Red Snapper Side Clamps - the BEST Way to Load Them

The Red Snapper system, including the Red Snapper side clamps, is my favorite for loading for quilts on the longarm.

The looooong side clamps provide even tension across the entire throat space, helping to produce a square quilt.

They can be tricky (and even frustrating!) to load, so watch and I'll show you my best tips.

Here are links to the clamps and the original quilt loading system.

These products may contain affiliate links from which I receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I know and love.
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[madgebuus-frank]

Super helpful! I was never quite sure which "channel" the fabric should go in. The side view really clarified this to me!

[jenniferfournier]

Thank you for this. Just got my side clamps and I am sure watching this video saved me frustration.

[barbarahillegass]

I am SEW excited. I just tried my snapper clamps! As I said earlier I just bought them and it’s my first attempt using them. I was struggling with the right side clamp because fabric was fraying……I am so proud of me. I used a small strip of painters tape. Placed it on top (which is wrong side fave up of backing) and AWESOMELY it went right in groove no trouble. Painters tape peels off….and a quilting I go.

[dreamdanzzer]

So glad I found this one. Just ordered my first rolling frame (I have a hoop frame) and ordered the red snappers, so now going to order the side clamps. Love your channel!

[joannemoniz]

Thank you…I gave up using my side clamps…but after watching your demo…I will give it another try!!!

[jennyeaston]

Thank you for this video. Very informative. I love my side clamps. 😊

[barbarahillegass]

I just purchased & received my snappers. Scanned and watched the video on the card that came with clamps. I could not understand or see exactly where the fabric channel is. Then I watched your video THANK YOU THANK YOU! Your video was very clear visually and instructional. I cannot wait to use these new clamps.

[mymovies]

Love your videos, Susan! I was getting frustrated trying to use my new side clamps and your clear explanation and video solved my problem. Thank you!

[giselemacdonald]

I just received mine! The edge on the particular backing I just loaded is a torn edge with some fraying. Had trouble feeding that edge into the slot so came back to find this video. Wondering if the frayed edge will make it impossible. 🤔 these pointers are good so will try again.

[stephanieturner]

Your timing is perfect. I just tried to clamp these clamps onto a quilt and had all kinds of problems. I gave up. I will now try again! Thank you!

[gailstafford]

Thanks for the tips. I have these clamps but got frustrated and have not used

[nickizoda]

I realize this video is old but I hope you see this. How do you use the side clamps with a pieced backing when there is a seam at the side?

[nancygiven]

Thank you 👍🏼👍🏼 I have these ( from your recommendation ) and all of those tips are perfectly helpful in every way ❣️

[traceywalton]

I am having trouble locating the 19" end clamps. I only find 12". I need these in my life!

[jennystrahley]

Thanks so much for doing this video! I love love love using my Red Snappers for loading the top and bottom of my quilt backs, but these end clamps have given me fits! Mine came with a piece of thick blank paper inserted in one of them but there wasn't any directions included, and I'm guessing I tossed the paper. Your video is so helpful. The close-up view is great where you show the channel area where the fabric goes in. I went back and froze that part of the video, got my side clamps and turned them like yours, and marked the top with a permanent marker. I had tried using both sides up but still had my fabric pull out at least 90% of the time. I think when I was holding the clamp that I was causing that channel to close slightly. Now I know which side to put up and that I need to hold them gently. I'll get one of my corsage pins and use it to help if needed. Again, thanks so much. I'm anxious to try using them again!

[dbanning]

I have learned so much from your videos. Have the red snappers in my shopping cart but wonder what size edge strip to buy. I have the Bernina Q20 with the 12ft classic frame. Any help is so appreciated. 😊 !2” or 16”?

[laurakuffler]

Thank you for this, I still have them in the package. I will open it up now. BTW, what quilt pattern is that? It’s lovely. I do QOV quilts and I’m always looking for new patterns.

[marionivy]

How would the side clamps work with a Minky backing? Would the Minky be too thick to fit into the groove?

[emilyhwang]

Hi Susan you said yours are 19". I just wonder if you don't have any trouble when you move the machine to the sides, changing bobbin or so? since there's not much room to go across..? I have also Q24 and just debating which size to go for, 16"or 19".. btw many thanks for your videos. They are very helpful!

[tennispjb]

Do the side clamps ‘break in’ like the regular red snappers? Mine are very stiff.