World Wide Quilting Page
Question of the Week
Question for the week of September 15, 1997:
Our question this week comes from Susan Fluharty
Which do you think gives the very best results, a large quilting hoop or
a frame?
Georgette :
A frame.
k.e.harper :
I swear by the PVC pipe frames. I like portable quilting and truthfully can't reach so far so it works for me. I have a small portable table on wheels that usually sits in the kitchen. When I want to quilt I trundle it off to the living room and lay the quilt and frame on it. It has a small storage space perfect for a few tools and it is just the right hight with an ordinary office chair. I found this table in a computer supply store. Also the 17" frame is perfect for lunch time or drive time quick quilting. I find it easier to use than my large frame which has been stored away ever since I got the smaller frame. When I am not quilting the pvc pipe frame fits in the tote bag I use for portable quilting. But of course you must baste baste baste.
glyman :
without a doub a 14inch hoop works best, saves your back, is portable, and can be propped up on your knees in a recliner!
Marianne :
A frame because the quilt doesn't shift as much once it's on. Also, if you keep your frame up in a place you often pass by, like the living room, you will find you work on it more, because it's always ready to go. I use both a frame and several different sizes of hoops.
Kim :
I prefer the hoop because I don't have a lot of space to leave or set up a frame. It's very portable, and I can twist and turn it whichever way. But I believe it's a matter of preference.
sabrina paterson :
A frame, it gives you more flexibility and is more comfortable thus allowing you to stitch in a more relaxed manner
Jackie :
I always use a hoop since I quilt toward me & can rotate the hoop. I have a difficult time in a frame since I prefer toward me rather than right/left & away.
Marlene :
I prefer a hoop because it's easier for me to work on curves. It also is easier to pick up and work for just a few minutes. I don't think either is best. The best is what gives an individual quilter the best results.
Marlene :
I use both. If I have a quilt with a lot of large bias edged pieces I feel that I stretch them too much in a hoof. I then resort to the frame. I have a pvc floor frame with leg extensions and since it is small I don't mind having it set up for a while. Besides what better decor for your house.
Arlene :
It's just a choice of preferences. I prefer a frame if I'm quilting a large quilt as, then I can just leave it up all the time. If it's a small project I just use a hoop as I take the smaller projects out with me to meetings etc for something to keep my hands busy while at the meetings. ;-)
Jennifer :
I like hoops the best. I am not dexterous enough to quilt on a frame where I have to twist my hand around while quilting everything except straights, horizontal lines. However, when marking the quilting lines with something that can rub off (like a soapstone pencil or pouncing powder), the hoop does, indeed, rub off the design. But I don't mind remarking as much as I despise hand contortions. Besides, I can afford hoops (and even a hoop on a floor stand) more readily than a big ol' frame.
Dolores Purrelli :
I don't like either hoop or frame. I prefer to lap-quilt even large quilts because it's more comfortable for me.
Nancy :
I prefer a hoop (or sorts). I have used a floor frame but I found it took up too much space. I can't seem to quilt everyday so it needed to be up for a very very long time. I have used the PVC floor frame but it is too flat. Now I understand you can get extensions for the back legs to make it more slanted and I haven't tried those although, I did try elevating my old frame. I like the PVC type "hoop" the best. It is a little combersume when you are doing a king size quilt but I just start in the very middle and work my way out. I find I can carry this from room to room and quilt wherever I want--usually in front of the TV.
SUSAN JACK :
HOOP
Angie :
I like a frame best. The first couple of years
that I quilted, I used a hoop. It worked good,
I had a stand which was good, but, the hoops
kept coming apart. After I repaired them a
number of times, there were so many holes that
I had to quit repairing them. I got a QSnap frame
which I really like.
really like.
Anthony :
I like the hoop with a floor stand. I have an el cheapo version from Hancocks with the 14" by 20" oval hoop and it works just fine. I like it because leaning over a frame for any length of time hurts my back. With the hoop I can lean back in my chair and change positions a lot. Since it has a stand, I can also rest it on the floor and not have the full weight of the quilt on my lap. I can also turn the quilt to follow patterns or move the quilt to the best light rather than vice-versa.
Carolyn Vick :
I like the frame best. My husband made me one that I can put the quilt in by myself and it doesn't take up much floor space. For wall hangings and smaller quilts the hoop works just fine.
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