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Trouble Shooting
Problem:
Fabric sags on one side or in middle.
Solution:
Fabric may not be cut evenly straight or the grain of the cloth may not be square. Take it off and
square
it up or pull (gently) to square.
Problem
: Sides of quilt have a concave edge. (See illustrations on top of next page)
Solution:
The fabric was stretched along the
pole. Take the fabric off and let it relax until
it is not misshapen and then re-install, without
stretching it along this edge.
Problem:
Quilt backing is much longer than
quilt top, after quilting.
Solution:
Monitor tension of backing and
quilt top. Mark on edges of fabrics every six
inches on backing and quilt top and as you roll
you will be able to monitor the tension.
Problem:
Batting tears or separates during the
tightening of the ratchet wheels.
Solution:
The batting was stretched and
stressed. The batting should be longer than
the quilt that you are making and there should
not be tension applied to it. Check the 4
th
pole
to make sure that it is rolling smoothly and
easily.
Problem:
Poles are bowing in.
Solution:
The causes may be: 1. Seam down the center of the fabrics may be sewn too tight and is not giving with
the rest of the fabric. If the seam is the problem the quilt may be attached sideways. 2. Fabric is not cut evenly. 3.
Too much tension has been applied. 4. Fabric has been stretched along the poles instead of smoothly laid along
the pole then attached.
Problem:
Poles squeak as they roll or they do not roll freely.
Solution:
The frame is not square!
Square it up with the floor using a carpenter’s square or an uncut piece of
poster board or a picture frame. If the quilting frame still squeaks after making sure that the frame is in good
square alignment.
Pointers for Quilting, and Especially Tying:
Before installing the quilt onto the frame, mark both the quilt top and backing in similar increments
along
the two side edges
. (The sides that are not tacked onto the poles). While rolling the quilt during the tying process
watch the marks. This will help you to keep an equal tension on the top and backing fabrics so you won’t over
tighten one or the other of your fabrics.
When rolling into a new area of tying, allow your last row of ties to remain in the new area of tying. Also,
tie your knots tight.
Do not roll past you last row of ties.
The preceding are tips for common questions and problems that are easily solved based on years of
experience and understanding of no-baste quilting. If you are experiencing continued difficulties using your
GraceFrame, please know that we we are eager and able to help!
Call us at 1-800-264-0644.
Office
Hours: Mon-
Fri 8 am – 5 pm.
Incorrectly Stretched Along Poles
Concave Edge
Top View
Front
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