Guide the machine
A wheeled carriage and easy-grip handles help you explore curves, loops and free-motion designs while the frame supports the quilt.
HANDI QUILTER · TABLETOP FREE-MOTION QUILTING
Frame quilting that folds away.
Make room for free-motion quilting without dedicating your sewing room to a permanent frame. The Handi Quilter FreeWay sits on a suitable table and lets you guide a compatible sewing machine over a supported quilt. Its fold-away design makes it practical for a shared craft space, a class or a quilting retreat.
Machine compatibility
The FreeWay is designed for compatible domestic sewing machines. Before ordering, check your machine’s overall size, needleplate height and balance on the carriage.
- Recommended maximum machine dimensions: 19.5″ long × 10.5″ wide (approximately 49.5 × 26.7cm), with a needleplate height of no more than 5.6″ (14.2cm).
- Sweet 16: not recommended. Its significant rear overhang concentrates most of the machine’s weight towards the back. This can affect the balance and stability of the base plate and could cause damage.
- Moxie 15: stitch regulation is not retained. The tested setup requires removal of the wheels, encoders and other components to fit the machine on the base plate, leaving it without stitch regulation.
- Fit is about balance as well as size. An oversized machine or uneven weight distribution may unbalance the base plate and cause damage. Contact us before ordering if your machine exceeds the recommended dimensions or you are unsure about its fit.
Send us your machine make and model and we can help you assess the setup before you order.
Why choose the FreeWay?
Keep your space flexible
Set up on a suitable work surface for quilting, then fold the frame away when the table is needed for another project.
Start with a compatible machine
Use a suitable domestic sewing machine after checking its dimensions and balance. A supported machine is essential; this is not a universal fit for every model.
How you quilt on it
- Check your machine with us, including its make, model, overall dimensions, needleplate height and any rear overhang.
- Set the frame on a sturdy, level table and follow the supplied setup and loading instructions.
- Mount the compatible machine on the carriage, prepare it for free-motion quilting and clamp the quilt layers as directed.
- Guide the machine using the handles. Complete the available section, then reposition the quilt to continue the design.
- When finished, remove the machine and quilt before folding the frame for storage as instructed.
The advertised quilting section is not a maximum finished quilt size. Larger quilts require repositioning, and the usable quilting depth is limited by your machine’s throat space. The frame does not turn your sewing machine into a computer-guided quilting system or add stitch regulation.
A closer look at the FreeWay
Select a photo to see the larger image. This listing is for the frame only.
Specifications at a glance
| Product | Handi Quilter FreeWay Frame — frame only |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer reference | QT10203 |
| Recommended maximum machine dimensions | 19.5″ long × 10.5″ wide (approximately 49.5 × 26.7cm); compatibility and weight distribution must be checked |
| Maximum needleplate height | 5.6″ (approximately 14.2cm) |
| Frame dimensions, set up | 49.9″ long × 20.2″ deep × 8.4″ high (approximately 127 × 51 × 21cm) |
| Working footprint to allow | Approximately 50″ wide × 32″ deep (127 × 81cm); use a sturdy, level table with suitable support and working clearance |
| Maximum quilting section | Up to 36″ wide × 15″ deep (approximately 91.4 × 38.1cm); actual depth depends on the sewing machine’s throat space |
| Folded dimensions | 49.9″ wide × 20.2″ deep × 4.5″ high (approximately 127 × 51 × 11.4cm) |
| Frame weight | Approximately 39lb / 17.7kg |
| Construction | Steel with a purple powder-coated finish |
| Sewing machine and table | Not included |
| Travel case | Optional accessory; not included in this frame-only price |
Measurements are approximate. Machine fit and safe weight distribution must be confirmed for the exact configuration; do not rely on dimensions or demonstration videos alone.
What is included
- Handi Quilter FreeWay Frame with two-piece machine carriage and handlebars
- Four 12″ quilt clamps and two 4″ quilt clamps
- Three large and four small rubberized clamps
- 2.5mm Allen key
Not included: sewing machine, supporting table, quilt materials or the optional FreeWay travel case. Please confirm the current regional package when enquiring.
Questions before you choose
Will it fit my sewing machine?
Send us the make and model before ordering. The recommended maximum machine length is 19.5″ and width is 10.5″, with a needleplate height no greater than 5.6″. A machine that fits these measurements still needs an appropriate balance and secure support.
Can I use a Sweet 16 on this frame?
The Sweet 16 is not recommended for the FreeWay. Its rear overhang and rear-concentrated weight may unbalance the base plate and could cause damage.
Does a Moxie 15 keep its stitch regulation?
No. Fitting the tested Moxie 15 to the FreeWay base plate requires removing its wheels, encoders and other components, so stitch regulation is no longer available in that configuration. Discuss a suitable supported setup with us before proceeding.
Are the machine and travel case included?
No. This is the frame-only offering at NZ$1,975 including GST. The sewing machine, supporting table and optional travel case are separate.
Can I quilt a bed-sized quilt?
You work within a section of the quilt and reposition it as you progress. The maximum stated section is up to 36″ × 15″, with actual quilting depth depending on the machine. Plan your design and quilt support around that workflow.
Watch: setting up your FreeWay Frame
See the frame, carriage and clamps come together in Handi Quilter’s step-by-step setup video.
Watch the FreeWay setup video on YouTube.
Machine and accessories shown are for illustration. Check the machine compatibility information above when choosing your setup.
Let’s check your setup
Use the product enquiry form and tell us your sewing machine make and model, its length and width, the height of its needleplate and your table dimensions. Include your town or postcode so we can confirm availability and delivery arrangements for New Zealand.
Explore more Handi Quilter accessories or browse our free-motion and ruler quilting supplies.
Product specifications: Handi Quilter FreeWay Frame and the regional FreeWay sales brochure. Please check the machine compatibility information above before ordering.