BERNINA Hoop Frame
Introducing the newest member of BERNINA’s Q Series lineup of frame options, the 5-foot BERNINA Hoop Frame! It is designed for minimal space requirements, accommodates any size quilt, and is compatible with all brands of domestic sewing machines and the BERNINA Q 20, Q 16, and Q 16 PLUS longarms.
This quick 3-minute video introduces you to the features and functions of the BERNINA Hoop Frame.
What is a Hoop Frame?
Unlike a traditional longarm quilting frame, where the backing, batting, and quilt top are loaded individually onto the frame’s leaders, the Hoop Frame accommodates a basted quilt sandwich that is draped and clamped over the frame’s rail system. This allows you to easily reposition and re-hoop the quilt sandwich while quilting.
There are several features of the BERNINA Hoop Frame that make it one of the superior frames on the market.
What are the Key Features of a Hoop Frame?
The BERNINA Hoop Frame features Drawn Over Mandrel (DOM) star-shaped rails on all sides, which ensures secure hooping of your quilt sandwich with no slippage.
Innovative clamps hold the quilted section. The Q Series version features trough clamps on the take-up rail (as shown in the photo below) while the Domestic Sewing Machine version has bungee straps. The design of the clamps ensures that no quilting space is lost.
The front rail features a ratchet system allowing you to fine-tune the quilt sandwich tension with a simple turn of the rail.
This frame will accommodate any size quilt — from a mug rug, placement, and pillow to a king-size quilt. The side leaders are perfect for small quilts which don’t fill the frame width.
The Hoop Frame’s 5’10” width x 3’3” depth provides a space-conscious footprint in your sewing space. Adding casters to your frame gives you the option of positioning the frame in your room for maximum comfort while using it and then rolling it out of the way when not in use.
The adjustable height legs allow for users of any height and can also be set for use with a chair.
Another user-friendly feature is the Lever Locks, which stop movement on both the horizontal and vertical tracks to hold the sewhead in place while hooping.
What Machines Can Be Used with the Hoop Frame?
Three Q Series sewheads fit on the Hoop Frame: the Q 20, Q 16, and Q 16 PLUS. The Q 16 / Q 16 PLUS have a 12-1/4” throat depth while the Q 20 has a 14” throat depth. All the Q Series sewheads have the option to add the Rulerwork Kit, which makes it the perfect system for stitch-regulated rulerwork.
On the Q 20 and the Q 16 PLUS, the Pantograph Kit, with rear handles, screen, and laser light, can be added, taking advantage of the spacious rear table to lay out the paper pantograph.
In addition to Q Series machines, the Hoop Frame is also compatible with ALL brands of domestic sewing machines. For ease of quilting, it is recommended that the machine have at least 10” of throat depth, which includes BERNINA 7, 8, and 9 Series machines.
The frame has an easy access take-up rail when adding or removing the machine, which allows it to serve in a sewing, embroidery, and quilting capacity. BERNINA QE models with a BSR foot provide stitch-regulated quilting.
If you are looking for a fun, flexible, and sturdy Hoop Frame, plan a visit to your local BERNINA dealer to see and test stitch on the Hoop Frame. If you aren’t sure of the location of your nearest dealer, this handy dealer locator will assist you.
