Stitching Casings Into Leaders On a Longarm Machine

There are several ways to load a longarm machine. The fastest way to get those layers on there is using a dowel clamping system but you'll need casings in those leaders first! In this video, I show you how to easily stitch casings in using your longarm! No need to take them off and try to manage all that canvas on a home machine.
Check out the video in the link below and I will show you how to load the layers onto your longarm frame.
• Loading a Longarm the ...
Want to learn how to set up and work through a pantograph with the best results? Check out this video below and I will show you just how easy it is to set up, work through and advance those quilts for flawless and perfect spacing every time!
• Pantographs Made Easy!

[@mjp5129]

So much help. I’ve had the Red Snappers for at least two years was dreading taking the leaders off and making the pockets. I sew all the time, so making the pocket was not the problem. It was removing the leaders and then getting them back on and making sure everything lines up just so. I don’t know, just lazy I guess. Lol. It just seemed like a big job. I do hate pinning. My fingers always get holes and I cuss a lot. Lol. Well I’m gonna try this. Need to get these quilt top quilted. I always put off the quilting. Lazy…lol

[@sandan2358]

I’m so tired of sticking myself with pins. I’m thinking of buying the leader grips system. I’m a new long arm owner and am learning so much from your videos!

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

Yep! I had bloody fingers and pulled sweaters for years. This is the best way, IMHO, to load. Happy you're here! :D

[@jacquehabermel4827]

Great video! Thanks so much!

[@jodilockyer301]

Just set up my Millie and now to install the Leader Grips! Thank you so much for these instructions!

[@maryannmcglothlin716]

Fantastic. Very clear and informative!! Just what I needed.

[@kathyenglish8427]

Thanks Tracey! Great video!

[@KimYoung-uz5dc]

Thank you for a great tutorial!

[@sandraswan1923]

Thank you for a wonderful tutorial on how to make casings for the dowels on a long arm machine.

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

You're very welcome!

[@miriamcondon9911]

I have avoided getting the red snappers because i didnt want to remove the leaders and sew in the casings!! You are a life saver! and such a duh moment! I would have never thought of this.

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

So glad you found my channel! You're not the only one who has thought they need to take the leaders right off the frame so don't beat yourself up about it. You'll love the dowel clamping system once you start using it! Happy to help Miriam. 😊

[@debhaugen7543]

Awesome! Thank you for the great tutorial on this, just what I needed!

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

Thanks Deb!

[@JRoussel.Creations]

Yay!! New video!! And such a helpful one too!!

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

Remember to share share share!! ;)

[@marietherrien5973]

Thanks for this Tracey!

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

Thanks for being here Marie! :)

[@maryschiff9580]

So smart, thank you!

[@moniquegascon512]

Great video, you're an awesome teacher Tracey! I wish I would have had this video when I bought my Millie 30 a couple of years back - I actually took the canvas off the roller and sewed the casing on my domestic machine, never again lol!

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

Acck! That's the hard way! Now you know in case you ever replace those leaders. ;)

[@Angela-er2ol]

This tutorial was perfect!! I've been thinking about upgrading from my sit down Q20 machine to the frame, but am hesitant, one because of the cost and two because of the loading process. I'm not thrilled about the pinning method and the snappers look interesting but sewing the casings was confusing. Thank you for showing how easily this can be done!!

[@lilliandexter878]

Thank you for this video. My Millie just arrived today, and I had purchased a dowel clamping system and was looking for a way to make the casing without having to remove the leaders to stitch the casing. This video is PERFECT.

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

Welcome to the APQS Family! I hope you and Millie are having a blast together. :)

[@carolynkuntz7765]

Awesome video Tracy! Makes that so much easier as I have the Leader Grips but haven't taken the time to sew down the channels but will probably be doing that today! Thank you!

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

You'll love them. So fast to load and unload.

[@isobelgreer7693]

Thank you Tracy great tutorial.

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

You are so welcome!

[@donnasterling8060]

Fantastic...thank you!

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

Thanks Donna! I’m glad it helped! 🥰

[@lisetabercrittersninkdesig7911]

who knew that would be so easy

[@tinacostner3069]

Thank you 😊

[@lesliemunday]

Thank you

[@pastryqn]

Awesome video. Almost makes me want to start over. Almost. ;o)

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

LOL!!

[@brendawallgren8354]

What size dowel do you use and where do you purchase the clamps to make sure that they fit that dowel size? Excellent video! Very helpful! Thank you so much!

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

I sell Red Snappers on my website Brenda. 😊 www.whirlsnswirlsquilting.ca/collections/notions-1/products/red-snappers-10?_pos=1&_sid=69c806465&_ss=r

[@virgiebowen4413]

Can you use leader grips and zippers by stitching a pocket above zippers? There are times where I could see where it would be convenient to put a long term project on zippers so I could then take it off for a quick project but then go back to a long term project that could quickly go back on the frame with zippers.

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

Sure! I can see stitching the zippers above the casing (just beyond where the stitching is on the casing so they don't interfere at all with the pocket).

[@celialittlecreek9346]

Thank you for these great videos! Where do you get the clamps for the dowels? What size dowels?

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

They are called Leader Grips

[@mariannewilliams138]

Great video can you tell me were to get the dowels and clamps , TY

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

You've probably got them by now but just in case you didn't... www.whirlsnswirlsquilting.ca/products/red-snappers-10?_pos=1&_psq=red%20snappers&_ss=e&_v=1.0

[@paulathomas9240]

I do not have an APQS machine, but would like to get the dowels and leader grips. Where can I order them? My frame is 10'. Thank you, and a great new tutorial series.

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

Paula, I use leader grips. You can find them here: www.leadergrips.com

[@sprklhair]

can you do the same process to sew zippers on to the leaders? I was considering getting the "quick zip system" for my longarm. checking the tension on the back of the quilt might be easier if I can just unzip the quilt top to check the tension. they tout that you can remove a quilt before its finished and load another quickly and easily, then put the unfinished one back on by just zipping it on. pinning the zipper to the top can be done sitting down. I don't know? Ive bought so many things to make things easier. Its hard to know before you buy whether or not its worth it?

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

I've not used zippers but yes, you can use the longarm to stitch them on for sure. 😊

[@user-on7mm1pz7i]

My leaders have hems on them, should I take the hems out first? Also my take up leader is very small, maybe 8". Can I replace it with one of the leaders I'm not using? Thank you

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

If your leaders are a thicker fabric (ours are canvas) I would say it's best to take the hem out first so they don't get too thick. I would think you could swap out any leaders on your rollers because they are all the same length.

[@mscabinonthehill]

What dowel clamping system do you use?

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

I use leader grips.

[@elsiedubois1221]

Interesting Concept. At the moment I have zippered leaders. Will the casings still be stable if sewn on the zippered leaders or do I need to replace my leaders. If I remove the zipper is there still enough leader left to stitch the casing and have the leader still be functional?

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

I don't know what brand of machine you have Elsie but if it's an APQS machine, your leaders are really long and have lots of room.

[@marlapaletz4332]

Great video! It's so easy to follow. I like to float my quilts also and those C clamps are a great idea. Where could I find those? I've been looking on line with no success. Thank you!

[@marlapaletz4332]

Whoops, this comment was for your pantograph video! This video is so informative, as well. I've been using a dowel clamping system for about 10 years now. It makes it so quick and easy to load a quilt!

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

I agree Marla! Dowel/clamps are the fastest way to load. :)

[@koob1949]

Very interested in how you make these casings, but how do you then attach the backing ?

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

That video is coming! It will be up this Wednesday. ;0

[@erlindaarmijo5876]

where did you buy the dowel and the clips that go on the dowels

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

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

[@mickiewalker3018]

Where do you get the clamps that fit around the dowel inside leaders and what size are they?

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

Hey Mickie, they are Red Snappers. I have them on my website and they come in both 10' and 12' frame lengths. :) www.whirlsnswirlsquilting.ca/collections/notions-1/products/red-snappers-10?_pos=1&_sid=177c0b771&_ss=r

[@janicezhou8581]

What size dowel???

[@whirlsnswirlsquilting4362]

I'm not sure Janice. The good people at Quilts on the Corner could tell you though.