I like to use the PVC square quilt frames. They snap together when you want to use them and pull apart for easy storage when you’re not. You just lay the quilt over the square, then there are 4 plastic “holders” that snap on to hold the top of the quilt. With a simple twist of those holders, you can instantly adjust the tension. I don’t like to have the quilt too taut in the frame…I like just a little play. It kind of feels like a marshmallow when I get it just right. There are no wrinkles in it, but it’s loose enough to easily manipulate the needle through the layers.
As for marking, I usually try to minimize that. I only mark the open areas and just follow the appliques or seams there. When I do mark, I use the blue water soluble pens. Note: Be sure your quilt will be washable, or at least rinsable, or it can leave brown residual lines. I have a quilt I started when my daughter was expecting my granddaughter. Little Diane (named after me) is now 27 years old and I recently found that huge quilt when we were packing to move. I’ll bet it’s been 20 years since I’ve even laid eyes on it. I had a big trailer in the back behind the garage that was my quilting sanctuary. I had all of my projects, machines, notions, fabrics, and cutting mats out there. We sold that trailer to make room to build our new house and that’s when I found this long neglected quilt. I‘ve decided to finish it and give it to her. But some of the lines had disappeared and in other areas there are brown lines instead of blue. I’ve been working on it now anyway. She’s as sentimental as I am and when I tell her the history and why there are brown ghosts of the lines, I know she’ll understand. I’ll still try washing it when it’s finished, and maybe some of them will come out, but I don’t hold out much hope. Now mind you, those lines have been on there for 27 years, and I’ve never had that kind of ghosting on any other quilt I’ve done, but that’s a long time for a chemical to sit on white fabric.
Tailor’s chalk works well but brushes off easily as you manipulate the quilt. It should last through doing a lap quilt but I wouldn’t mark anything larger with it. Same with pounce pads.
I agree with Dreamer…some kind of frame, whether hoop or PVC frame…is almost essential to keep the layers straight and wrinkle free. But as I said, I don’t tighten mine to be too taut. A little give is helpful.
As for marking, I usually try to minimize that. I only mark the open areas and just follow the appliques or seams there. When I do mark, I use the blue water soluble pens. Note: Be sure your quilt will be washable, or at least rinsable, or it can leave brown residual lines. I have a quilt I started when my daughter was expecting my granddaughter. Little Diane (named after me) is now 27 years old and I recently found that huge quilt when we were packing to move. I’ll bet it’s been 20 years since I’ve even laid eyes on it. I had a big trailer in the back behind the garage that was my quilting sanctuary. I had all of my projects, machines, notions, fabrics, and cutting mats out there. We sold that trailer to make room to build our new house and that’s when I found this long neglected quilt. I‘ve decided to finish it and give it to her. But some of the lines had disappeared and in other areas there are brown lines instead of blue. I’ve been working on it now anyway. She’s as sentimental as I am and when I tell her the history and why there are brown ghosts of the lines, I know she’ll understand. I’ll still try washing it when it’s finished, and maybe some of them will come out, but I don’t hold out much hope. Now mind you, those lines have been on there for 27 years, and I’ve never had that kind of ghosting on any other quilt I’ve done, but that’s a long time for a chemical to sit on white fabric.
Tailor’s chalk works well but brushes off easily as you manipulate the quilt. It should last through doing a lap quilt but I wouldn’t mark anything larger with it. Same with pounce pads.
I agree with Dreamer…some kind of frame, whether hoop or PVC frame…is almost essential to keep the layers straight and wrinkle free. But as I said, I don’t tighten mine to be too taut. A little give is helpful.
