GRACE EZ3 Fabri-Fast Quilting Frame User Guide

GRACE EZ3 Fabri-Fast Quilting Frame

Product Information

The Grace EZ3 Fabri-Fast Quilting Frame

The Grace EZ3 Fabri-Fast Quilting Frame is a sturdy frame that can be used finished or unfinished. It comes with a five-year limited warranty provided by GraceWood, Inc. The frame can be sealed, stained, or finished using a number of different applications such as tung oil, Danish Oil finish, or a urethane coat to add a more glossy furniture-like finish. The frame should be stored in a dry place. If not assembled, store with braces in the vertical position to prevent floor moisture from seeping into the braces. The assembled frame should not be carried by the quilting poles. The braces should be held instead.

Product Usage Instructions

• To care for your EZ3 Fabri-Fast Quilting Frame, it is recommended that you seal, stain, and/or finish the frame using a number of different applications before assembly. To seal the wood, an application of tung oil is recommended as it will help preserve the wood and prevent warping. For adding a certain color to your frame, you may use a Danish Oil finish. We recommend the Deft or Watco brands. Some may prefer to use a urethane coat to add a more glossy furniture-like finish.
• When storing the frame, always store it in a dry place and if not assembled, store it with braces in the vertical position to prevent floor moisture from seeping into the braces. It is important not to carry the assembled frame by the quilting poles but instead hold the braces. Do not drop the frame or let it twist out of the square.
• If any part of the Grace EZ3 Fabri-Fast Quilting Frame is shown to be defective, GraceWood, Inc. will replace or repair it at their choosing. The warranty does not cover parts damaged through misuse, improper storage, improper assembly, loss, natural events, and willful or accidental destruction. To obtain a valid RMA# for returning defective parts, call GraceWood, Inc. at 1-800-264-0644.
• To assemble the frame, follow the steps in the manual and use the provided parts list and hardware. The parts list includes 1 left pole mount end, 1 right pole mount end, 1 left tilt head, 1 right tilt head, 1 left foot, 1 right foot, 2 braces, 3 48-inch rails, 3 46-inch rails, 1 left leg, 1 right leg, 3 6-inch rails, 3 ratchet wheels, 3 ratchet stops, 6 end cap shoulders, and 3 90-fabric retaining tubing. The hardware includes 2 1/4 X 45mm connector bolts and 6 7/8 screws.
  If you need technical support or have any other correspondence concerning your EZ3 Fabri-Fast Quilting Frame, call 1-800-264-0644 or email robin@graceframe.com or fax 801-908-8888 or write to The Grace Company P.O. Box 27823 Salt Lake City, UT 84127. For more details on accessories and other information, visit www.graceframe.com.

Caring for Your EZ3TM Fabri-Fast Quilting Frame

• Your EZ3TM Fabri-Fast Quilting Frame is a sturdy frame that can be used finished or unfinished. For extra protection, or to give it a finished look, you may seal, stain and/or finish the frame using a number of different applications. This is best done BEFORE YOU ASSEMBLE your frame.
• To seal the wood, we recommend an application of tung oil that will help preserve the wood and will help to prevent warping. To add a certain color to your frame, you may use a Danish Oil finish. We recommend the DeftTM or WatcoTM brands. Some prefer to use a urethane coat to add a more glossy furniture like finish.
• Test stain on an inconspicuous place. Many different finishes and/or stains may be suitable for sealing and beautifying your frame. You may want to consult your local paint retailer for finishes that are easy to apply and dry hard–not oily.

Use and Storage Tips

• Store frame in a dry place. If not assembled, store with braces in vertical position. (This will prevent floor moisture from seeping into the Braces).
• Do not carry the assembled frame by the quilting poles. Hold the braces instead.
• Do not drop the frame or let it twist out of square.

EZ3 Fabri-Fast Parts List

EZ3 Fabri-Fast Hardware

Quilting With the Grace EZ3TM Fabri-Fast Quilting Frame

Before You Begin

• Using the parts list as a reference, take the parts out of the box and make sure that you have them all. (If there is something missing or broken, contact The Grace Company at 1-800-264-0644. We will promptly ship any needed item.)

Tools Needed

• To assemble the frame you will need a few common tools. Once the frame is assembled, no tools will be needed for the use of the frame.

1. One 1/2″ wrench
2. One 7/16″ wrench (A combination or socket wrench will also work.)
3. Phillips Head Screw Driver
4. Allen Wrench (provided with hardware)

• Note: To help you distinguish wood parts, all Left and Right Side parts are marked with an “L” and “R” respectively, engraved into the wood on the inside of the part.
• Step 1: Hardware to Leg Assembly
• Parts Needed: Right and Left Diagonal Stands
• 6 – 5/16″ x 2″ Carriage Bolts
• 6 – Jamb Nuts
• 6 – 1/4″ Smaller Flat Washers
• Note the direction that the carriagebolt goes through each part.
• tighten the jamb nuts on the carriagebolt to pull the square part of the bolt into the wood until the bolt is completely seated into the wood part.
• NOTE! Failing to tighten the Jamb nuts in these initialsteps will lead to assembly problems in further steps. Besure to completely tighten each jamb nut as instructed!

Step 2: Hardware to Tilt Head

• Parts Needed: Right and Left Tilt Heads
• 6 – 5/16″ x 2″ Carriage Bolts
• 6 – 5/16” Jamb Nuts
• 6- 1/4″ Flat Washers
• Note the direction of the carriage bolts in relation to the Tilt Heads
• Position the carriage bolts through both Tilt Heads as shown in drawings. Tighten the jamb nuts over the end of carriage bolts until the square part of the carriage bolt is completely seated into the wood.

Step 3: Feet to Leg AssemblyStep Assembly

Parts Needed: Right and Left Feet

• 1 – Right Leg (w/ Hardware Installed)
• 1 – Left Leg (w/ Hardware Installed)
• 2 – – 5/16” Plastic Knobs
• 2 – 5/16” Nylock Nuts
• 4 — 5/16″Large Flat Washers
• As shown in the drawing, position the carriage bolt end through the holes in each foot.
• For ease of tightening, thread flat washers and Knock nuts onto the bottom carriage bolts first.
• The nylon side of nylon lock nuts faces out when threading onto the Bolt end.
• NOTE! Leave all nylon lock nuts loose enough to slide the joint.
• Next, thread the washers and plastic knobs on the top carriage bolts.
• REMINDER! The Nylock Nuts look just likeJamb nuts except for the thin white nylon ringinside. This keeps the nut from eventuallyworking itself off of the bolt. When tighteningNylock Nuts at moveable points like this one, it is important not to over tighten! Tighten theNylock Nut just enough to hold the washeragainst the wood, but loose enough to allow thewasher to turn with your finger.

Step 4: Tilt Head to Legs Assembly

• Parts Needed: Right and Left Pivot Sections (w/ Hardware Installed)
• 2 – 5/16” Plastic Knobs
• 2 – 5/16” Nylock Nuts
• 4 – 5/16″ Large Flat Washers
• Align the carriage bolts that arealready installed on the tilt heads andthe legs, and place them through theholes as pictured.
• Notice that the flat washer and plasticknobs are threaded onto the end ofthe lower carriage bolt toward theoutside of the frame. The washer andnylon lock nut are loosely threadedonto the upper carriage bolt towardthe inside of the frame. **Be sure tonot tighten the Nylock Nuts all theway

Step 5: Pole Mount End to Tilt Head/Leg Assembly

• Parts Needed: Right and Left Pole Mount Ends
• 4 – 5/16” Flat Washers
• 2 – 5/16” Black Plastic Knobs
• 2 – 5/16” Nylock Nuts
• Fasten the Left Pole Mount End tothe Tilt Head/Leg Assembly byplacing the two carriage bolts throughthe Pole Mount End (as shown inpicture) on each side. Then place theflat washer over the end and threat onthe plastic knob and the Nylock Nut.Do this one side at a time.
• NOTE! Do not over-tighten LockNuts! The washer must be able tospin freely.

Step 6: Hardware to Brace Assembly

Parts Needed: 2 – Braces

• 2 – 5/16″ x 2″ Carriage Bolts
• 2 – ¼” Flat Washers
• 2 – 5/16” Jamb Nuts
• Thread one 5/16”x 2” Carriage bolt through the end of each brace section as pictured.
• Place the ¼” Washers and 5/16” Jamb Nuts onto each Carriage Bolt as pictured. Tighten the jamb nut all the way so that the square part on the carriage bolt is drawn completely into the wood.

Step 7: Brace Assembly Parts Needed: 2 – Braces with previously installed hardware

• 2 – 5/16” Flat Washers 2 – 5/16” Plastic Knobs
• Align the Braces as shown in the picture so that the protruding carriage bolt goes through the long slots in the braces.
• NOTE! Make sure that the keyed part of the brace ends are either both on the top side or both on the bottom side.
• Place the 5/16” Flat Washers over the bolt and thread on the black plastic knobs for each side of the brace, as pictured.
• NOTE! No additional pieces are needed to extend the brace from the Crib Size to the Queen Size. You can Lengthen or Shorten the brace by loosening the Black plastic knob and sliding the Braces to the desired position.

Crib Size Brace Assembly

Step 8: Brace to Right and Left Side Assembly

• Parts Needed: 2 – Assemblies for Right and Left Sides Completed brace Assembly from Step #7
  • 2 – ¼” Rectangle Nuts
  • 2 – ¼” x 45mm Connector Bolts
• Line the keyed brace up with the keyed hole on the Leg of one of the Left Side Assembly.
• NOTE! Standing at the front of the frame the Brace attached to the Left Side should be the rear of the two pieces included in the Brace Assembly. See below picture.
• NOTE! The Key should be on top!
• Place the Rectangle Nut Into the slot as pictured to the right.
• Slide the ¼” × 45mm Connector Bolt into the hole located in the center of the keyed slot, and start threading it into the rectangle nut.
• Using your Alan Wrench Completely tighten the bolt.
• Repeat the Process for the Right Side Assembly.

Step 9: Ratchet Wheels and Rail Assembly

• Parts Needed: 3 – Ratchet Wheels
• 3 – 6″ Rails (Crib)
• 3-48 ” Rails (Crib/Queen)
• 3-46 ” Rails (Queen)
• Depending on the size of your quilt you will choose the configuration of the rails, See both pictures on this page. Choose vour size and then proceed from there.
• Depending on the size of your quilt you will choose the configuration of the rails, See both pictures on this page. Choose your size and then proceed from there.
• Attach the Rails End for end, sliding the tapered end of the 48″ Rail into the shorter rail.
• Place the Ratchet Wheels onto the end of each 48” rail, as shown in the drawing.
• Note the direction of the ratchet wheel teeth: Be sure they are going the right direction. (Use the Picture below as a guide-Front Rail is on the Right)

Step 10: Rail to Frame Assembly

• Parts Needed: 3 – Previously Assembled Rails
• 6 – End Cap Shoulders
• 6- 7/8″ Screws
• Position the Rail Ends (on ratchet wheel end) through the three holes in the Right Pole Mount End, as shown in drawing.
• Place the End Cap Shoulder on the Opposite side of the Pole Mount End. As pictured below.

Step 11: Ratchet Stop Assembly

• Parts Needed: 3 – Ratchet Stops
  • 3-¼” ×1½ Truss Bolts
• Thread the Truss Bolt through the Ratchet Stops into the holes on the Pole Mount End as pictured below.
• NOTE! FINGER TIGHTEN ONLY
• You Are Now Finished with The Assembly Of Your EZ3 Fabri-Fast Quilting Frame

Tilting the EZ3 Fabri-Fast

• The Following is done best one side at a time.
• Step 1: Loosen Knob inside front on both ends of the Frame. (As seen in picture below)
• Step 2: Standing at back of Frame Slide Pole Assembly forward slightly.
• Step 3: Tilt to Desired Angle of 0-45°Degrees.
• Step 4: Pole Assembly back until both ends rest solid between Teeth in Tilt Arch.
• Step 5: Retighten Knobs inside Front on Both Ends of Frame.

Folding the EZ3 Fabri-Fast

• Frame must not be tilted when it is to be folded. (See left picture below.)
• Folding feature will not affect the quilt in progress.
• Some practice may be required to fold the quilting frame in 20 seconds.
• Folded frame is about 6-1/2″ wide.
• Follow the Steps in order, without variation.
• Reverse steps to unfold.
• Step 1: Loosen knobs outside on both sides of frame. (As seen in left picture above)
• Step 2: Lift at joint until top releases. (As seen in left picture above in diagram A)
• Step 3: Top Pole Section pivots down. (As seen in right picture above in diagram B)
• Step 4: Retighten Knobs outside on both ends of Frame. (As seen in right picture above in diagram B)
• Step 5: Loosen knobs outside Base Legs on both sides of Frame. (As seen in right picture above in diagram B)
• Step 6: Lift Entire Frame from the Brace until legs drop to the joint. (As seen in picture below in diagram C
• Step 7: Frame will rotate forward and down. (As seen in picture below in diagram C
• Step 8: Gently lay Frame Flat. (As seen in picture below in diagram C)
• Step 9: Retighten Knobs on Base Legs. (As seen in picture below in diagram C)

Quilting on the IM-EZ3™M

Preparing the Fabric Layers For Installation

• Make sure that each layer of fabric is the correct size and has straight edges and square corners. The short time. and small effort that you spend measuring and squaring will result in much time saved later in the quilting process.
• If the lining or backing has a seam running down the middle, then be sure to cut the salvage edge off at the seam and press the seam open over the entire length.

Bonded batting is strongly recommended.

• PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING INSTALLATION METHODS COMPLETELY BEFORE CHOOSING YOUR METHOD AND PROCEEDING!

Installing the Quilt Fabric Layers

METHOD #1: MAKING AND USING CLOTH LEADERS

• This is the preferred method for installing your fabric, and is especially recommended when quilting a pieced top or a backing made with multiple pieces.
• Though it will take a little more time in the beginning, in the long run it will be a time- saver, preventing you from having detach and re-attach your quilt as you near completion.
• MATERIAL: We recommend using unbleached muslin or mattress ticking.
• Cut vour material to the dimensions specified above. Pieces “B”, “M”, and “F” correspond to the Back Middle and Front rails.
• Next, make a ¾” casing or hem in each leader as pictured here.
• Slide the plastic retention tubing into this hem or casing (pictured below).
• ALTERNATIVE: Instead of making a hem or casing, you may also draw or sew a straight line in your fabric, ½” from the edge of the leader cloth. Use this line as a guide to line up your fabric retaining tube.
• Now push your tubing with fabric into the slot of the corresponding rail. Insert the 14″ leader into the back rail, the 7″ leader into the middle, and the 5″ to the front.
• Now you are ready to install your fabric layers to the quilting frame, attaching each layer to the corresponding cloth leader.

Backing Fabric

• A. Proper Sizing The first fabric that will be applied to the quilting frame is the Backing. The Backing is also known as the lining fabric. This piece of fabric will be the under side of the finished quilt. It is recommended that this piece of fabric be larger than the top, on all four sides, especially if your top is a pieced top. (A pieced top may stretch out and become larger than the backing if you do not make this allowance). ‘The Backing fabric can be one continuous piece of fabric or can be made b sewing fabric together.

• B. Piecing the Backing fabric: Many quilts have back fabrics that are not one continuous piece of fabric and are pieced together using two fabric pieces with a seam down the middle or three fabric pieces with two seams having been sewn. Cut the selvedge off before you piece the back fabric together. The selvedge is woven more tightly than the rest of the fabric and won’t have the same give as the rest of the fabric. This may cause the seam to be too tight. Use a slightly larger, looser machine stitch than normal in sewing/piecing the lengths of the back fabric together. You also can sew your back fabrics together using crosswise piecing.
  C. Backing fabric to Middle Pole: Mark the center of Backing Fabric with a pin or pencil mark.

• Place the center mark to the center of the Middle Pole. (The Backing Fabric is put on with the wrong side of the fabric up and visible.)

• Lay the Fabric naturally and evenly along the straight line of the cloth leader. Do not stretch the Fabric from side to side. Start pinning the fabric onto the leader along the line that has been stitched or marked.

• Note: flat flower pins work great for this, and roll well against the pole

• D. Rolling Fabric onto Middle Pole: Next, roll the quilt backing onto the Middle Pole. To do this properly, be sure to roll the pole counter- clockwise as you look at the frame from the view below (toward the ratchet wheels). The fabric needs to roll from off the top of the pole and toward the front pole (see below).

• Roll the material onto the Middle Pole, making a smooth roll. Be sure that no wrinkles are present.

• Smooth the Quilt from the center to the outside edges of the Pole as it is being rolled. At this point do not roll the Fabric tightly, just nicely smooth and even.

• E. Opposite end of Backing Fabric to Front Pole: Place the other end of the Backing Fabric to the Front Quilting Pole cloth leader, centering with the mark as directed on the Front Pole (the same way as the first pole).
  Place the center mark to the center of the Front Pole leader. Lay the Fabric naturally and evenly along the straight line of the leader cloth. Do not stretch the Fabric. Pin the fabric to the leader cloth.

• Make sure that the amount of pole showing at the edges of the Fabric to the End Boards is the same on all Poles.

Batting and Quilt Top

•  Lay the Quilt Top face down on the floor and line your batting directly over it. Mark the center of the Top.
• Line up the edge of the Quilt Top/ Batting to Back Pole cloth leader as pictured.
• Line the center the Top/Batting to the center of the rear pole. Pin fabric to the cloth leader.
• Roll the Top/ Batting onto the rear pole by rolling the rail counter-clockwise, as you did the middle pole. Make sure it rolls smoothly, with no wrinkles.
• When you reach the end of the fabric, pull the loose end of the Top/Batting over the backing and line it up on the front rail.
• Completely pin the Batting and Quilt Top moving from the center out to each corner.
• Remember to smoothly and evenly lay the Quilt Top to the Front Pole without stretching from corner to corner during the pinning process.

METHOD #2: INSTALLING FABRIC DIRECTLY TO THE POLES

• This Method works well if your quilt top is a single piece and your backing is also one piece.

• In this method you bypass using cloth leaders and simply make a ¾” hem or casing at either each of your backing (or draw or sew a straight line about ½” from each edge).
  Next, insert the fabric retaining tube into the hem or casing, or, if using the line method, push the fabric into the slot of the pole, following the straight line the entire way.

• Push the tubing with fabric securely into the pole the entire length.

• Do this in the same order as outlined in Method #1:

1. Backing to Middle Pole
2. Backing to Front Pole
3. Top and Batting to Back Pole
4. Top and Batting to Front Pole

• NOTE: ‘The batting should not be inserted into the pole slots. Instead it should lie right up next to the slot. It may be pinned to secure it in place, if desired.

Making Your Side Tension Fabric (Optional)

• In this section you will learn how to make the cloth attachment you will use to create side-to-side tension for your quilt.
• Muslin is an excellent fabric to use for this.
• Cut to the following dimensions: Two pieces of muslin into 10°x 16″ rectangles.
• NOTE! The smaller the quilt, the longer you will need to make the Side Tension Fabric for each side.
• Hem all four sides ¾”, each fabric piece will now measure 8 ½” x 14½”
• Thread the fabric through the slots located on both the Right and Left pole Mount Ends 8 ½” side first.
• Pin one end of the Side Tension Fabric to the quilt, as pictured below.
• Pull the Side Tension Fabric taut and pin it to itself.
• Repeat the last two steps for the opposite side.
• NOTE Each time vou advance the fabric to a new section you will first un-pin and then re- pin the Side Tension Fabric to your quilt.

TROUBLESHOOTING

• Problem: Puckering is occurring throughout the quilt top as soon as it’s removed from the frame.
• Solution: Uneven tension was applied to the quilt layers (ex: if the top has puckers, the bottom was rolledfaster or tighter than the top). This is a common mistake. It is VERY IMPORTANT that you use as little front- to-back tension on vour fabric as possible!
• It is much easier to keep the tension equal on the backing and top if you keep it minimal from beginning to end.
• Problem: Fabric sags on one side or in middle.
• Solution: Fabric may not be cut evenly straight or the grain of the cloth may not be square. Take it off and square it up or pull (gently) to square.
• Problem: Sides of quilt have a concave edge.
• Solution: The fabric was stretched along the pole. Take the fabric off and let it relax until it is not misshapen and then re-install, without stretching it along the edge.
• Problem: Batting tears or separates during the tightening of the ratchet wheels.
• Solution: The Batting was stretched and stressed. One thing you can try is to make the Batting should be longer than the Quilt that you are making and there should be no tension applied to it. Another alternative is to use a few extra inches of Batting and let it sag down between the two rear poles. This will stop the Batting from pulling. You may unroll the rear pole and fix the Batting at any time during the quilting process.
• Problem: Poles are bowing in.
• Solution: The causes may be: 1. Seam down the center of the Fabrics may be sewn too tightly and is not giving with the rest of the Fabric. If the Seam is the problem the Quilt may be attached sideways, 2. Fabric is not cut evenly. 3. Too much tension has been applied. 4. Fabric has been stretched along the Poles instead of naturally laid along the Poles and then attached.

Helps for Tied Quilts:

• Before installing the Quilt onto the Frame, mark both the Quilt Top and Backing in similar increments along the
  two side edges. (The sides that are not tacked onto the Poles.) While rolling the Quilt during the tying process watch the marks.

• This will help you to keep equal tension on the Top and Backing Fabrics so you won’t over-tighten one or the other of your Fabrics.

• Important! When rolling into a new area of tying, allow your last row of ties to remain in the new area of tying. Also, tie your knots tight. DO NOT over roll your last row of ties over the turn in the pole.

Five-Year Limited Warranty

• GraceWood, Inc. will replace or repair, at our choosing, any part of the Grace EZ3TM Fabri-Fast Quilting
• Frame, which may be shown to be defective. This warranty does not cover parts damaged through misuse, improper storage, improper assembly, loss, natural events, and willful or accidental destruction. Defective parts may be returned only with a valid RMA# which may be obtained by calling GraceWood, Inc. at 1-800-264-0644.
• The warranty card must be filled out, stamped, and mailed to the address on the card within 30 days of purchase.

Contact Information

• For Technical Support or any other correspondence concerning your EZ3 TM Fabri-Fast Quilting Frame, call 1-800-264-0644 ~
• OR ~ E-mail: robin@graceframe.com ~ OR ~ Fax: 801-908-8888  OR ~ Write to

The Grace Company

• P.O. Box 27823
• Salt Lake City, UT 84127
• For details on accessories and other information, see us online at www.graceframe.com
• For shipping of materials to The Grace Company address package (postage prepaid) to The Grace Company, 2225 South 3200 West, SLC, UT 84119. Materials may be returned only with a valid RMA# or Returned
• Merchandise Authorization Number which may be obtained by calling GraceWood, Inc. at 1-800-264-0664.
• If you call after business hours (M-F 8:00 a.m. – 5 p.m., MST) be assured that your call will be returned the next business day if you leave a message.
• Please report any errors in these instructions or make constructive comments to the following: jaren@graceframe.com
• Grace Quilting Frames and Hoops: Innovation and Evolution
• Grace Quilting Systems have been developed over the past two decades with several original design innovations. Additionally, because of feedback from many of the thousands of quilters who have purchased and used the GraceFrameTM, we have been able to make a frame that will truly enhance the entire process of hand quilting from beginning to end. If you have any suggestions that will help us to improve our product or service, let us know, using one of the above contact methods.

References

• Quilting Tools & Accessories | Quilting Essentials | The Grace Company
• Quilting Tools & Accessories | Quilting Essentials | The Grace Company

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