Floor Frame

How to Make a simple Floor Frame

Ever want to build a floor frame? Well, it's easier and cheaper than you ever thought possible! All you need are two wooden sawhorses (preferably folding), and two 10' poplar or oak 1" x 2" or 2" x 3" poles. You'll also need about 3 yards of muslin and some cotton strapping like shippers use.

Here's what you do to make one:

Trim the legs of the sawhorses so they stand about 28" to 30" high at the top, whichever is more comfortable). Make sure they stand steady.
Cut out a 2" to 3" wide notch about 3" to 4" from each end of the top of each sawhorse to fit the poles into. It should be loose enough for the poles to go in easily, but should not allow the poles to spin.
Staple doubled or tripled muslin along one edge of both poles to about 4" to 6" from the ends.
Attach cotton strapping to one end of each sawhorse.
If desired, drill holes near the ends of your sawhorses to put arm lamps into.

Here's what you do to frame up your quilt:

Layer and baste your quilt with thread about every 4" to 6" apart.
Baste both ends of the quilt to the poles as evenly as possible.
Roll the quilt tightly around one of the poles and place into the notches, taughtening by rolling more if necessary.
Attach cotton strapping to side of quilt with safety pins and wind once around sawhorse. Pin again and wind, etc., 'til you have it pinned about six time.

There is a special technique for quilting in a frame. No, your stitches don't have to be different (or even made differently). It is a matter of planning your stitches so that you are always quilting toward yourself. For example, if you are quilting a square, you would quilt across the top and down one side. Then break off your stitching and quilt down the other side and across the bottom. This way, you are always quilting in a comfortable direction. Soon, you will get used to restarting lines of stitching rather than turning a hoop.

Floor frames are great for quilting with a group and really seem to speed the work. The quilting goes so much faster when you have company, as well as turning the work into a social occasion and women's support group. Why not get a cooperative group together and work on each other's quilts!

Books and Music to help you on your quest