Grace Q-Zone Hoop-Grame Assembly & Use Instructions
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Grace Q-Zone Hoop-Grame Assembly & Use Instructions

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Assembly & Use Instructions
Version 2.5
February 14, 2022
The Grace Company

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Summary of Contents for Grace Q-Zone Hoop-Grame

  • Page 1 Assembly & Use Instructions Version 2.5 February 14, 2022 The Grace Company...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Contents My Frame Details ......................ii Included Parts and Tools ....................iii Welcome to Your Q-Zone Hoop Frame ................1 Part One ......................3 Task 1 - Set the Frame Height ..................4 Task 2 - Install the Corner Brackets ................6 Task 3 - Install the Frame Tracks ..................

  • Page 3: My Frame Details

    My Frame Details Use this page to write down some information about your frame. This will be helpful if you ever need to call a Grace Company support technician. Q-Zone Hoop Frame Type: ________________________________________ Date of Purchase: ____________________________________ What Machine are You Using? __________________________ Select Which Frame Accessories You Have Purchased: •...

  • Page 4: Included Parts And Tools

    Included Parts and Tools Box 1 Left Leg Right Leg Side Corner Assembly Assembly Fabric Clip (x2) Bracket A-Side (x2) QZF-09-13037 QZF-09-13038 QZH-05-12024 QZH-04-16331 See page 4 See page 4 See page 34 See page 6 Corner Bungee Bungee Connector Bolt Bracket B-Side (x2) Mount (x4) Clamps (4 pack)
  • Page 5 Included Parts and Tools (Continued) Box 2 Back Hoop Front Table Support Front Long Rail Rail Assembly (x2) Fabric Clip (x2) QZF-09-13040 QZH-04-12030 QZF-09-13055 QZH-05-12025 See page 22 See page 22 See page 9 See page 34 Box 3 Back Rail Fabric Bottom Single-Wheel Clip (x3)

  • Page 6: Welcome To Your Q-Zone Hoop Frame

    Thank you again for choosing us to help with your quilting projects. We look forward to working with you. - The Grace Company Start Here: Frame Manual: Part One • Assemble the frame’s legs, table, and sides.
  • Page 7 Frame Manual: Part Two • Install the channel lock on the machine or top plate. • Prepare the top plate and home sewing machine. • Place the machine or top plate on the frame. Quilting Machine Manual: Part Three • Install the wheel covers, display, handles, thread mast.

  • Page 8: Part One

    Part One Complete Part One of these instructions before assembling your quilting machine or any accessories. At the end of each part, you will be instructed to switch to specific sections of your machine manual, QuiltMotion manual, or other accessories, if you’ve purchased them and are preparing to assemble them at this time.
  • Page 9 Part One Parts & Tools Needed: Left Leg Right Leg Allen Wrench Open End Wrench Assembly Assembly 4 mm 10 mm and 13 mm Instructions The frame height is important for comfortable prolonged use. Ideally, when fully assembled the handlebars on your machine or top plate will be around elbow height. Take the following steps to set your frame height: While standing straight, hold your elbow at 1.

  • Page 10: Task 1 - Set The Frame Height

    Part One Task 1 - Set the Frame Height (Continued) 1. On both leg assemblies: Find the hole number that corresponds with your elbow height in the chart. Then lift the top part of each leg to align its two screw holes with the hole you’ve chosen in the bottom part of the leg.
  • Page 11 Part One Parts & Tools Needed: Corner Corner Connector Bolt Allen Wrench Bracket A-Side (x2) Bracket B-Side (x2) M6 x 10 mm (x12) 4 mm Frame Reference Card Hook Instructions The corner brackets attach the legs to the table part of the frame. Take the following steps to install the corner brackets: 1.

  • Page 12: Task 2 - Install The Corner Brackets

    Part One Task 2 - Install the Corner Brackets (Continued) 1. Use a third M6 x 10 mm connector bolt to attach the frame reference card hook to the front of the right leg assembly with the 4 mm Allen wrench. Do not tighten. Connector Bolts Frame Reference M6 x 10 mm...
  • Page 13 Part One Task 2 - Install the Corner Brackets (Continued) 1. Loosely install an A-side corner bracket onto the back of the left leg assembly with three M6 x 10 mm connector bolts and a 4 mm Allen wrench. Do not tighten. Left Leg Assembly Corner...
  • Page 14 Part One Parts & Tools Needed: Table Support Connector Bolt Allen Wrench Assembly (x2) M6 x 10 mm (x8) 4 mm Instructions Take the following steps to install the frame tracks (table support assemblies): 1. Loosely attach one of the table support assemblies to the A-side corner bracket on the right leg with two M6 x 10 mm connector bolts.

  • Page 15: Task 3 - Install The Frame Tracks

    Part One Task 3 - Install the Frame Tracks (Continued) 1. Loosely attach the remaining table support assembly onto the corner brackets at the back of the frame. Use four M6 x 10 mm connector bolts and the 4 mm Allen wrench. Do not tighten.
  • Page 16 Part One For details on using the channel locks, see page Parts & Tools Needed: Bottom Single-Wheel Channel Lock Allen Wrench Carriage Channel Lock Washer 4 mm Instructions Channel locks restrict the movement of the machine along one axis, so that it is easy to create a straight vertical or horizontal line.

  • Page 17: Task 4 - Install The Single-Wheel Channel Lock

    Part One Task 4 - Install the Single-Wheel Channel Lock (Continued) 1. Push the channel lock so it is flush with the side of the wheel extrusion. Use the 4 mm Allen wrench to tighten in place. Wheel Extrusion Wheel Extrusion 1.
  • Page 18 Task 4 - Install the Single-Wheel Channel Lock (Continued) 1. Close the channel lock handle and test it out. The rubber foot should press firmly against the frame tracks and prevent the bottom carriage from sliding across the frame. Rubber Foot If the channel lock doesn’t fully reach the track, or its grip on the track seems loose, twist the rubber foot clockwise to extend it.
  • Page 19 Part One Parts & Tools Needed: Allen Wrench 4 mm Instructions Proper track alignment ensures the smooth motion of the machine across the frame. Take the following steps to align the tracks: 1. Loosen the four connector bolts on the 1.

  • Page 20: Task 5 - Align The Tracks

    Part One Task 5 - Align the Tracks (Continued) 1. Push down firmly on the bottom carriage and slowly move it across the frame to the other side. This helps straighten the tracks. 1. Push down firmly on the bottom carriage and slowly move it to the other side again. As you pass over each connector bolt, pause to tighten it.
  • Page 21 Part One Congratulations! You have completed Part One of the assembly instructions for your frame. Before continuing to Part Two of these instructions, complete any of the following that apply to you: • Wheeled quilting machine users: Complete Part One of your instruction manual and follow the instructions provided at the end of Part One to determine what manual to go to next.

  • Page 22: Part Two

    Part Two Part Two Before completing the tasks in part two, please ensure you’ve completed the applicable items listed below. Progress Checkpoint Have you: • Installed the lower encoder onto the bottom carriage (machine manual part one) OR assembled your top plate? (Note: If you’ve assembled your top plate, skip ahead to Part Three on page 21.) •...
  • Page 23 Part Two Parts & Tools Needed: If using a top plate, skip to Part Three on page 21. Dual-Wheel Allen Wrench SBHCS For instructions on Channel Lock 4 mm M6 x 20 mm using the channel locks, see page 47. Instructions Channel locks restrict the movement of the machine or bottom carriage along one axis, so that it is easy to create a straight line.

  • Page 24: Task 6 - Install The Dual-Wheel Channel Lock

    Part Two Task 6 - Install the Dual-Wheel Channel Lock (Continued) 1. Close the channel lock handle and test it out. The rubber foot should press firmly against the bottom carriage tracks and prevent the machine from moving front-to-back on the carriage. Rubber Foot If the channel lock doesn’t fully reach the track, or its grip on the track seems loose, twist the...
  • Page 25 Part Two Congratulations! You have completed Part Two of the assembly instructions for your frame. Before continuing to Part Three of these instructions, complete any of the following that apply to you: • Wheeled quilting machine users: Complete Part Three of your instruction manual. Note if your machine manual is not broken into parts, complete the following in order: 1.

  • Page 26: Part Three

    Part Three Part Three Before completing the tasks in part three, complete part three of your machine manual. Progress Checkpoint Wheeled quilting machine users: Have you: • Completed Part Three of your machine instruction manual: • Installed wheel covers (applicable machines only)? •...
  • Page 27 Part Three Parts & Tools Needed: Back Hoop Front Allen Wrench Long Rail Rail 4 mm Instructions The frame rails hold your quilt fabric. Take the following steps to install the frame rails: 1. Use the 4 mm Allen wrench to remove the four M6 x 25 mm SBHCS holding the rail corner covers.

  • Page 28: Task 7 - Install The Rails

    Part Three Task 7 - Install the Rails (Continued) 1. Place the hoop front rail onto the front rail holders so the large holes on the rail are on top. Hoop Front Rail Note: The pegs in the rail holders will slide into the rails. 1.
  • Page 29 Part Three Task 7 - Install the Rails (Continued) 1. Remove the thumb screws on the back rail corners. Thumb Screws (x6) 1. Remove the back corner rail covers. Back Rail Corner Covers 1. Slide the long back rail through the throat of the machine. Long Back Rail...
  • Page 30 Part Three Task 7 - Install the Rails (Continued) 1. Place the long back into the back corner cover so the fabric straps dangle toward the back of the rail. Fabric Straps Note: The pegs in the rail holders must align with the holes in the rail. 1.
  • Page 31 Part Three Parts & Tools Needed: Allen Wrench 4 mm Instructions The height of the fabric in relation to the machine is critical in maintaining both fabric and thread tension while quilting. It is important to set the height and distance of the frame rails according to the dimensions of the sewing machine you’re using.

  • Page 32: Task 8 - Set Rail Height

    Part Three Task 8 - Set Rail Height (Continued) 1. Expand the frame side: • For machines under 16” in throat space, extend so that the first slot is just visible. • For machines 16” in throat space or more, extend so the second slot is just visible. Less than 16”...
  • Page 33 Part Three Task 8 - Set Rail Height (Continued) It’s easiest to adjust the height of the hoop one corner at a time. Move the machine to the left side of the frame, and bring it as far forward as it will go. 1.
  • Page 34 Part Three Task 8 - Set Rail Height (Continued) Set the other three height levers to the same height hole as the one you just set. Height Hole Re-tighten the four set screws with the 4 mm Allen wrench.
  • Page 35 Part Three Parts & Tools Needed: Bungee Bungee Mount (x4) Clamps (4 pack) Instructions The bungees maintain quilt tension when the edge of the quilt doesn’t reach all the way to the side rails. Take the following steps to install the bungees: 1.

  • Page 36: Task 9 - Install The Fabric Bungees

    Part Three Task 9 - Install the Fabric Bungees (Continued) 1. Press down on the button on the bungee stop and then slide it off the bungee cable. Thread the bungee cable up through the Repeat steps two and three for the bungee mount.
  • Page 37 Part Three Parts & Tools Needed: Open-End Wrench Open-End Wrench 10 mm & 13 mm 14 mm & 17 mm Instructions Not all floors are even, and you don’t want your machine running away from you while you’re quilting! Take the following steps to level your frame: Lower all four leveling feet to the lowest position by loosening the top nut over the leveling foot with the 17 mm Open-end wrench as far as it will go.

  • Page 38: Task 10 - Level The Frame

    Part Three Task 10 - Level the Frame (Continued) With all feet set to the lowest position, it’s time to test how level the frame is. Bring the machine to the rear left corner of the frame, and gently release it. If the machine drifts toward any of the feet, that foot may need to be raised.
  • Page 39 Part Three Parts & Tools Needed: Back Rail Fabric Front Side Clip (x3) Fabric Clip (x2) Fabric Clip (x2) Instructions The fabric clips hold and tension the quilt on the frame. The following steps cover how the clips are installed onto the frame: 1.

  • Page 40: Task 11 - Fabric Clip Placement

    Part Three Task 11 - Fabric Clip Placement (Continued) 1. Press the side fabric clips onto the side rails from the side of the frame. Side Fabric Clip (x2) Congratulations! You have completed Part Three of the assembly instructions for your frame. Before continuing to Part Four of these instructions, complete any of the following that apply to you: •...

  • Page 41: Part Four

    Part Four Part Four Progress Checkpoint Have you: • Completed Part Three of QuiltMotion (optional)
  • Page 42 Part Four Tip: The fabric dimensions described Parts & Tools Needed: are ideal for quilts larger than the frame’s hoop. Smaller quilts may Fabric Marking benefit from different dimensions. Pencil or Chalk See page 48 for details. Measuring Tape or Ruler Pins Instructions The backing and batting help position the quilt top so that it is within reach of the machine on the...

  • Page 43: Building Your Quilt Sandwich

    Part Four Building Your Quilt Sandwich (Continued) 1. Pin the layers together to hold your quilt 1. Align the mark you made on your quilt top with the second mark on the batting. Pin sandwich in place. the two layers together. Quilt Top (Right side facing) Batting (scrim side down) 1.
  • Page 44 Part Four Parts & Tools Needed: Back Rail Fabric Front Side Clip (x3) Fabric Clip (x2) Fabric Clip (x2) Instructions Correct placement of the quilt on the frame ensures the machine will be able to reach the edges of the quilt top, the fabric is well-tensioned, and stitching will be square with the quilt edges. Take the following steps: 1.

  • Page 45: Positioning The Quilt On The Frame

    Part Four Positioning the Quilt on the Frame (Continued) 1. Adjust the quilt so the hopping foot can reach the corner edge of the quilt top. The left edge of the quilt may not reach all the way to the side rail. 1.
  • Page 46 Part Four Positioning the Quilt on the Frame (Continued) 1. Press the side clamps on over the fabric on the side rails. Do not install the fabric clip if the fabric doesn’t reach the side rail. 1. Roll excess fabric from the top edge of your quilt to the rail. Wrap the fabric straps around the rolled fabric and clip them into the lip on the fabric clamps.
  • Page 47 Part Four Parts & Tools Needed: Side Bungee Bungee Mount (x4) Clamps (4 pack) Fabric Clip Instructions Sometimes one edge of the fabric won’t reach the side rails of the hoop, and you will need to use the bungees to attach and tension the fabric. Take the following steps to install and use the bungees: 1.

  • Page 48: Using The Bungees

    Part Four Using the Bungees (Continued) 1. Slide the edge of the quilt into the throat of the clamps. Make sure the tooth digs into fabric, not batting. Bungee Tooth 1. Press down on the bungee stops and pull the cord tight so the fabric is straight and smooth. 1.
  • Page 49 Part Four Tack down the edges and sides of the quilt about a quarter of an inch from the backing and batting. Note: When you move to a new zone, don’t forget to tack down the edge of the quilt top first thing.
  • Page 50 Part Four Instructions: Once you’ve finished quilting the available space (called a zone) on your quilt, you will need to move your quilt in the hoop to a new zone. 1. Remove the fabric straps from the back rail fabric clips, and remove any bungee clamps by pressing the clamp release.

  • Page 51: Moving Your Fabric

    Part Four Moving Your Fabric (Continued) 1. Position the quilt so that the next zone is within the reach of the sewing machine. We recommend going from left to right across the top of the quilt, then working downward from left to right, like reading a book.
  • Page 52 Part Four Instructions The channel locks restrict the movement of the bottom carriage and the sewing machine or top plate so that you can easily stitch a straight line. 1. To quilt a straight line horizontally across the frame, close the channel lock on the machine. 1.
  • Page 53 Part Four Parts & Tools Needed: Read these steps all the way through first to avoid making a mistake when cutting your backing and batting. If your quilt top doesn’t reach the rails, you will need to cut your quilt backing to be large enough to make up the difference.

  • Page 54: Quilts Of Alternative Size And Shape

    Part Four Quilts of Alternative Size and Shape (Continued) If your quilt top doesn’t reach the side rails, there are two options: • You can cut the backing to be wide enough to cross the full width of the frame and be clamped into place (65”...
  • Page 55 Part Four Quilts of Alternative Size and Shape (Continued) Move your machine to the front-right corner of the frame and you’ll find the same thing. There is an area around the circumference of your frame where your machine will not be able to reach. If any part of your quilt top ends up in the areas the machine can’t reach, you won’t be able to sew that part of your quilt top.
  • Page 56 Instructions: Once you’ve attached your quilt to your frame and basted down the quilt top edges for the first quilting zone, here are some helpful things to consider. 1. Over time your quilting frame may settle into a slope. If you find the machine drifts or pulls to the side, you may need to re-level the frame.
  • Page 57 While still tightly holding the top thread, move the machine several inches to the side. Your top thread should pull a loop of bobbin thread through the start point to the top of the fabric. Bobbin Thread Start Point Pull on the loop of bobbin thread until the loose end of the thread comes up from underneath the fabric.
  • Page 58 To pull up bobbin thread at the end of stitching: Hold the loop and move the machine away from the tie-off again. Move the machine away from the tie-off stitch. Hold the thread to make a loop and Keep moving away from the tie-off until return the machine to the tie-off stitch.
  • Page 59 The Grace Company Phone: 1-800-264-0644 www.graceframe.com...

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