Long arm quilting is a process where a quilt top, quilt batting, and quilt backing are sewn together using a long arm sewing machine. This machine has a frame that is often as long as 10 to 14 feet. Long arm quilting stitching is different from traditional stitching, with significant differences in the throat space as well as the power and speed of the long arm quilting machine. Let’s delve further into how the two make long arm quilting different from other conventional methods of stitching.
A long arm quilting machine is made with larger space between the needle and the body of the machine to accommodate a quilt, which is large. When compared with the traditional sewing machines that only have a throat space of between 8 to 9 inches, it would be almost impossible to reach the whole surface of the quilt. And if done this way, you end up doing a substandard and unprofessional job. That is why a long arm sewing machine has more room in the throat, with some big machines having up to 20 inches vertically to accommodate bulk projects.
However, there are a few personal sewing machines that apart from traditional sewing, are also made for quilting. Some of the big companies that make these machines design them to have the throat space balanced between quilting and traditional sewing machines, hence, an average throat space of 12 inches.
Power and Speed
One of the biggest advantages of long arm quilting machines is that they carry a powerful motor. This is because they are mostly applied for industrial uses, meaning that they handle bulky projects. While traditional sewing machines range between 800 to 1400 stitches per minute in speed, long arm quilting machines can go up to and over 2000 stitches per minute(SPM).
The extra power exerted by long arm machines helps to push through multiple layers of fabric while keeping all layers aligned.
Frame
There is also a frame that plays a huge role when it comes to quilting. One of the reasons you might need a frame when quilting is when you want to align a crooked quilt, i.e. when you want to make it more square. This means that when you start off with a frame, your quilt turns out perfectly square. That said, you can choose between three types of quilting if you choose to use a frame.
Custom of free-motion quilting involves moving your machine to the part of the quilt where you want to quilt in the stitches.
The second is called pantograph quilting which can be done from the back of the frame.
The last one is called the automated quilting which is possible through an automated quilting machine.
Pros and cons of long arm quilting
One of the biggest advantages of long arm quilting is that it is fast. First, long arm quilting machines run twice as fast as traditional machines do. Also, you won’t need to bast the frames of your quilt, which helps save a lot of time. Another advantage is that long arm quilting gives great results, better than when done conventionally.
On the downside, the machines are really expensive. A complete long arm machine can cost you anything between $4,000 and $30,000. On the higher end, most of the machines are usually computerized and fixed with a high-quality industrial frame. Also, since they are large machines, they tend to take up a lot of space. And while space can be a problem, it also takes time before you learn how to use a long arm machine but once you get the hang of it, it is fun!
Just like any other large machine, a long arm quilting machine can be a risk to your health and this includes back injuries from using it. Another con is that you have to do the maintenance yourself, which includes oiling and timing, etc.
You can check Quilter’s Review for the best long arm quilting machine in 2020. If you decide to start quilting, don’t rush into it, be patient and you will slowly adapt to advanced techniques as you learn.
Take home
Before you set out to go buy a long arm quilting machine, first decide whether you want to do it when sitting or standing. Also, how big do you want your machine? If you don’t have much space, then consider buying a small frame. But also, the frame you buy is determinant of what you intend to quilt.
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Clare
Hi, I'm Clare (Emmy's Mummy). A former Nanny and Mother of 2 - Emmy (born February 2010) and Harry (born October 2012). We are Essex based and share our adventures and misadventures of a busy crazy life.
