DIY Quilting Frames

Learn how to build inexpensive quilting frames with this easy step-by-step guide. Complete with a cut list and instructions you can make your own quilt frames in an afternoon.

This is the last part of my little mini series on making blankets.  I first showed you how I tie blankets and then how I bind the blankets.

Today I'll share how I made my own homemade own quilting frames. Now, before we start, let me tell you that I made these about two years ago. I'm hoping I can remember well enough how I made them to give you clear instructions. Make sure to ask me if something doesn't make sense. If you are on a budget, and would like some inexpensive quilting frames, then this is for you.

DIY Quilting Frame

Cut list to make your own quilting frames:

4 pieces pine - 1' x 4' x 8'
2 pieces pine - 1' x 4' x 8' - cut into (8) 16" lengths
plywood or particle board - cut into (4) 8' x 31" pieces

Tools Needed to Build Quilt Frame:

miter saw or table saw
jig saw, sawzall,  or band saw
4 clamps
tacks

How to Make Quilt Frames

When you select your pine boards for the top, pick through and get the best boards {straightest, smoothest, least knots}

Begin by cutting out your boards according to the cut list above.

For the 16" pieces, I cut off the top corners at an angle. I measured and marked 2" from the corner and cut it at a 45 degree angle. I did this for all pieces.

Next we'll use the jigsaw to cut out some notches out of the boards to make the bases.

Four of the boards will have the notch in the bottom of the board, like the top board in the picture below.

Four of the boards will have the notch in the top of the board, like the bottom board in the picture below.

You will measure 7 5/8" from the side. Then cut a notch that is 3/4" wide and 1 3/4" deep. You will slide these two boards together as shown below. On some of the boards I had to trim a little more wood off the notch to get it to fit. Repeat with the other three bases.

Next we will cut notches in the plywood or particle board. {I would recommend particle board. It will make it a little sturdier. We had plywood laying around so I used that, but if I made them again, I'd use particle board}

In the bottom of the board you will cut out a notch that is 1 1/4" wide and 3 1/2" deep in the center of the board. At the top end of the board you will cut a notch that is 1" deep and 3 1/2" wide. The bottom of the board will be inserted on the bases. I had to trim these a bit to get them to fit. It's better to have a snug fit because it will be sturdier.

The top notch is for your quilting frames to sit in.

And there you have it. Just add clamps and tacks and you're ready to go.

It would be good to tack a heavy fabric to the top four boards and then pin your quilt or blanket to the fabric. So far, I haven't made anything besides baby blankets with it. Since they are completed so quickly, I haven't bothered to add my fabric strip. If you are actually hand quilting a quilt, then you would definitely want to pin your quilt to fabric as opposed to just tacking in onto the boards.

 

How to Make a Quilting Frame

Yield: 1

Author: Rachel

Estimated cost: $30

prep time: 10 Mperform time: 3 hourtotal time: 3 H & 10 M

Learn how to build inexpensive quilting frames with this easy step-by-step guide. Complete with a cut list and instructions you can make your own quilt frames in an afternoon.

materials:

• 4 pieces pine - 1' x 4' x 8'
• 2 pieces pine - 1' x 4' x 8' - cut into (8) 16" lengths
• plywood or particle board - cut into (4) 8' x 31" pieces

tools:

• miter saw or table saw
• jig saw, sawzall, or band saw
• 4 clamps
• tacks

steps:

1. Begin by cutting out your boards according to the cut list above.
2. For the 16" pieces, cut off the top corners at an angle. Measure and mark 2" from the corner and cut it at a 45 degree angle. Do this for all pieces.
3. Next, use the jigsaw to cut out some notches out of the boards to make the bases.
4. Four of the boards will have the notch in the bottom of the board.
5. Four of the boards will have the notch in the top of the board.
6. Measure 7 5/8" from the side. Then cut a notch that is 3/4" wide and 1 3/4" deep. Slide one board inside the other. On some of the boards, you may need to trim a little more wood off the notch to get it to fit. Repeat with the other three bases.
7. Next, cut notches in the plywood or particle board.
8. In the bottom of the board you will cut out a notch that is 1 1/4" wide and 3 1/2" deep in the center of the board. At the top end of the board you will cut a notch that is 1" deep and 3 1/2" wide. The bottom of the board will be inserted on the bases. I had to trim these a bit to get them to fit. It's better to have a snug fit because it will be sturdier.
9. The top notch is for your quilting frames to sit in.
10. Add clamps and tacks and you're ready to go.

NOTES:

When you select your pine boards for the top, pick through and get the best boards {straightest, smoothest, least knots}

It would be good to tack a heavy fabric to the top four boards and then pin your quilt or blanket to the fabric. So far, I haven't made anything besides baby blankets with it. Since they are completed so quickly, I haven't bothered to add my fabric strip. If you are actually hand quilting a quilt, then you would definitely want to pin your quilt to fabric as opposed to just tacking in onto the boards.

https://www.adventuresofadiymom.com/2013/03/build-your-own-quilting-frames.html

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