There’s nothing more irresistible than a beautifully finished quilt. Whether your quilt sandwich is stitched together with perfectly straight lines or swirling circles, a striking geometric grid or a soft dappled effect, the quilting design can really help to make your piecing pop and create that stroke-worthy texture every quilter wants.
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One thing that can make all the difference with quilting is a long arm quilting machine. You can send your patchwork quilt top off to a professional long arm quilter or buy your own long arm quilting machine to do it yourself.
If you’ve never experienced a long arm quilting machine before then you may be wondering if they live up to the hype or are worth investing in yourself. We’re here to explain how they work and give some insight into the best ones on the market!
If you're a newbie to the world of quilting check out our best sewing machines for quilting and our quilting for beginners guide which are both full of information about the world of quilting.
Key specs
Get perfectly neat stitches each and every time with The Gracey Company’s Q’nique 15R quilting machine. The stitch regulation means that the machine slows down when you slow down, so you don’t need to worry about inconsistent quilting lines – result!
Pros: Stitch regulation for easy and efficient stitching, great for beginners.
Cons: Might not be large enough for some users.
Key specs
No matter your ability or size of sewing space, the Simply Sixteen Longarm machine from Handi Quilter will help you finish your quilts to a professional standard. It comes with a Little Foot frame as standard for those short on space, with the option to set it up with a Studio 2 Frame up to 12 inches.
Pros: Great for beginner to immediate levels on a budget.
Cons: Might not be large enough for some users.
Key specs
The Q'nique 15R is an entry-level longarm quilting machine with a 15" throat space for larger projects. Paired with the Q-Zone Hoop Frame, it's a compact and versatile setup for quilting in any room. Upgrade your quilting experience with the QCT5 automated system, offering stitch regulation and a library of patterns for precise and creative quilting.
Pros: Excellent choice for beginners or those on a budget.
Cons: May lack some of the advanced features and capabilities found in more expensive longarm quilting machines.
Key specs
With even more space for large quilts, the Q24 from Bernina can be used with all three of Bernina’s available frames. Use the BERNINA Q-matic software for computerized aided quilting… it’s a breeze to quilt even the most complex of designs!
Pros: Consistent stitch length even at varying speeds, allowing for precise quilting results across various styles and designs.
Cons: The machine offers numerous advanced features and settings, which might be overwhelming for beginners who are new to longarm quilting.
Key specs
With a choice of 10-foot and 12-foot frame, the Forte 24” machine from Handi Quilter is ideal for any style of quilting. Everything you need is available right out of the box, so you can get going the second your machine arrives home!
Pros: Packed full of features for a technologically advanced quilting experience, this longarm quilting machine is great for larger projects.
Cons: May be overwhelming/expensive for the beginner quilter.
Key specs
APQS has transferred the know-how of their bigger models onto a compact size with their Lenni machine. It’s designed to be fun, approachable, and simple to use, making it an ideal choice for anyone new to long arm quilting.
Pros: There's lifetime warranty on this simple, easy to use high quality machine.
Cons: May be out of budget for some quilters, although they do offer a payment plan.
A long arm quilting machine is different from a domestic sewing machine in many ways. A long arm machine loads the patchwork quilt top, batting and backing fabric into a metal frame to sew the three layers together flat.
Instead of moving the quilt sandwich through the machine like you would on a domestic version, the head of the long arm machine moves vertically and horizontally to add the quilting stitches whilst the quilt sandwich stays still.
A long arm quilting machine can be run manually or computerized, either giving you full control or allowing you to pick designs that the machine will quilt automatically.
It may be tempting to choose a machine with all the bells and whistles, but sometimes you’re better off keeping it simple. The last thing you want to be doing after you’ve loaded up your quilt sandwich is hunting around for a complicated user manual, so choose a machine that has easy controls, simple maintenance, and a table that will make loading and quilting straightforward.
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Bear the size of your sewing space in mind when selecting a long arm quilting machine. They’re not small! With that said, also bear the size of your quilts in mind. A small long arm quilting machine can limit the size of the project that you can quilt on, so consider the size of the table when making your choice.
Long arm quilting machines are big investments, so it goes without saying that you should take both the customer service and warranty details of the machine you’ve chosen into consideration!
If you’re able to, it’s always best to ‘test drive’ a long arm quilting machine before you buy one. It may take a while to get used to before you have perfect stitches, but it’ll help you get a feel of the stitch regulation and the quality of the machine before you take the dive and make a commitment. That way you can always talk through any questions or concerns with someone who knows what they’re talking about too.
A long arm quilting machine generally consists of four different parts: a sewing machine head, fabric rollers, a work table, and a large metal frame – this is usually between 10 or 14 feet long but will depend on the machine.
To use the machine you will need to first load your backing fabric and quilt top onto the rollers, and then clamp them and the batting into position. Depending on whether you’ll be quilting your own design freehand or are using a pre-selected design on a computerised machine, you’ll then start your quilting.
If you’re quilting freehand, the long arm quilting machine will have handles for you to grip onto, so you can move the sewing machine head around the quilt as you sew the stitches. Quilt an all-over design, highlight details of your patchwork or use handy quilting rulers to create something perfectly symmetrical (that’s something for another post!) – there’s no limit with a long arm quilting machine.
We hope you enjoyed Lorna's guide to long arm quilting and found the machine of your dreams so you can give long arm quilting a go. When making a large investment in your craft, its essential to make an informed decision!
We have loads of free quilting patterns here on Gathered for you to try. There's everything from how to make a patchwork quilt by hand to modern quilt patterns to have you feeling inspired.
In this article, we'll explore the myriad benefits of automatic quilting machines, from their time-saving capabilities to their potential for unleashing creative possibilities. Whether you're a professional quilter or a business owner looking to scale production, understanding these advantages can help you make an informed decision about investing in this technology.
Automatic quilting machines are sophisticated devices designed to streamline the quilting process by automating the stitching of patterns on fabric layers. Unlike traditional manual quilting, which requires considerable time and effort, automatic quilting machines use advanced technology to produce intricate designs with minimal human intervention.
These machines come equipped with computer software that allows users to select or customize patterns, control stitching speed, and adjust various settings to achieve the desired results. They are available in various sizes and configurations, catering to both small-scale hobbyists and large industrial operations.
Computerized quilting machines are equipped with a digital interface that enables users to choose from a wide range of pre-programmed patterns or upload their designs. The machine then follows the programmed instructions to stitch the pattern with precision, ensuring consistency across multiple quilts.
Longarm quilting machines are designed for larger projects, such as bedspreads and large quilts. These machines feature an extended frame that allows the fabric to be stretched out and stitched with ease. Longarm quilting machines are often used in professional settings due to their ability to handle large volumes and complex designs.
One of the most significant advantages of automatic quilting machines is the amount of time they save. What used to take days or even weeks to complete by hand can now be accomplished in a matter of hours. The automation of repetitive tasks allows quilters to focus on other aspects of the craft, such as designing new patterns or selecting fabrics.
Automatic quilting machines operate at high speeds, significantly increasing production rates. This is particularly beneficial for businesses that need to meet tight deadlines or fulfill large orders. The high-speed performance of these machines ensures that projects are completed quickly without compromising on quality.
Creating complex quilting patterns by hand can be a daunting task, requiring a high level of skill and attention to detail. Automatic quilting machines simplify this process by automating the stitching of intricate designs. The machine can replicate even the most complex patterns with accuracy, making it easier for quilters to produce high-quality work.
Precision is key in quilting, and automatic quilting machines deliver it in spades. These machines are designed to follow patterns with exacting accuracy, ensuring that every stitch is perfectly placed. This level of precision is difficult to achieve with manual quilting, where human error can result in uneven stitches or misaligned patterns.
Consistency is another hallmark of automatic quilting machines. Whether you're producing a single quilt or hundreds, these machines ensure that each product meets the same high standards. This uniformity is particularly important for businesses that need to maintain a consistent level of quality across their offerings.
Manual quilting, while rewarding, is prone to errors that can affect the final product. Automatic quilting machines eliminate many of these errors by automating the stitching process. This reduces the risk of mistakes, such as skipped stitches or uneven tension, resulting in a more polished and professional finish.
One of the most exciting aspects of automatic quilting machines is the ability to customize patterns. Users can choose from a vast library of pre-programmed designs or create their own, giving them the freedom to experiment with different styles and motifs. This versatility is a boon for quilters who want to express their creativity and produce unique pieces.
Automatic quilting machines are designed to handle a wide range of fabrics, from delicate silks to sturdy cottons. This compatibility makes them suitable for a variety of projects, whether you're creating a lightweight summer quilt or a heavy winter blanket. The machine's adjustable settings allow users to tailor the stitching process to the specific fabric being used.
In addition to customizable patterns, automatic quilting machines support a variety of quilting styles, including free-motion quilting, stippling, and echo quilting. This diversity allows quilters to experiment with different techniques and achieve the desired effect for each project.
While the initial investment in an automatic quilting machine may be significant, the long-term savings can be substantial. By automating much of the quilting process, these machines reduce the need for manual labor, resulting in lower labor costs. This is particularly beneficial for businesses that produce quilts on a large scale.
Automatic quilting machines are designed to minimize material wastage by ensuring precise stitching and reducing errors. This efficiency translates into cost savings, as less fabric is wasted due to mistakes or misalignments. Over time, the reduction in material wastage can lead to significant financial benefits.
The combination of increased productivity, reduced labor costs, and lower material wastage contributes to a strong return on investment (ROI) for businesses that invest in automatic quilting machines. As these machines continue to improve in terms of speed, precision, and functionality, their ROI becomes even more attractive.
Many modern automatic quilting machines are designed with energy efficiency in mind. These machines consume less power than older models, reducing the environmental impact of quilting operations. This energy efficiency also translates into cost savings, as lower energy consumption results in lower utility bills.
In addition to being energy-efficient, automatic quilting machines also support sustainable material usage. By minimizing fabric wastage and enabling the use of eco-friendly materials, these machines contribute to more sustainable quilting practices. This is particularly important for businesses that prioritize sustainability and want to reduce their carbon footprint.
Automatic quilting machines play a crucial role in waste reduction initiatives by ensuring that every piece of fabric is used efficiently. This not only reduces the amount of waste generated during the quilting process but also aligns with broader efforts to promote sustainability in the textile industry.
Automatic quilting machines are widely used in industrial settings, where they are employed to produce large volumes of quilts for commercial sale. These machines are capable of handling high-demand orders with speed and precision, making them an essential tool for manufacturers in the textile industry.
In addition to industrial applications, automatic quilting machines are also popular among custom quilt makers. These machines allow artisans to create personalized quilts with intricate designs tailored to individual customer preferences. The ability to offer customized products gives quilt makers a competitive edge in the market.
Automatic quilting machines are also used in the interior design industry, where they are employed to create custom quilts for home decor. From decorative wall hangings to cozy throws, these machines enable designers to produce high-quality, customized pieces that enhance the aesthetic of any space.
Automatic quilting machines have revolutionized the world of quilting, offering numerous benefits that enhance efficiency, precision, and creativity. From time-saving capabilities to the ability to produce complex designs with ease, these machines are a valuable investment for both hobbyists and professionals alike. As technology continues to evolve, the future of quilting looks brighter than ever, with automatic quilting machines leading the way.
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