Fabric retention clip and rail

A quilt core retention device adapted to retain a quilt core to be sewn by a quilting machine to a quilting frame, the retention device comprising

• a retention clip configured to selectively couple a laterally-extending support member of the quilting frame with the quilt core draped over the support member to retain the quilt core to the support member, the retention clip shaped to define a support-member receiving channel configured to receive the support member of the quilting frame;
• a pair of fabric retainer arms that each extend from the retention clip away from the support member of the quilting frame, the pair of fabric retainer arms spaced apart longitudinally from one another to define a quilt-core roll receiving channel configured to receive a quilt core roll of unsewn or previously sewn fabric of the quilt core to support the quilt core roll relative to the quilting frame when the quilt core is draped over the quilting frame;
• and
• a spring-biased retention clamp pivotably coupled to one retainer arm included in the pair of fabric retainer arms to change between a closed position in which the retention clamp extends between the pair of fabric retainer arms to engage the quilt core roll located in the quilt-core roll receiving channel to block the quilt core roll from moving out of the quilt-core roll receiving channel and an open position in which the retention clamp is spaced apart from the other retainer arm to allow the quilt core roll to move out of the quilt-core roll receiving channel;
• wherein the retention clip and the pair of fabric retainer arms are integrally formed as a single piece component.

A method for retaining a quilt core to a quilt frame unit for sewing by a quilting machine, the method comprising

• providing quilting frame unit comprising a frame support structure adapted to support a machine carriage assembly, a frame assembly affixed to the frame support structure, the frame assembly including a plurality of fabric support members, and a retention system including one or more quilt core retention members that each have a retention clip, a pair of fabric retainer arms that each extend from the retention clip away from the support member of the quilting frame, and a spring-biased retention clamp pivotably coupled to one retainer arm included in the pair of fabric retainer arms, the pair of fabric retainer arms spaced apart longitudinally from one another to define a quilt-core roll receiving channel, the retention clip shaped to define a support-member receiving channel configured to receive one of the plurality of support members of the quilting frame;
• draping the quilt core over the plurality of fabric support members of the frame assembly;
• coupling the retention clip of the quilt core retention member to a rear fabric support member included in the plurality of fabric support members of the frame assembly with the quilt core draped over the rear fabric support member to retain the quilt core to the rear fabric support member;
• pivoting the retention clamp to an open position in which the retention clamp is spaced apart from the other retainer arm to allow the quilt core roll to move into the quilt-core roll receiving channel;
• locating a quilt core roll of unsewn or previously sewn fabric of the quilt core in the quilt core roll receiving channel to support the quilt core roll relative to the frame assembly when the quilt core is draped over the frame assembly, and
• pivoting the retention clamp to a closed position in which the retention clamp extends between the pair of fabric retainer arms to engage the quilt core roll located in the quilt-core roll receiving channel to block the quilt core roll from moving out of the quilt-core roll receiving channel after the quilt core role is located in the quilt core roll receiving channel,
• wherein the retention clip and the pair of fabric retainer arms are integrally formed as a single piece component.