Frame Stability: The 5-Minute Test

Wobble = skipped stitches. Use this fast routine before every session.

TL;DR

5-minute stability test: (1) Level frame with shims, tighten stand braces (60s), (2) Check corners for flex, confirm gripper strips flush/inward (90s), (3) Tension top→bottom→sides until drum-tight (90s), (4) Pressure test center with palm—no movement (60s), (5) Test-tuft 10cm line for consistency (60s). No wobble = clean stitches.

1) Level & legs (60 sec)

Place a small level on the top rail. Shim feet until level.
Check stand braces; tighten any loose screws.
See our frame setup guide for detailed instructions.

2) Corners & grippers (90 sec)

Press on each corner—no flex allowed.
Gripper strips flush and facing inward (how-to).
Confirm strips bite evenly on all sides.

3) Tension order (90 sec)

Top → bottom → left → right.
Pinch test in the center (1–2 cm rebound) (tension test).
Re-tension after 10–15 minutes of tufting.

4) Test line (60 sec)

Tuft a 3–5 cm line. If loops fall or tilt, re-tension and retry.

Related: Check your gun troubleshooting if problems persist after stabilizing the frame.

💡 Pro Tip: These quick checks work for most setups, but a structured course shows you how to diagnose deeper issues. See the complete setup system