The Evolution Hoop Hybrid quilting frame is the coolest frame Grace Company offers because it can switch from hooping to rolling rail and will evolve with you. You can start small and upgrade and expand this frame whenever you're ready.
So let's dive in by first learning how to load the frame Hoop Style - this means clamping the quilt on all sides much like a traditional lap-hoop:
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Benefits of Hoop Frame Quilting
The main benefit of a hoop style frame is being able to quilt ANY size of quilt in a small space. The Evolution Hoop is 66 inches long so it's the biggest hoop frame we currently offer.
If you are seriously short on space and need a frame that's collapsible, Click Here to check out the Cutie Frame.
BUT there is a downside - hoop style quilting takes more time to load and advance the quilt.
How to Switch to Rolling Rail Style
The Evolution Hoop Frame is the first hybrid frame for quilters. This means it can switch from hoop style to rolling rail style. Learn how to make this change in this video:
In this video I also spend some time sharing the upsides and downsides of Hoop Frames verses Rolling Rail Frames.
Benefits of Rolling Rail Quilting
The main benefit of a rolling rail style frame is a speedy loading and advancing process. The quilt is layered / basted directly on the frame in this case, which means advancing to your next section is as easy as rolling the quilt up on the back rail.
You may also find you have a bit more space for quilting because you won't have the back clamps taking up space in the arm of your machine.
BUT there is a downside - the size of the frame limits the size of your quilt. In this case, your maximum sized backing fabric is 56-57 inches wide. Your maximum quilt width is 42 inches.
See how to load the Evolution Frame rolling rail style in this video:
Click Here to find the Yellow Daisies Quilt Panel from this video.
I hope you can see the upsides and downsides of both quilting styles and the best part is - you don't have to pick just one with the Evolution Hoop Frame!
- When you're quilting a big quilt, switch to hoop style.
- When you're quilting a baby quilt (42 inches wide or less), switch to rolling rail style.
- When you're quilting a Christmas tree skirt or circular quilt, switch to hoop style and easily load the odd shape however you like.
- When you're quilting a king sized quilt split into sections (42 inches wide or less), switch to rolling rail style, then connect the quilted pieces together when you're done.
There are so many possibilities for this Evolution Frame!
How the Evolution Frame Evolves with You
I've received a lot of questions about the upgrading and expanding process for the Evolution Hoop Frame. When you decide to expand this frame, you will need an Upgrade Kit and an Extension Kit the length you plan to expand the frame.
We offer 2 foot, 3 foot, and 5 foot extensions and you can use multiple Extension Kits together, so long as the overall length of the frame does not reach over 12 feet. The Grace Company does not offer tracks or leader cloth longer than 144 inches.
When you upgrade and expand this frame, it will become a Rolling Rail Frame only and you will no longer be able to use this frame in Hoop Frame Style. Click Here to find the Upgrade and Extension Kits for this frame.
1 comment
I love the concept of this frame and would love to have one. However, I just upgraded my old hoop frame with the new table. Something now to save for. Question, will the back clamps fit the original hoop frame? That is a great design and your are correct much better than the elastic.