How Much Is A Long Arm Quilting Machine
Long Arm, Mid Arm, Domestic Machine Quilting-Pros and Cons
Adept Morning, Quilters!
I've been quilting for more than twenty years!
Most of my costless motion quilting has been washed on a diverseness of (BERNINA) domestic sewing machines: B830, B150QE, B770QE.
In 2017, I purchased the BERNINA Q20, a sit-down (stationary) quilting machine and early on this year, I purchased a BERNINA Q24 long arm with quilting frame.
Each motorcar type and way of quilting has advantages and disadvantages.
Domestic, Mid Arm, Long Arm
Before we compare, let'due south brand certain we understand a few terms.
Domestic Sewing Machine:
Throat infinite: Less than 9 inches.
Most of united states begin quilting on our sewing machines-the machines we use for every mean solar day sewing and piecing. The term domestic machine is used to distinguish these machines from commercial sewing machines used in the garment manufacture. Domestic sewing machines can perform many sewing tasks and normally have a throat space (the altitude between the needle and the vertical side of sewing machine) less than 9 inches. Considering the domestic sewing machine is so versatile, information technology is a great machine to learn free motion quilting. The major disadvantage is the small throat space makes quilting large quilts challenging.
Mid Arm Quilting Automobile
Throat space: 12-17 inches.
A Mid-arm quilting motorcar is different from a domestic sewing machine in 2 ways: It has a larger throat space (12-17 inches) and it is a quilting-merely machine. Most mid-arm machines practice not have feed dogs and therefore tin can not perform typical sewing functions.
Mid-arm quilting machines are frequently set in a chiffonier though some are gear up on a quilt frame. Cabinet style machines require much less infinite requirements than the frame-based counterparts.
Some mid-arm machines are positioned like a domestic sewing motorcar, while others are oriented perpendicular.
Mid arm quilting machines brand quilting easier with more room for maneuverability. Compared to domestic machines, mid-arm machines unremarkably offer large bobbins and run up regulators in a moderate price range.
Long Arm Quilting Automobile
Throat Infinite: 20-24 inches
Long arm quilting machines add together more throat space. Like the mid-arm quilting machines, long arm machines practice not have feed dogs and therefore are quilt-only. Long arm quilting machines are ordinarily positioned perpendicular to sewing automobile position which leaves the right and left sides open.
Long arm machines may be in a set in cabinet –the quilt moves not the machine–or on a quilt frame. When the quilt is stretched on the frame, the quilt is stationary and the machine moves.
Long Arm Quilting: Stationary or Movable
When looking to upgrade from quilting on a domestic sewing machine, the biggest conclusion is whether y'all desire the quilt in a frame (with a movable machine) or y'all want to move the quilt and take a stationary machine.
Quilt Moves/Stationary Automobile Advantages
Similar to FMQ on Domestic Automobile-If you've been complimentary motility quilting on a domestic sewing motorcar, the transition to a stationary mid or long arm machine is a delight. Everything is the same-merely there's much more than room to motion and normally a bigger bobbin to boot! Well-nigh quilting machines offer easy built-in run up regulators.
Sit down quilting-One of the biggest advantages of a stationary machine in a set-in cabinet is it allows you to sit comfortably while quilting. At the terminate of a long day, you can relax at your car and quilt abroad!
Less Expensive-Commonly a cabinet is less expensive than the cost of a frame, especially if you need hydraulics on the frame.
Requires A lot Less Space-The infinite requirements for a cabinet based machine are considerably less than a quilting frame.
Design Review-I often like to quilt a footling and so hang or lay out my quilt to evaluate. This is much easier on a stationary machine. When the quilt is rolled on a frame, you tin can merely see a section of the quilt at a time and never get the "large motion picture".
Quilt on Frame/Movable Car Pros/Cons
Stand quilting-While it is possible to quilt sitting downward, most long arm quilting with a movable machine requires the quilter to exist standing. I know this sounds like I'grand a lazy quilter-but it is a serious consideration.
More Expensive-Long arm quilting machines and the frame are significantly more than expensive than other options.
Requires Big Space-A large, dedicated infinite is required to accommodate a quilt frame.
Faster-Moving the quilting machine over the quilt is much faster than moving the quilt under the needle. I would estimate –4-5x equally fast.
No Basting-Instead of spray or pin basting, the quilt is fastened to a frame. This set-up but takes 20-xxx minutes compared to basting 2 hours?
Reckoner controlled options-Quilting designs can be automatic (with significant babysitting) when the quilt is on a frame.
What about Y'all?
Practice YOU quilt on a domestic, mid-arm or long arm?
What brand/model practise you use?
Are YOU considering an upgrade?
What is the biggest factor in your decision?
Nosotros'd Dearest to hear!
YOUR Lucky Multi-machine Possessor!
Lori
Read more than:
Why I bought a Q20
BERNINA Q20 Review Ane Twelvemonth Subsequently Here
Bank check out all of my books on Etsy: LoriKennedyShop!
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43 responses to "Long Arm, Mid Arm, Domestic Machine Quilting-Pros and Cons"
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Source: https://lorikennedyquilts.com/long-arm-mid-arm-domestic-machine-quilting-pros-and-cons/
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I quilt on my domestic. Recently got a Babylock Jazz 2 for the large (12") pharynx space and reasonable cost. I'd love to upgrade to a mid or longarm, but have to save my pennies to get at that place. Plus – I'm not convinced which one I'd love the most.
I am quilting on my Janome MC6700 P I tried the Q16 recently because I live in a small apartment and I have seen that the table tin can be folded away. Only I found out that the auto has to be removed earlier you fold the tabular array which means I have to discover someone to help me because the car weighs 40kg and then I would have to find a place for the car and the table.
In the end I decided to stick with my domestic machine, I quilted really large quilt on it and it may not always accept been fun, only information technology can be done. I may upgrade to a Janome M7 someday… I tested the fancier Berninas, but they haven't felt correct for me.
Kind regards
Uli
I have had my Bernina Q20 sit down machine for about 9 months and am more than satisfied with it. The built in stitch regulator and the large throat space are the best features. I know I made the right decision as I do not have plenty room for a long arm and like to FMQ my ain designs rather than use computer generated designs. I as well know that being able to sit at the auto is much improve for me than having to correspond hours at a long arm. Y'all have been my inspiration, Lori, as I accept read your blogs and watched y'all use your Q20 for years. Thanks so much for sharing all of your knowledge and teaching us how to complimentary motion quilt!
I take take been using my domestic machine (Brother) to free movement quilts. I am standing to utilise it for small projects, specially to free motility raw border appliqué. I recently purchased the Moxie past HandyQuilter. It is yet free motion and the small frame (8ft) fit into my sewing space. Well, I made it fit! 😆 I appreciate being able to load a twin size bed quilt and become it quilted chop-chop. I am not actually a quilt "artist"…and so I bask using the edge to edge pantographs and quilt from the back by tracing over the pattern.
Susie: Handi Quilter just released automation for the Moxie; it's the Prostitcher Lite. Several videos are on YouTube.
I am a large fan of your free motion designs. I dearest their simplicity while they yet produce gorgeous results. My 2 favorites are the square bloom and the chrysanthemum. I employ those designs whenever I can and I practice them in my small frame machine, moving the quilt a section at a time. I have never really mastered FMQ on a regular sewing auto (except for leaves).
Lately I'm doing a lot of combo-quilting. If my quilt has lots of direct seams I like to stitch in the ditch or do straight line quilting on my Brother with the xi.5" throat. I also take a Brother-Grace quilting frame 5 feet long. It does wonderful complimentary motion quilting and I use it for pieces that don't have a lot of straight seams. The combo part comes in when I do function of the quilt SID and so clamp it to the small frame and do gratuitous-motion designs. The advantage to the small frame is you tin can just clamp a section to put in some detail, or whorl information technology up like a bigger frame and practise a quilt all-over.
I love your blog and recommend your designs to everybody who quilts. Thank you for all that you create and teach.
Congratulations on your Q20 purchase. I totally agree with you, Lori! Bernina machines are wonderful. I took the plunge in March and upgraded to a Q16 machine(My upkeep impacted the decision I fabricated). I can quilt all twenty-four hour period and totally lose track of time. I tried a long arm and didn't like it. Certain, it is faster, but I like the command I have when I am moving the fabric myself. My tabular array is pocket-size simply it fits in my infinite well and I can put a long tabular array on either side of it when working on a king sized quilt.
When I started quilting Big quilts I got a long arm–Gammill Optimum Plus. What I love about the long arm is no more sandwiching! That's my lest favorite part of quilting. I pin the backing to the leaders, roll it up, lay on the batting and top and just quilt. Love it!
I accept a Nolting mid-arm on a frame. I am blessed to have the space for my frame. I enjoy doing all the quilting myself, possibly with a pantograph but no computized patterns.
So glad to hear you lot say that. I said the aforementioned thing. No more sandwiching. I merely purchased an APQS Millie. I have a lot to learn.
I worked in a quilt shop for a fourth dimension and got used to all 3 ways of quilting on these machines. I love the sit downwardly models with a larger space simply tin can't justify the expense. Longer stay do not hold much amuse for me as I can't run across the quilt every bit a whole, too expensive and I prefer moving the quilt rather than the motorcar. I purchased a Handi Quilter Stitch 710 and love the space , nigh 11 ". I sold both my Babylock machines as the 710 had many of their features. I used some of the money to buy a Bernina 325 to travel to gild. It took a trivial getting used to simply it is perfect for piecing, making bags and other projects. I besides have my 35+ years old Elna Jubilee which I thought was broken but recently a friendly retired sewing auto repairman fixed very simply. All 3 are high speed merely I really more often than not FMQ withe 710 and slice on the other ii. I think I have found my "Nivarna" with these machines. If I had known the Elna could exist fixed so easily, I might non have bought the Bernina because the Elna travels easier just the Bernina has many features I really similar then I travel with it. I similar the Elna to move out of sewing room to sew near my 2 dogs and proceed them company. No puppies in sewing room, information technology is my cat's haven! I honey quilting more any other sewing I have done. And you Lori gave me the courage to try FMQ and I steadily improve. I keep telling others to try but I estimate information technology is just easier for them to ship to longer er. For me I like to do whole process. Thank you Lori!
Thank you for a not bad explanation of the types of machines we have available to u.s.a. today. They are marvels of technology. I started with a modest domestic and accept gradually upgraded to a BabyLock long arm with Pro-Stitcher. I exercise all aspects of quilting from blueprint design to quilt motif/stencil design and love being able to utilize my motifs on either my long arm or embroidery machines. I've been enjoying your posts for some time now. Cheers so much!
I had often considered 'moving upwardly' to a sit down-down mid arm. Subsequently getting ii total shoulder replacements, and having long-term lifting restrictions of 5# for left arm, I'1000 really, really glad to see your article. I will not exist able to get with the mid arm equally I've given upwards on the free motion quilting: It'south too hard for me to maneuver the quilt and keep my shoulder happy. I'll stick with my beloved Bernina 750QE's walking foot. As long as I don't let the quilt elevate, it does a nifty job quilting lap quilts and projects…and larger quilts will just have to go to the 'Quilt Shop Spa.'
I started out doing FMQ on my Bernina 1130 and then the 440QE. Simply I really wanted more throat infinite and didn't want to spend a lot of coin, so bought a used Babylock Tiara mid-arm about 4 (?) years ago. I've had a lot of problems adjusting tension correctly with information technology, and still working on sew quality, so sometimes wish I had a car with sew together regulation. Recently got trained to hire fourth dimension on a longarm and that was a fun feel. Call up I will practise that whenever I want an border to edge design or desire a quilt washed quickly!
I learned free motion quilting on a Bernina 710. I also have the run up regulator for it. Afterwards doing many quilts I found I like quilting without the stitch regulator and as my stitching seems the same with or without. My hubby surprised me with a Sitdown Juki TL2000. The throat space and peak of the machine is awesome and table very sturdy. It is a workhorse simply took some getting use to. I had to fight with the tension and at present check every bobbin to be sure the tension is right. When it is the car hums. I have to acknowledge though I enjoy planning, buying and piecing a quilt elevation manner more quilting information technology. But I do take the satisfaction of doing the quilt from start to finish!
Thanks for the great commodity and all of the comments! I currently quilt on my Babylock Crescendo (FMQ and SID) or exercise edge to edge on my Babylock Destiny Ii, bit am hoping to purchase a long arm in 2022. It was definitely going to be a long arm because I hate sandwiching quilts; nevertheless, you bring up a very good indicate about having to stand to do the quilting, so that is something that may require I rethink my decision. While I tin can do a decent amount of standing at present, at nearly 66 years sometime, I have to consider what the futurity might bring. I too want to get the computerized quilting component, so that might help with the amount of continuous standing.
I The purchased the hydraulic with my long arm. You can sit down downwards at some long arms. The saddle stool is great.
I recently purchased a Q20 and, while the quilting is a lot easier and more than fun – the addition I really appreciated is the elevator table. When the table leaves are extended, there's about 60" of piece of work infinite. I heighten the table and exercise a lot of smaller activities like rotary cutting on the raised table. I'm no longer bending over and my dorsum is much happier. I never would have imagined how bang-up the elevator table is. I don't generally stand when I quilt though.
Norma – not bad to hear well-nigh the extra piece of work space with the Q20 – I only ordered one with the elevator table. I never thought most beingness able to utilise some of that space for cutting. Looking forward to getting my machine.
I purchased an APQS Lenni longarm 2 i/2 years agone so I could quilt my own quilts. That may sound strange considering thousands of quilters use their domestic sewing auto to quilt but I tried that and couldn't do it even though I have a Bernina 740 with a large throat infinite. The reason is I have profoundly reduced hand and arm strength issues from carpal tunnel and ulnar nervus entrapment. I have had the surgeries for both weather on both arms which has improved my forcefulness now but all the same not enough to push the quilt around under the machine. When I effort to use my domestic for quilting I end upwards with aching hands/arms/shoulders. I take had to effigy out ways to compensate to keep to quilt but information technology has been then worth information technology.
How do you like your Lenni?
How has your feel been with APQS and the Lenni? I keep looking at the Freddie, forth with the HandiQuilter Amara and Forte. I recall at that place is an APQS service center about an 60 minutes from me, merely will check that out earlier making a determination.
Bought a Bernina 750 QE seven years ago. Then I found your blog, and you lot have taught me lots. THANK YOU! Have never sent a quilt to be quilted. Started with straight lines, then doodling, FMQ. (Give thanks YOU). Still accept lots to learn and every quilt l do becomes more fun. Have thought a lot about buying a Bernina Q16, need to exercise some Reno's offset.
Give thanks you for all you lot share!
I honey my Q20!. I wanted and needed more space to quilt. The Q20 delivers this.
I did not want the maintenance of the frame style long artillery, although I would similar to be able to plan some of the beautiful designs that are available.
Knowing my personal limitations were critical to making my decision on what to buy.
The Q20 was the right conclusion for me.
I have a JUKI 2010Q , information technology sits on my table top. It direct stitches only but it does have feed dogs, and I can exercise piecing and fifty-fifty put in a zipper , because it came with that actress foot.
I accept quilted quite a few quilts on this and it was wonderful! Then I wanted more space and I got a BabyLoc Gallant and its Vila Frame. At present I tin practice my quilting a lot easier. I bask doing both type of quilting on both of these depending on what I want to do and how large my projection it.
I take a HandiQuilter Sweet Xvi. Although I dear it, I often spend 30 hours FMQ'ing to complete a queen size quilt. Friends with long artillery tell me they tin do a pantograph in only iv hours or if they do FMQ it is much quicker than pushing the fabric through on a mid arm. And then I am thinking I might like to upgrade sometime in the future to a long arm. This, even so, requires different straegies for quilting. For instance, now on my SW16 I can make a feather vine all the way effectually my border without stopping on each side. On a long arm, I would do my peak edge, just then when I got to the side borders I would have to take the quilt off the frame and re-orient the quilt so that the side edge is lateral. So it would exist a new learning bend.
You could quilt the center of your quilt on the long arm first. Then, earlier you have the quilt off the frame, stabilize the borders with pin basting. Now remove the quilt from the frame. Voila: he borders are fix for yous to quilt on your Sweet xvi.
I do all my quilting/sewing/piecing on my very old Bernina 1130. The largest quilt I accept done on my Bernina is a queen with FMQ, merely am trying to stick to smaller projects as I get older. I have recently rediscovered my walking foot for doing a wavy quilting stitch that is actually built into the motorcar; it is quick and easy for diagonal lines and gets those baby quilts done speedily. Then I can appliqued on top of the groundwork quilting, if I want to. I have considered a long arm more than in one case, just at 72, I am not enthusiastic about learning a new way of quilting; the frame would definitely get rid of the chore of basting, merely the pool noodle method with pin basting works. Thank you, Lori, for all your ideas and designs. I have been following you lot for years.
I would honey to have a long-arm car but I don't accept the space or the money. I sew together on my Singer 9960 and do mostly straight stitching and piecing. I'thou working on a Jungle Quilt right now that I started in 1976 (!). I'm quilting and piecing each panel seperately. I will be joining them together with the bindings. It is a rex sized quilt and this was the only way I could recall of to easily put them together because of the total weight. The panels range from 12″ x 12″ to iv′ ten five′ and sizes in between. I volition try to send pictures when information technology is finished. Wish me luck!
Thanks for presenting a clear, concise explanation of machine quilting options including pros and cons. I learned to gratuitous motion on my Bernina 830 through your demos both on line and in classes. Your designs are my first choice. I now have a Bernina 880 and Bernina Q20 and enjoy both. It's slap-up to create quilts every bit gifts for family unit and friends from outset to finish. Tell Pat "Hi!"
I purchased a Q16 in the foldable table as an upgrade from the Handiquilter Sweet 16. LOVE the Q!! Would have loved to get the Q20 in the Koala table but I am thrilled to have what I do take. The sew together regulator is an absolute dream and the tabular array is super shine for ruler work. Very happy indeed.
I quilted a number of queen-sized quilts on a domestic Bernina for 8 years, working very hard to improve my skills at free motility quilting. I am ane of those rare quilters who savor the quilting virtually of all – seeing a top become a quilt under my hands. But later on I gave myself tendonitis in both artillery a 2nd time, pushing big quilts through my domestic motorcar arm, I fabricated the spring to a longarm.
The longarm has made all the difference in my being able, physically, to keep quilting as much as I similar. The tendonitis meant 4 months recuperating before I could return to quilting each time. I've been quilting on the longarm for 18 years now and am still going strong at 75.
Since getting the longarm, I also quilt for others in the smallest of small businesses – no marketing, only word of mouth in my quilt guild. Then the longarm has given me the challenge of quilting other people'south tops, not only my own, and I really enjoy it.
I dearest my longarm!
I bought an ABM Inova 24″ long arm 10 1/two years ago and have enjoyed working on it. I quilt my own quilts and I help out a few friends with their larger quilts. I accept taken lessons on how to quilt using rulers, panographs, stencils, but I relish free handing my designs. I beloved your designs and have gotten your books. Thank you Lori… you are right when you lot said you need to practice.
I quilt all of my own quilts on a Bernina B880. I bask being able to say I made the entire quilt! I have made ane-2 queen quilts but prefer twin size or smaller. Would love to accept a Bernina Q29 sit down model , but my sewing area is very limited.
Should have said "Q 20". (Not Q29)
I use 2 domestic machines for gratis movement quilting, they are both Jukis. I especially like the TL2010Q and I've done many of your designs❤
I'ves sewn on my vintage Bernina 1230 for decades. While quilting a king size double weddng ring quilt, a friend offered the used of her Sweet sixteen sit downwards machine. the divergence between the seven″ and xvi″ throats was astonishing! I bought the used Sweet sixteen since she'd recently bought a long arm. I love the machine. I don't spend enough time quilting on it. I love your explanations and sharing of your knowledge. Thanks so much.
I have a Viking Freesia 415 that I beloved because information technology is so well designed for people who love to sew. I promise you will still exist focusing on home machines since I cannot now do an upgrade. Non all of us who love quilting can afford a specialized motorcar. I beloved your patterns and want to be able to use them!
I purchased an Innova 22″ long arm machine half dozen years ago (I besides have 2 friends who accept the same machines), and we all LOVE them! I use rulers frequently, but all off my quilting is FMQ. I just love it. I discover that I tin can quilt for a couple of hours earlier I demand to sit down down a bit, but you can practise a lot of quilting in two hours. And we have "cherry snappers" to load our quilts – if everything is ready to go (forepart, back and batting), it takes almost five minutes to load a quilt. Yeah!
I honey my Innova…..had it for almost xi years!!
I have been quilting on my dwelling machine for many year…wrestling the top on through. This summer I purchased a Qnique nineteen and frame. The ease with which I tin quilt now and the smoothen lines as it moves are Liberty and joy all around! withal not swell with ruler work, merely I absolutely count the minutes until I can get quilting every fourth dimension a quilt top is done! Thanks for all the great training!
I utilise a vintage Vocaliser 15-91 for FMQ. I've quilted several full-size quilts on it. I like it for its harp infinite (7-eight″) and it'southward like shooting fish in a barrel to maintain. It's a go along-it-simple machine! Straight stitiching and FMQ.
I but got a Bernina Q 16 and I dearest it. Took some getting used to merely I'one thousand in the zone now!