Long Arm Quilting Machine

What is a Long Arm Quilting Machine?

A long arm quilting machine at first glance looks a lot like a conventional sewing machine, and the actual quilting mechanism is rather similar. But what makes a long arm quilting machine unique is that there's also a large table-like frame that holds the completed quilt top, batting and backing as you sew them together with decorative stitching.

Sources for a Long Arm Quilting Machine

There is a lot of variety among the different brands of long arm quilting machine in terms of options, size, price and more. Here are some manufacturer's and retailers' websites where you can learn more about if a long arm quilting machine is right for you.

• American Professional Quilting Services
• Nolting Quilting Machines
• Gammill Quilting Systems
• Linda's Electric Quilters
• Legacy Quilting Machines
• Proto
• A-1 Long Arm
• Statler Stitcher
• Prodigy Machine Corporation

Things to Look for in a Long Arm Quilting Machine

As I said, long arm quilting machines vary widely, and what you want will depend on the kind of quilting you regularly do and if you are buying one mostly for personal use or to go into business with (we'll talk more about that in a minute).

Some things you'll want to pay attention to include:

• Frame composition: most frames are steel, which is great because they are light. Some frames are wooden, which could deteriorate if you need to store it somewhere humid. Steel frames may also be more adjustable, so if you need to be able to move the frame up and down or have sturdy legs on a surface that isn't flat, check for those features.
• Space: the main consideration beyond price is how much space the machine will take up. With the full tables, these machines can be as big as 14 feet long. Make sure you've got plenty of space for the machine and to work around it.
• Mechanics: look at how the quilt is loaded, the size of the throat (bigger is better if you can afford it), how you adjust tension, and how much quilting can be done without adjusting the quilt. Again, what you like or need will be a matter or personal preference.
• Accessories: Long arm quilting machines come with all sorts of fancy attachments and guides to help you make straight lines, circles and diagonals more easily. Some machines also have a feature that allows you to stitch one stitch at a time, which can be helpful if you are doing something very intricate.

Buying a Long Arm Quilting Machine

Long arm quilting machines are expensive. There's no way around it. The usual hobbyist is not going to want to invest in a long arm quilting machine, unless she or he happens to have won the lottery recently.

The inexpensive models run around $1,000, and more top-of-the-line, professional grade machines can cost up to $20,000. But if you're looking to start a business of finishing quilts (more people do it than you'd imagine), a top-end machine can be a great investment.

If you're in the market for a long arm quilting machine, you'll probably want to visit a professional quilting convention where the manufacturers will be set up. That way you can see the machines and probably even use them and see which one works best for you.

If you have a store near you that sells long arm quilting machines you can also go in there for a test drive. In that less-harried environment, you're more likely to get personal attention and lots of time working with a machine.

Remember that like any skill, learning to use a long arm quilting machine takes practice, so don't get discouraged if your first efforts come out looking less than spectacular. When you get your machine home, you'll need to practice before you start taking in quilting for money.

Starting a Long Arm Quilting Machine Business

There are probably already people in your area who make money with their long arm quilting machines. Go to your local fabric store or quilt emporium and ask around. You might even find some business cards on a bulletin board or near the counter.

If you want to start your own long arm quilting machine business, these people are great sources of information. They'll let you know how the market for quilts is in your area (and if they are so busy they can't talk to you, that's a good sign), recommend a good machine, maybe even send some business your way or give you an idea of how to price your work.

Once you've done some research you can begin to advertise yourself on the Internet, at local craft stores, in the classified sections of local magazines and newspapers and so on. This can be a very lucrative business if you are good and have a lot of clients. It's not impossible to make several hundred dollars per quilt, depending on how elaborate the stitching is. At that rate you can pay for your fancy new long arm quilting machine in no time.