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I’m sure you’ve seen those cool PVC-pipe quilting frames. People use them for tying quilts and detailed hand quilting. You can buy a PVC quilting frame at most craft stores, but it’s also easy to make one yourself for less money.
I’ve seen a few PVC quilting frame plans on the internet, but I thought I could design a better one. I’ve included the instructions for my 5’x2.5’ PVC quilting frame plan in this post for FREE.
Reasons Why You Need a PVC Quilting Frame
People appreciate beautiful quilts because of all the time and skill required to make them. Quilts sometimes become family heirlooms and representations of our family history and values. A PVC quilting frame makes it easier to work on these beautiful heirlooms.
A DIY quilt frame works just as well as the expensive ones you can buy from fabric stores. And, PVC pipe works great because you can build a quilting frame any size you want to suit your needs. It’s not as sturdy as a wood frame, but it gets the job done.
Advantages to Using a PVC-Pipe Quilting Frame
- PVC pipes come apart for easy storage.
- The light-weight design lets you move the PVC quilting frame yourself.
- You don’t have to mess with heavy clamps or sharp quilting tacks.
FREE 5’x2.5’ PVC Quilting Frame Plan by Sewing Society
Below you’ll find the step-by-step instructions for my PVC quilting frame plan. The entire quilting frame project can be completed for under $200.
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Step 1: Decide Which DIY Quilting Frame Plan to Use
You can build a PVC quilting frame in practically any size you’d like. I chose 5’x2.5’ because PVC pipe usually comes in 5-foot lengths. My quilting frame plan eliminates waste and requires a minimal number of cuts. You can work on everything from baby quilts to king-size bedspreads.
I just wanted to make you aware that there are other DIY quilting frame plans on the internet and you could also design a PVC frame yourself. I’ve also seen quilting frames with a tilt. This is a nice feature if you do a lot of hand quilting, but I find it more difficult to build.
Step 2: Gather the Supplies for Your PVC Quilting Frame
If you’re building a large quilting frame, I suggest you use CPVC. It’s a stronger material than standard PVC pipe and will make your DIY quilting frame sturdier. However, regular PVC pipe works in most cases.
This project can be completed for under $200. If you’re looking to save some money, you can get rid of the two 5-foot lengths of PVC pipe on the bottom of the quilting frame. The frame won’t be as sturdy, but it will still work.
Materials List for the 5’x2.5’ PVC Quilting Frame Plan:
- (8) 3-Way 1-inch PVC Elbow Fittings. (Pack of 4 on Amazon)
- (8) 5-foot 1-inch PVC Pipes. (Pack of 2 on Amazon)
- Pipe Snap Clamps (Pack of 1-inch Clamps) (Pack of 1-¼-inch Clamps)
Tools You’ll Need:
- Measuring Tape
- Hacksaw or Pipe Cutter
- Marker
- PVC Glue (optional)
- Sand Paper
You can buy most of your supplies at a hardware store, but they’re sometimes cheaper on the internet. I suggest you buy both 1-inch pipe snap clamps and 1-¼-inch pipe snap clamps to accommodate for different thicknesses of fabric. You’ll need the larger clamps when using thick quilt batting, but the smaller clamps work for most projects.
You don’t have to use white PVC pipe. You can find bright red, green, blue, purple, and yellow PVC pipe and fittings. It will just cost you a bit extra money.
Step 3: Cut the PVC Pipe to the Right Size
PVC pipe comes in long lengths, usually 5-10 feet. You can use a hack saw to cut your PVC pipe or buy a PVC cutter. Measure and mark your pipe with a marker before cutting. I like pipe cutters with a ratcheting design because they create smoother cuts that will aid you during the assembly stage.
For my 5’x2.5’ PVC quilting frame plan, cut four of your 5-foot PVC pipes in half. Use a measuring tape to ensure each pipe is cut to 2.5’. Then, sand each cut until they are smooth to the touch. When you’re done, you’ll have four 5’ pipes and eight 2.5’ pipes.
Step 4: Assemble Your Quilting Frame Pieces
The assembly step should only take you a few minutes. Attach 3-way elbow fittings to the ends of all four 5’ pieces. Then, line up your 2.5’ pieces and attach them to your 5’ pieces.
Follow the diagram below for assembly:
Some people like to use PVC glue to hold the elbow fittings onto the PVC pipes. If you do this, only attach glue to one of the openings on the 3-way fittings. That way you can still take your quilting frame apart for easy storage.
If you bought pipe snap clamps, set them aside for use when attaching your fabric to your quilting frame. You’ll be working on small portions at a time. You won’t be able to stretch your entire quilt at once because the short side is 2.5’. However, this makes it easy to reach the middle of your quilt.
Step 5: Cut Your Quilting Snap Clamps (Q-Snaps)
To hold your fabric and batting onto your PVC quilting frame, you’ll need snap clamps. You can buy quilting frame clamps at most fabric and craft stores or you can cut some yourself out of PVC pipe. If you want to make your own, you’ll need varying sizes of pipe to accommodate different fabric thicknesses. 1-inch and 1¾-inch pipe works in most cases.
Cut along the length of your pipe to remove a section that is just smaller than half your pipe’s circumference. Draw two straight lines down the length of your pipe first. Hold your pipe with a clamp so it will not move and then cut using a rotary tool. Be sure to follow all safety instructions included with your rotary cutting tool, such as wearing goggles. Make the cut as straight as possible. Then, sand down the cut edges until they are smooth to the touch.
Congratulations! You’re ready to start quilting. I hope you enjoy your new PVC quilting frame.
If you think PVC quilting frame plans look too complicated or you don’t have the time for this DIY project, you can buy the premade Herrschner’s Quilter’s Floor Frame. It’s a lightweight frame with adjustable heights from 29 to 35 inches. It’s the next best thing to making a custom one yourself. Plus, this one has a tile feature.
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Thank you. The instructions are understandable and detailed.