Quilting frames
Is
it possible to create a quilt without quilting frames? Yes. But, is
it possible to create a big, beautiful, uniform quilt without quilting
frames? Not likely.
While there are people who are geniuses in nearly every profession or
hobby, the vast majority of us are those who need to follow directions,
take special care, and think carefully about what we are doing.
This same thing holds true with those who are talented – but not
perfect – quilters. Anyone who has done many quilts at all can
tell you that it is not absolutely vital that these frames be used to
complete a project.
However, they will tell you that they are very helpful and make the
whole process much easier. A quilter without a frame is kind of like
a football player without a helmet. Can you play football without a
helmet? Sure, but you’ll probably pay the price for not using
it.
Likewise, you’ll probably pay for not using a frame if you are
quilting. This is especially true if you are trying to quilt something
that is large or hard to do. A frame helps to stabilize the quilt and
thus helps keep you from making unnecessary mistakes as you complete
the project.
Quilting frames are available in different shapes and sizes. Some are
big and square, while others are small and round. In this case, size
doesn’t matter, but durability does. The wood from which these
frames are made need to be durable enough to last throughout several
projects.
It is wise to at least consider using quilting frames. If you are unsure
if using them is something you want to always do, create at least one
quilt with one and compare it to a similar project done without one
of these frames. Chances are you will like what the frame has helped
you to do.