, Claire!

[@clairepereira8592]

@@michael.quilts 👍

[@armymom180]

Great idea! Thank you so very much! I’m definitely going to be making me a set as soon as our renovation is done and my machines are in their new home. So glad I found your tutorial!

[@phoozchic]

This is very similar to how I used to load my old wooden floor frame for hand quilting. (Side leaders) I appreciate your preference for tactile details. I thought I was just old school. I am learning a lot from your “working with rulers” series. Thank you! Excellent videos!

[@michael.quilts]

Thanks again! I am so glad you are finding helpful things in my videos!

[@karenhubler2792]

I have made 2sets. Love them

[@bekkicampise7296]

I just happened across this KZbin and I absolutely LOVE this idea!!! Looking forward to watching more of your videos and hope some new ones are coming soon!!

[@michael.quilts]

Thanks, Bekki! I made this video a while back, but I still use all of these techniques every day. Happy Quilting! Michael

[@annb4013]

I have the same exact side contraption - made it myself - you are awesome

[@michael.quilts]

LOL - the contraption is right. But I love it and I still use it all the time. I think it's whatever you get used to. I can pin it on fast and it does the job. Plus it feels good that I made it. Thanks for your comment, Ann! -Michael

[@stephiepeterson]

Also…love Sharon Schamber!

[@mari-annstumblingbear174]

Most awesome! Thank you!

[@beesvalbeesval3826]

Thanks you my NEW TEACHER!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@michael.quilts]

Thank You!

[@stephiepeterson]

I just learned the yardstick trick from Jenny Pedigo. Great idea. I am kind of liking the side leader because it would get my clamps out of the way. I am always hitting them with my ruler base, even though I have extra fabric on the sides. It would also give me extra room when I am just quilting yardage that I am going to later cut up for bags.

[@grandmommu8815]

A white standard curtain rod works well instead of a yardstick. Plus, you can glue a baking pan to a curtain rod to serve as a work table. The ends of the curtain rod reduce the "falling down" problem.

[@stephiepeterson]

@@grandmommu8815 great idea. Thanks for sharing!

[@cindyroman5126]

GENIUS !!!!!!

[@alfa5243]

I couldn’t use red snapper because my hand were not strong enough. That’s for the side leader demo

[@michael.quilts]

Red Snappers do require a bit of strength at first until they get a bit worn in. Glad you found this and will try the side leaders. Happy Quilting! Michael

[@kathrynfinley2615]

Side leaders video included

[@rhendasimon5382]

for the side tension I use wooden chopsticks instead of a dowel and binder clips instead of pins. The wooden Grace long arm frame has wooden frame that hooks over the rails and holds 1 side of the tension

[@michael.quilts]

Hi Rhenda. Oh - those are great ideas too! Thanks for sharing! Happy Quilting! Michael

[@carolynsnyder6184]

Julia Larina

[@tscarborough2196]

I use the same idea. I use a curtain rod to raise up.

[@michael.quilts]

A curtain rod - another awesome idea! Happy Quilting! Michael

[@alfa5243]

Sorry I get it now😮

[@michael.quilts]

Awesome. Glad you figured it out quickly! michael

[@alfa5243]

The yard stick rests on what?

[@susanfarley6542]

What kind of clamps are you using? Video was helpful. Thanks!

[@michael.quilts]

Hi Susan - the clams on the sides are the ones that came with the Innova frame. You could use just about any clamp and tension cord that would grab and hold on to a dowel rod though. Hope it works for you!

[@michael.quilts]

Here's the link of the exact clamp if they are ones you are thinking of purchasing. They just go into the holes of the innova framing, but could also wrap around any kind of frame you have. www.accomplishquilting.com/store/p410/Side_Clamps_w%2FCords_%26_Locks.html

[@elvishmyst]

Where did you get your elastic gripper

[@michael.quilts]

Oh, the gripper is what came with my longarm purchase - the standard Innova Side Clams. Here is a link to them. I think they are expensive - might be other generic options out there. quiltsonthecorner.com/innova-side-clamps/ -Michael

[@elvishmyst]

Thank you

[@annb4013]

Learned on an innova ended up with a handiquilter Amara only do custom - no computer - have been torturing myself because I don’t have a computer ( thought I had to have one to quilt for others) and I like to quilt stuff “ to death” Teresa Silva’s book is a bible as far as I’m concerned- I live in oregon and was going to do a class with her pre COVID- love Judy madsen did all her classes on iquilt - I’m so glad I found you because you make me feel like I can quilt only custom = and I am taking an online class with Natalia Bonner in Jan - thanks for sharing your expertise- are you on IG?

[@michael.quilts]

Hi Ann! Thanks for your comment. You mention some of my favorite quilters who inspire me as well. Sounds like you are on the right track. Hope you enjoy the January online class. I am on IG, but honestly have neglected it for a long time. I will get back to it soon. I am @michael.quilts there (had to put the dot between michael and quilts) Michael Davison.

[@grandmommu8815]

Another gal I like to watch is Julia Quiltoff. Thanks for the tip for Teresa Silva.

[@jamesrobertson9597]

Pins suck dude. STAPLES are the best way. Always staple with the back of the staple on the bottom fabric side, then when you're done quilting just cut the quilt off the leaders leaving a one inch strip of the bottom, and it will pull out with the staples contained on it.

[@michael.quilts]

Hey James. Interesting - I might try that. Thank You.