Securing the Anchor
Post
The TopAnchor system is different from
anything else we’ve ever used in longarm quilting before and it usually takes a
little while to get used to using it. These are some tips that should help, but
don't hesitate to contact me for more information.
) Use a
permanent marker to
mark the bottom of the anchor post where the U shape is. This will show where
to place the stabilizer pin.
) Use a scooping motion
to put in the anchor pin.
) Having the edge of
the extension table where you want to put the anchor post helps out a bit by raising up
the quilt along the table’s edge.
) After the anchor post
is in, tilt it to the side or even lift up on it so that the tip of the
stabilizer pin hits where the U shape is on the prong, then tilt to the other
side so the stabilizer pin comes back out close to the prong. The closer the
pin and prong meet, the tighter the fit.
) Make sure the
stabilizer pin is going under the U in the prong.
) Practice on a small
separate quilted piece to get the feel of using the prong and stabilizer pin
together. I have a little ball (stuffed & quilted) at my workbench for
testing all of the anchor posts.
Moving the Template
) Once you have a tight
fit of the anchor post and stabilizer pin, the stitched arcs will get much
better.
) Just touch the guide
and hopping foot together; they don’t have to be held tightly. This will get
easier as you get more practice. They should be holding hands, not arm wrestling.
)
Try keeping your palm
on the anchor post. Sometimes that little bit of extra weight helps keep the
stitching steady.
But most of all - PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE. You didn't learn to quilt in one day either.
The
main thing is to keep trying. If you start getting frustrated, put it down and go do
something else for a while. Once you get the hang of it, you will love how the TopAnchor system
works.
Betty
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