How to Make DIY Quilting Frames: A Simple Guide to Hand Quilting
Quilting frames have been used for centuries before high-tech machines and elaborate setups.
Hand quilting was a tradition that brought people together, sharing stories, laughter, and creativity while making something beautiful and practical.
This social gathering was referred to as a “quilting bee”.
What is the definition of a Quilting Bee?
A quilting bee is a social gathering where people come together to make quilts. The term originated in the United States between 1825 and 1835.
What is the purpose?
- Community building: Quilting bees provide a place for people to come together and support each other.
- Socializing: Quilting bees are a chance for people to gossip, get advice, and console each other.
- Completing quilts: Quilting bees allow people to work together to finish a quilt in one day.
I wish that this was more common nowadays.
The quilts I have made and the experiences I’ve had with the family gathered around a quilt have driven me to start making more quilts and inviting friends and family over for all of these purposes.
The first step for you to get started would be to make yourself a set of quilting frames.
Quilting today can sometimes feel like an expensive hobby, with fancy machines and costly fabric.
The truth is, you don’t need a long-arm machine or an elaborate setup to enjoy this timeless craft! In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to make your own quilting frames—an easy and affordable way to bring back the joy of hand quilting.
Why Use Quilting Frames?
I fondly remember playing under a quilt as a child while it was stitched. It felt like a colorful tent, full of warmth and creativity.
Quilting frames are a great way to enjoy this traditional craft, and they’re simple to set up and store.
With these frames, you can:
- Tie or hand-stitch a quilt with ease.
- Store small quilts out of the way by leaning them against a wall.
- Avoid the hassle of having your quilting project take over the entire living room!
- Avoid thumbtacks
I am so surprised that so many crafters today have never seen this technique before, and I want to bring it back.
Once you try quilting with these frames, you’ll be hooked!
Materials and Items
Wood boards (labeled as 3×1 at the hardware store, but are actually 2.5 inches by ¾ inches)
- 8-foot boards work well for lap quilts.
- Consider 5, 6, or 7-foot boards for smaller projects.
- Choose straight, knot-free boards.
Fabric strips for attaching the quilt
- A high-thread-count upcycled sheet works best.
- Cut into 6-inch strips.
(Measure the length of the board you are using and subtract 5 inches; this will be the length of the strips).
You will need four strips of fabric. (DO NOT PIECE STRIPS TOGETHER TO FORM A LONG STRIP.) I recommend using an upcycled sheet with a high thread count.
A queen or king sheet works well.
- Measuring tape
- Staple gun
- Hammer (optional)
- Staples: 5/16-inch staples work well.
- Tacks: Use 6x½-inch upholstery tacks with a hammer.
- Sandpaper 80 or110 grit, 220 grit for finishing
- Electric palm sander (optional).
Instructions
1. Preparing the Fabric Strips
- Cut four fabric strips to match the length of your boards minus 5 inches.
Fold each strip in half and press well. - Fold it again to measure about 2 inches wide, with raw edges folded in.
- Staple or tack the strips along the edge of each board, leaving a small gap along the folded edge.
2. Selecting and Preparing the Boards
You may have to look through several boards to find some good ones.
- Choose straight boards without large knots.
- Sand all edges smoothly to prevent splinters.
Use a 80-110 grit sandpaper on the first pass and 220 grit paper for the final pass. - Wipe the boards with a damp cloth to remove dust.
3. Attaching the Fabric Strips to the Boards
You can staple or nail the strips to the boards.
- Place the folded fabric strip along the board’s edge, with the cut edge of fabric on the underneath side.
- Secure it every 3 inches with tacks or staples.
Leave about 2-5 inches of space at the board ends. - If needed, use a hammer to ensure a flush edge of the staples.
4. Gathering Supplies for the Next Step
- C-clamps (2.5-inch recommended, but 2, 4, or 6-inch will also work).
- Long quilting pins (about 1¾ inches long), or I like to use curved safety pins
When you have your quilting frames ready, you’ll need to learn how to attach your quilt to them.
In the following tutorial, I’ll show you exactly how to set up your quilt on the frame.
In the 3rd tutorial in the series, my husband will show you how to make your own quilting stands.
I hope this tutorial inspires you to try hand quilting using a simple, affordable setup.
If you enjoyed this guide, share it with your friends and family.
Stay tuned for the next post in this DIY quilting series!
Happy quilting!
16 Comments
Sweet! Thank you this series, as I was hoping to make my own set of quilt boards this spring. I love the idea of the fabric strips. Thank you for all the great pointers!
You are so welcome.
Where is the tutorial series where your husband shows how he built the stands?
He is still working on the video editing. We were hoping to put it up this weekend, but we do have the PDF plans ready. I’m sorry abou the delay. Thanks for your interest.
I’m wondering if you have tried magnets instead of pinning?
I have not. Have you? I would like to learn more.
Where would I find the instruction for the legs of the quilting frame? You mention in video your husband would show us but I don’t find the link in your videos. Thanks! Great videos!
Here is a link to my quilting series videos.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0S7E5ioHUemhzU02TpoVx63nvkdupFCv
Nevermind, I searched YouTube a couple more ways and wha-lah, found your husband’s stand instruction.
Wonderful
Please share the link. I can’t find the instructions either
Which link are you referring to? The video tutorial or the Instructions for the quilting stands?
Here is the link to the video: https://youtu.be/sg47dbEXuW8?si=QAJcUWu3sfd-QWw2
And the link to the quilting stand pattern and instructions: https://youmakeitsimple.com/product/quilt-frame-stands-drawing-plans-pdf/
Thank you so much for posting this. I have access to this type of quilt frame that has been handed down to me. How do you mount the “sandwiched” quilt to ensure all layers are taught? I’m hoping you may have a tutorial on this process as well.
Hi Dianna,
Here is the link to the tutorial showing how to mount the quilting fabric to the frame. Let me know if you have any furthers questions. https://youtu.be/fOkl6pbBz7I?si=Gv80aJa11PAcfOJA
I have a homemade set of frames…It has the cog wheels, boards are 10ft. long… I can do my king size quilts on them. I tend to make king as I hate short blankets! So… the boards warped 🙁 I’ve looked high and lows up and down to find someone to make me new boards…and I live in Amish Country! I really don’t want to destroy my handmade frames!!! So, I’ve decided to use your tutorial and make my own frames, not sure how to do as a round pole for my wheel and cog set up but I’ll just hold on to them until I find a carpenter. I’m using the PVC pipe frame for the time being…it’s okayyy but I want my quilt frame! And yes, as a young girl I went to a quilting bee with Mennonite ladies, I’ll ever forget the fun!
Hi Jane,
I used to have the cog set up as well. But when it comes down to it, I do enjoy the simple board and stands much better.
Thanks for sharing and I wish you all the best in the making of your new stands.
❤️