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 Product Review : Grace GMQ-Pro No-Baste Machine Quilter

The GMQ-Pro No-Baste Machine Quilter is a high performance, durable, well-constructed frame. It is created to work with any home sewing machine, as well as mid-arm or long-arm machines. Extensions come standard so that three sizes are possible; Crib (70"), Queen (104") and King (128"). Bundling these extensions with the frame is particularly convenient, as helps quilters avoid hidden costs.

This frame possesses a particularly attractive rail design. It features new pivoting rails that allow easy inspection of stitches. The easy-lift rail mount provides convenient access for bobbin changing too. The rail design, most impressively, preserves work area tension when the bottom two rails are lifted.

The GMQ-Pro features four rails total. Three rails separate each layer (backing, batting and quilt top), providing a significant amount of control, and eliminating the need for basting. Fabric is held securely with no sagging or shifting. The layers come together for quilting in the front area of the frame. The fourth rail included with this model keeps batting off the floor, yet allows it to roll smoothly along with the other layers.

Tension is maintained with three high precision 30-tooth ratchet wheels. These allow fabric to roll smoothly and evenly, and accurately re-sets tension as needed. Double-locking stops secure the wheels when not rolling.

Fabric loads easily onto the GMQ-Pro. The rails feature their new Fabri-Fast system which streamlines the process. Fabric and tubing is pushed into the Fabri-Fast slot with the provided tool. Loading is easy and no tape is needed.

Features

- carriage provides a smooth 16" stroke
- five year limited warranty against breakage or warping
- fits machines with up to 20" throat space
- leveling feet provide additional stability
- four side tension clamps provide fast and easy tension control
- stylus included
- fourth rail included
- sturdy aluminum/plywood construction

Pros :

Despite the fact this frame can be used for full sized projects, it is built for portability. The frame's legs collapse underneath it, collapsing the frame conveniently for travel or storage.

Perhaps one of the leading benefits of the GMQ-Pro is its tracking. The frame is designed to deliver smooth, seamless tracking for any sized project. It rests on two sturdy plates that track with smooth ball-bearing rollers. The single-length tracks for the bottom plates are engineered from ABS plastic to deliver the smoothest, bump-free performance possible. In addition, the tracks are in-set in pre-cut grooves on the table top, so alignment is always maintained. The bottom plate allow up to 16 inches of forward/reverse travel, with your sewing machine setting the reach limit.

The frame's easy grip are extremely convenient. They are placed to allow quilting on either side of the frame. In addition, the handles are designed for either shoulder or waist height control of the frame. No matter your preferred work posture, the GMQ-Pro is designed for comfort and convenience.

Cons :

Clearly, the GMQ-Pro is a high end machine quilting frame. Unsurprisingly it is priced accordingly. This frame may simply exceed the budget for some quilters.

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