The Joy of Quilting with Your Long-Arm Machine
10
KathyQuilts.com
All of the current model Grace Machine Quilting Frames come with height adjustable
legs. However some of the older frames are not height adjustable (The SR2). In that
case, you can find bed risers to fit under the legs of your frame or have some sort of
risers built for your frame.
If the frame is too high for you even on the lowest height setting possible, it would be
wise to stand on some sort of platform that spans the entire length of the frame so that
you can comfortably quilt for extended amounts of time. You may also try stacking
ergonomic standing mats instead of building a platform.
Frame Height Checklist:
[
X
] You can see what you are quilting.
[
X
] Your body position is natural and comfortable (you don’t feel like a contortionist
when you quilt).
[
X
] You are not hunched over or your neck is not straining forward.
[
X
] You can see your workspace. Consider wearing reading glasses if you can’t.
[
X
] Your wrists fell comfortable while holding onto the quilting handles.
[
X
] Your elbows are at the right height.
[
X
] You don’t lift shoulders repetitively, which would cause pain around the
shoulder blades and upper back.
Remember, if quilting doesn’t feel comfortable now, it won’t feel any better after
hours of quilting. It can be frustrating having to adjust your frame several times, but
in the end, it will really help the quality of your quilting. Please also remember that
we are not professionals when it comes to ergonomics, but we have shared the
information that we have found helpful. If you find that a different frame height works
for you, then by all means, use it! Just always take into consideration how well you feel
when quilting.
KATHY SAYS: Find the frame height that feels
best for you. I had to raise my Gammill several
times before I finally got it right. I find having
higher gives me better posture and I can see
what I am quilting. :)
