NEXT STEP
Are you ready to move up to a Longarm?
©2011 Vicki Anderson
When choosing a longarm, consider all aspects, such as your budget, how large of a machine you might need,
if you can you assemble it or if you need professional help (and is that assembly assistance included in the machine's price), and which special features you may want included, like a stitch regulator or a full computerized system. Let's look a little closer. For purposes of this article we are going to look at machines that are marketed as frame quilting machines with a throat space of 11 inches or more.
RESEARCH - If at all possible, try several machine brands before you make your final decision. You can ask your friends and fellow quilters for recommendations, but what works for one person may not feel the same to another. Smoothness of movement, ease of threading, acceptable vibration levels and types of handle assemblies are just a few features that can be subjective from person to person. Major quilt shows feature many manufacturers as vendors. Make a list of your desired features and test drive all of the brands. Listen to what the sales person says, and does not say. Be sure all of your questions are answered. A salesman should not spend time telling you what other machines cannot accomplish, but rather what his machine can.
THROAT SIZE - Today's quilting machines range in throat size from 11-30 inches. Machines in the 11-17 inch range are known as midarms. They can have all of the features of a larger machine, but have a smaller open quilting area. This may or may not hinder you. Pattern designers continue to create designs that are sized small enough to be used with a midarm setup. If you are planning to quilt for hire, and will be stitching a lot of large, bed-sized quilts using pantographs or other designs, you may be more limited with a midarm. Having said that, you can create incredible free motion quilting on any size machine. As you move to the 18-30 inch sector, manufacturers offer multiple machines designed for your individual needs.
SPACE - The table, or frame, that the machine sits on can be quite large. You can order tables that are 8, 10, 12 or 14 feet, and in some instances you can special order a non-standard size. With longarms, you are able to quilt from the machine's front or back, necessitating more space than just the table size. Even an 8 foot table, which is 4 feet wide, needs a minimum footprint of 11 x 6 feet to comfortably move completely around the machine. If you have to constantly move the table one way or the other just to access features or the quilt itself, it may be a deterrent to your desire to quilt. Putting the table on casters is always an option, provided your flooring will accommodate wheels. A thick shag rug will hinder motion a lot more than a concrete or hardwood floor.
FEATURES - Many longarm quilters feel that a stitch regulator is an absolute must. A stitch regulator aids in maintaining a consistent stitch length. Other features like laser light guides, bobbin regulators, bobbin winders, thread cutters and extra thread spool holders are quite common to all machines. Add-ons such as hydraulic lifts to raise and lower the machine bed, special light bars, computerized camera 'eye's to see the quilt back and even built-in MP3 players are extras you may also consider. Be sure that you understand which features incur extra charges on each machine you test, so that you have a fair price comparison among brands.
SUPPORT - Nothing will make you fall out of 'like' with your machine quicker than lack of service and support. Be sure that you understand what your warranty covers, and just who will be your ongoing support staff and how close they are to your location. Find out if you are entitled to training, how quickly you can get needed service or parts and if the dealer will assemble the machine, help with assembly, or expect you to assemble it on your own. Also be sure you understand if your warranty covers operating the machine in a business setting, or if commercial use will void that warranty.
This decision and purchase will be a major event in your quilting life. Make sure that you have completed your research, tested the machines, asked the questions and understood all of the challenges. Then go to your chosen machine and HAVE FUN!
