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9-1-2022
APQS.com
Quilting Basics
Method #1: Partial Float
Quilters who “partially float” their quilt tops attach one edge of their quilt to the frame, but not the opposite end.
These quilters attach one edge of their quilt to the Quilt Top Roller so that they can wind it up and control the top
during the quilting process. However, the opposite end of the top is not attached to the Pick-Up Roller. Instead, it
rests on the batting and backing, and may be held down with basting stitches or pins.
The “partial float” method is most common for pantograph quilters because it allows you to quilt off the edge of
the quilt without running on to the frame’s canvas. When you reach the bottom of the quilt, you remove the quilt
from the quilt top roller and then smooth it out on the backing and batting so that you can quilt off the bottom of
the quilt just as you did on the top edge. To prevent shifting, the bottom edge may also be pinned, or machine
basted in place on the backing and batting.
Method #2: Full Float
By contrast, when a person uses the “full float” method to load a quilt, no part of the quilt is ever attached to the
frame. The quilt drapes over the batting and backing but hangs to the floor. This method is fastest for loading a
quilt since only the backing fabric is attached to the frame. Some quilters who prefer this method completely
remove their Quilt Top Roller from the frame, and use an optional accessory for APQS machines called a “
” (available for both standard and deluxe tables; check it out on our Online Store). However, this
method does not provide a lot of control over the quilt top and it could shift quite a bit unless you use other
clamping methods to hold it securely on the Quilt Back Roller.
Method #3: Full Attachment
The “full attachment” method involves pinning the quilt top to the Pick-Up Roller in addition to the backing fabric.
This allows the top and backing fabric to be adjusted independently from each other and affords great control
over the three layers
–
it is easier to ease the quilt edges if necessary, with fewer preparatory steps. However,
you should not use this method if you’re doing a pantograph that must travel past the quilt’s raw edge. Otherwise
you’ll be stitching on the canvas itself. This is a popular method for custom quilters who want ultimate control
over the quilt top.
As you can see, each method has positive and negative aspects. It’s good to know how to use all of them so that
you can choose the method that makes sense for any given project. For example, it may be easier to use a
common backing fabric and quilt four placemats side by side using the full floating method. But it might make
sense to use the pinning method when your borders have too much fabric compared to the rest of the quilt. You
can “ease in” the top as you pin it to the rollers, and then allow your quilting to help absorb the extra fabric.
(Thicker batting and a dense quilting design also help.)
Remember that none of these methods is the one “right” way to load your quilt. Explore all of them to determine
which one makes sense for your project, your style of quilting and your patience level!