28
(ID: 040708)
Take Up
Leader 5"
Backing
Leader 24"
Top Fabric
Leader 18"
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
18"
24"
5"
Take Up Leader
Backing Leader
Top Fabric Leader
3/4" Casing
3/4" Casing
3/4" Casing
Fabrifast Tubing
Cloth Leader
MAKING CLOTH LEADERS
First, select your cloth leader material. We recommend using a good quality muslin or similar fabric that has
a good thread count. Be aware, however, that if the fabric is too thick, it may prove more difficult getting it
installed into the rail slot.
Surge or hem your cloth leaders on all sides.
Make cloth leaders so that their lengths are as folows (these may need to be slightly longer if spreading rail
mount ends to accomodate a larger machine (16” or larger throat)).
Mark a dashed line along the length
of your leader about ½” in from the
edge. You will use this as a guide to
help you insert your leader into the slot
in a straight line. (OPTIONAL: For a
straighter cloth leader installation, some
may consider it easier to make a casing
and push the tubing into the casing
before installing it into the slot. If you
wish to do this, create a casing on one
end of each leader by folding over the
fabric one inch (1”), and, using your presser foot as a guide, stitching the fabric together 3/4” from the fold.
This will leave about ¼” of fabric beyond the stitching. Leave the edges open on both ends. You may then
slide your tubing into the casing).
Mark each cloth leader at the center (length-wise).
Mark (or baste) a straight line about ½” in from
the opposite (non-casing, or non-dashed) end of the
leader. This will be the line to which you attach your
fabric layer.
Center your cloth leader lengthwise along
the rail. Using Grace’s new Fabri-Fast
TM
System, take a piece of plastic tubing (cut
to the appropriate length), and, holding
your cloth leader to the slot (lining up the
dashed line), press the tubing over the
leader and into the slot. Use the Fabri-
Fast tool to press the rest of the tube and
fabric in quickly and easily. (If you have
made a casing, line up this casing w/
tubing over the slot and press it into the
slot using the Fabri-Fast tool.
This illustration shows the cloth leaders
installed on each rail prior to your quilt
layers being installed.