Which Quilting Frame for Home Sewing Machine is Right for You?

[@martiwillwinn]

This was a big help in my understanding of the difference in the two hoops. I was having trouble with the Evolution Hoop, but now understand it.

[@debbieweibley3899]

I've had my cutie for over a year now. Love it.

[@Thebrenbzzz]

Seeing them both being used would be really helpful

[@LeahDay]

I've shared several videos on the Evolution, but only just put together my Cutie frame. Check my channel for the most recent videos I've shared and more will be coming soon!

[@carriebarnett5500]

Love my cutie frame, only option for me space wise. Any tips for best quilting practice gratefully received

[@gloria9883]

Thank you so much for this video. I can relate to all the body aches that come with not having a frame. Will definitely consider getting a cutie to save my shoulders and neck pain from zapping my sewing and quilting fun😊

[@LeahDay]

You are so welcome! If you have three space, a bigger rolling rail style frame will be even easier to use with less strain on your body.

[@pamelaramos7777]

Awesome video. I have purchased the Evolution frame. I love that it can expand in the future as I develop my skill set.

[@mary-annz.reynolds7778]

Thank you for this video

[@mary-annz.reynolds7778]

Have you done a video on how to load and advance the Cutie?

[@LeahDay]

Not yet, but will have it ready very soon. I have an assembly video coming out for the Cutie frame next week.

[@marylayton9724]

At 12:51, you show what appears to be handlebars attached to the top of a home sewing machine. Is that correct. Can you tell me more info about it? I added the Series G carriage to my Cutie, but there is a lip that limits vertical space to about 4” despite the 11” harp on my Janome 9400.

[@LeahDay]

Yes, on the Evolution Hoop Frame, you will get the full G-Series Carriage - top and bottom. We're now including the carriage with these frames for no additional cost. It sounds like you were able to just purchase the G-Series Top Plate, but this isn't compatible with the Cutie base carriage. Send me an email leahday.com/pages/contact-us and we can get a base carriage ordered for you so you'll be able to enjoy the full stroke of your Janome!

[@belfastbunny]

I am currently debating with myself between a Cutie and a Q-zone. I assume some of the arguments between the two are the same but the Q-zone doesn't have the expansion scope of the Evolution.

[@LeahDay]

Yes, the Q-Zone Hoop Frame is a lot like the Cutie Frame - pretty much all of the same pros and cons. Except the Q-Zone cannot collapse easily - it's designed with legs integral to the frame and isn't easy or fast to take apart. So if you have the space for the Q-Zone, I'd consider the Evolution Hoop. If you don't really have space, I'd recommend the Cutie Frame instead.

[@susanl4707]

I love making quilts. I don't like quilting. I use very basic straight lines. I love some of the long arm quilting but if I don't quilt it, I don't feel I can say I made the quilt. Free motion does not like me. I have a very small house. What would be my best option to grow my hobby?

[@LeahDay]

Well... I'm honestly not sure. If you don't like the quilting process and mostly want straight lines on the quilt, walking foot quilting on your home machine sounds like the best fit. It is slow, but it does get the job done. In this particular case, I don't think a frame will make you happy.

[@deborahjones5163]

Can the back cramps from the Evolution work on the Qzone hoop frame instead of the elastic clamps

[@LeahDay]

Unfortunately no. The new star rail on the Evolution Hoop is required for the back clamps to work and the Qzone and Cutie have square rails.

[@inesucrvenom]

Can you please compare the evolution hoop/elite with qzone queen? Your website is showing 404 for all frames, and grace company isn't enough for me to figure out the difference. Basically qzone queen looks like it's some combo of rails and clamps? I kinda expect advancing quilt is faster with qzone queen than with any hoop type, I'm I right? What I can't figure out is - do you need to baste quilt in qzone queen? For hoops I think you have to? For regular rails like evolution elite, you don't. So what's with qzone queen? Thanks!

[@LeahDay]

The reason you're getting a 404 is because you're either located in a different country, or you have a different country's currency selected on my site. I can't sell Grace Company products outside the US. We're trying to find a better way to display the products, but we don't want international orders on them because we'll just have to refund you. The Q-Zone Queen is much simpler and a lighter weight build - only 2 rails and thinner rails and legs. This will make a difference if you load a big, heavy quilt on this frame. It probably won't handle that much weight as well as the Evolution Elite. As for the loading itself, the feel will be the same between the two frames. Attach leader cloth, pin the backing fabric, roll it up on the rails, baste the batting across, baste the quilt top across. All the loading of the layers happens on the frames, which means the frame must be set up bigger than the largest quilt you want to quilt. The Evolution Elite has the advantage of expandability, plus more rails to add for easier and faster loading and advancing. You can expand the Evolution to any size between 7 - 12 feet, you can attach an Idler Rail and Batting Rail, and generally the overall build is heavier, sturdier and built to last. We are coming out with some new stuff for the Q-Zone Queen and I'll be doing a comparison video on these frames soon. I hope that helps!

[@inesucrvenom]

@@LeahDay you're a treasure! Thank you so much for explanations! Indeed, I'm in Switzerland (non native), it's just that I hoped you might have better explanations than I could find so far, and indeed you do, I've managed to peek at the site eventually, and at one instance I was even greeted with 'hello international friend', which definitely explained things, I wonder why it didn't show immediately :D I don't have a grace dealer here, and from what I'm seeing, only two are in Europe, UK and Germany. I've went through installation instructions and saw that for qzone queen frame there's this system that leader is holding with some rubber pipe pushed into rail, whereas elite uses self sticky velcro and then leader onto it. I also, thanks to YOUR site found out that my domestic machine can't handle evolution hoop frame, since it has 4.5" vertical space only, even though it has 10" horizontally (pfaff expression 720). And now I'm thinking that probably also both elite rail and qzone queen wouldn't work either because of that small vertical space, looking at your videos, those rails just NEED some space there. And of course, main reason for rails would be to skip basting, so I'm not considering hoop frames seriously :D I guess then the best solution would be start saving ton of money and go elite with rails, and maybe even 16-19" machine, since little rebel is just 13" and that looks like only 8" blocks could be quilted at once, but 10" probably not, and 12" definitely not, is that correct? When I realised my machine won't work with frame, I was thinking if it was worth it to just get the machine first, maybe rebel, and save for the frame later, but I don't think that'd help me, since that still won't give the experience I'm after - basically free motion drawing on the quilts over large area at once, without cumbersome basting. And QAYG should work on my machine as a shoulder-back-safe option :) I did try to find information on your site and yt regarding harp space for rail-frames, but couldn't (you did mention something for some hoop frame I think, but can't recall if I saw something regarding rails), maybe you could make a video a bit of explaining harp space and how much you lose on rails/clamps so how much do you really need and what can be done with each, eg block sizes. I'm still not 100% sure about my conclusions. So basically some video 'what to think about when picking frame for domestic machine' and 'what longarm machine to choose'. I see 19" is getting discontinued, which might be a pity, if that 13" rebel or even 16" aren't enough for bigger blocks. Sorry for the essay, I'm so happy that you've replied to me. Also I want to thank you from the depth of my heart for all those videos you've made. Few years ago I stumbled upon them, learnt a ton through binge watching them and made a first quilt. And piecing was perfect :D Your books helped also. Now I'm trying to get back into it, and books are great to refresh the knowledge. Your teaching method is superb! If you even wondered if it was worth it, yes it is :D Cheers to you and your family and I wish that you never run out of business nor inspiration and to be able to always find a way to enjoy your work :) Hugs to all!

[@VirginiaOwensby]

I always like seeing you. Can you do another cutie video.

[@LeahDay]

Yes, soon! I’m waiting to get my Cutie Breeze as I sold my Cutie frame in August. I can’t wait you get the Breeze and my Little Rebel! LeahDay.com/Rebel

[@collettegay1432]

I have the Baby lock Ballad. Will any of these frames work?

[@LeahDay]

Great question Collette - I believe either frame will work with your Babylock machine. Send me an email here - leahday.com/pages/contact-us and I'll help you check out the specs and make sure you're getting the right frame for your quilting desires and space.

[@grantnesheim]

Is there significant differences between the Evolution 12’ frame and Continuum II?

[@LeahDay]

There’s a lot of “under the hood” improvements that might not be obvious. The ratchet locks on the sides of the frame are much beefier and the overall frame is made of thicker steel and heavier duty. The sides are reinforced too to stop the legs from shifting out. Also if you do want a Continuum II I’d suggest getting one now as they will likely be discontinued by October.

[@roxanneloyst3733]

I am interested in getting this frame. It looks like it’s on sale for $549

[@LeahDay]

This video featured the original Cutie Frame, which is a little different from the one featured in this video. Now we have the Cutie Breeze and yes, it's on sale for $549 through December - leahday.com/products/cutie-quilting-frame

[@deidrapowell8762]

So you mentioned computerized. I assume only continumn is only one here that can use that too?

[@LeahDay]

No, you can add Quilter's Creative Touch (QCT) to any frame, including the Evolution Hoop and Cutie Frame. I haven't attached QCT to my Cutie Frame, but have several videos on it connected to my Evolution Frame which you can find here - kzbin.info/www/bejne/b2W9h4qFdpKgnbM

[@cindyholmes4354]

I have many gripes about the cutie. the poor quality is first on my list. I put lots of time and money into it and would have never purchased it had it been properly demonstrated. After purchase I could not return it as the warranty is very useless. There was no joy at all. I put many months in to trying to make it work. I hate it.

[@LeahDay]

I'm sorry to hear of your frustration Cindy. You have permission to sell your system to someone who might like it better and focus on the type of quilting you want to do, and the equipment you need to do that. I hope this helps you see there's no point in remaining angry at the Cutie Frame - it's just a tool that didn't work for you.

[@cindyholmes4354]

@@LeahDay Thank you for your wise counsel. I cannot sell the frame as I would feel that I would be selling a flawed frame. I could not lie to the person desiring it, nor could I offer any encouragement. I tried for several months, I used lasers, electronic speed control, everything to make it work. The problem is the frame and the clamps that do not hold the frame in any position, they always slip, especially when you tighten or move the quilt. I bought one when they first came out... I did try. I am not angry at the frame, and I have moved on. I just can't let what I know about the faults to remain unsaid. Thank you again, especially for all your contributions to the quilting world.

[@cindyholmes4354]

Oh, one other thing, if you know anyone who wants it, it is free, just pay the shipping.