What Is Long-Arm Quilting? Tips And Products To Get You Started
Quilting has come a long way since our ancestors stitched old cloth together by hand. Luxurious fabrics in every color and pattern imaginable are available today. Also, a computer can tell a machine to do all of the quilting for you.
Long-arm machines are not all computerized, but it is definitely a fun option. You will learn about quilt frames, long-arm machines and computerized quilting here. You will also find examples of great products and tips for long-arm quilting.
What is Different About Long-Arm Quilting?
When you use a regular sewing machine for quilting, you guide the fabric under the needle to do the quilting. When you use a long-arm quilting machine, you guide the machine around the fabric to do the quilting.
To make this happen, the quilt is attached to a large frame. Above the frame, the machine rests on two sets of wheels that allow it to move forward and backward and side to side. You can even move it in a circular motion.
This makes quilting super easy, but it is something to adjust to if you have only used a regular machine in the past. In order to move the machine around over the quilt, there are two handles attached to the machine. Some people think of it kind like driving because you use the handles to steer the machine where you want it to go.
What Are the Different Types of Long-Arm Machines?
The first one is actually your regular sewing machine, slightly converted. You can purchase the quilt frame with a rack to hold your regular machine and attachable handles.
This is a great way to see if you like the overall idea of quilting in this manner. The cost is much cheaper overall, but often you will still pay around one-thousand dollars. That being said, you may want to put that money toward to cost of one that is made specifically as a long-arm machine.
The second type is a long-arm that is made to run the track, rather than using a conversion kit. It will have plenty of room for your quilt, because of the long-arm. You can usually save money by purchasing it along with the frame.
The last type is a computerized long-arm. You can add computerization to some existing machines. Always check for compatibility.
Some are purchased with the computerization already installed. When you have this, you can program the exact design that you want to quilt into the computer, and your machine will do all of the work for you. You can simply watch and be amazed.
It is not necessary to use the computerization, but it is a lot of fun, has thousands of designs to choose from and is way faster than any other way of quilting.
Without the computerization, you can still trace stencils on and follow those manually. You can also do free-motion designs.
Many come with tons of free designs, but you can also purchase designs to add to your library. Do your research to be sure you are getting one with designs that you will actually use, or calculate the cost of purchasing the ones you want when deciding which machine to buy.
If you want to make a business out of quilting other people’s quilts for them, then this is the way to go. The amount of time it takes to quilt is cut down drastically when the machine does all of the work. Also, the designs are more intricate, so your clients will have more to choose from.
Best Long-Arm Machine For Serious Quilters
HQ Sweet Sixteen Long Arm Quilter From Sewing Machines Plus
Features:
- 1,500 stitches per minute
- Color Touch Screen Is Incredibly Intuitive and Easy To Use
- 28 LED lights will illuminate a focal area of your stitching to make it easy to follow your progress
- The Patent-pending Handi Quilter Easy-Set Tension simplifies setting your machine’s top thread tension. This enables you to return to your favorite thread’s tension settings quickly and accurately with each thread change.
- Basting stitches can be set to every half second, three-quarters of a second, one second, and two seconds.
- 60-month financing options make this an affordable upgrade for any professional quilter
Long-Arm Quilters Additional Software You’ll Likely Need
Quilter’s Creative Touch 4 Beginnings Software
This is an example of a software package that can be purchased to add-on to your long-arm machine. Be sure to look closely to be sure that you have a compatible device to run the software on.
Also, be sure that you have a compatible machine as well as a compatible quilt frame. All of these are listed in the description.
Tips for Long-Arm Quilting
1. Try before you buy. Many stores allow you to try these machines if they carry them. Also, if you are able to find a quilt show in your area, they always have machines set up to try.
2. Watch videos or take classes to learn new techniques. You can also learn more from books, magazines and online articles. These will also help you to stay inspired to use your machine.
3. Your quilt backing will need to be eight to ten inches wider and longer than the quilt top. This extra fabric is used for the frame to hold on to the quilt as it is being quilted. Without the extra, you would not be able to quilt the outside four to five inches all the way around.
4. Be confident! Do not be afraid of your machine. You are in control of the machine, not the other way around.
5. Practice makes perfect. Truly, practicing will familiarize you with the machine and help you master your craft.
6. Sew up some lap quilts for practice and donate them to a local nursing home or hospital. Knowing that you are making someone else’s day will lessen the stress of getting it perfect.
7. If you will be doing free-motion quilting, practice by drawing when you are not at your machine. It will help build your muscle memory of which way to go when you are quilting. Do not pick up your pencil when you do this since you will not be stopping and starting again while quilting.
8. To cover up tension issues, always use the same color thread in the bobbin as you use for the top thread. It may cost a little more, but it will be worth it when you do not see white dots on the top of your quilt from the bobbin thread.
9. Take the extra time to be sure that your quilt is squared up properly on the quilt rack. Even a computerized machine will not do well if the quilt is crooked to start with.
10. If you are going to do a free-motion design of your own, then draw it out on paper first. Transfer the markings onto your quilt with a quilting marker or pencil if you feel you need a line to follow. Practice the motion before you quilt.
Wrapping It Up
Now that you know a little more about long-arm quilting, it is time to decide which one is right for you. Use the tips above to help you get started and then have fun making gorgeous quilts!
