The Joy of Quilting with Your Long-Arm Machine
8
KathyQuilts.com
In this chapter, we will discuss how to properly set up and care for your frame, leaders,
and work area. Doing so will help remove distractions, increase your comfort, and
make your quilting experience much more enjoyable.
Make sure your frame is level
Your frame should be level, meaning it must be completely flat across the top, and
the rails and ends should be completely parallel with each other. A level frame will
help you avoid many potential problems while quilting, such as losing tension, skipping
stitches, or a drifting carriage on the frame. If you are experiencing any of these
problems, be sure to check that your frame is level. The Gracie Queen, Gracie King,
and Launch Pad frames have height-adjustable legs to help level the frame. After
adjusting the legs, use the manual foot levelers that come with all the frames for micro
adjustments to fine-tune your frame’s height.[1]
We recommend using a level to check all sides of your frame to see where
adjustments might be needed. If you do not have access to a level, you can test to
see if your machine/carriage drifts in any direction when you let go of the handle.
Move the machine toward each end of the frame, and also the middle of the frame,
let go of the handle and see if it stays in place. Adjust the foot levelers so that the
machine will stay in place if you find it is drifting one way or the other.
HELPFUL VIDEO:
KATHY SAYS: Having your quilting frame
perfectly level is very important to your
quilting experience. You will know how level
your frame is once you put your machine
on it. It is really easy to level up your
frame. If your machine coasts to one side
or another raise the foot levelers on the
corrisponding leg of your frame. Watch
the video when in doubt.
