Today’s Topic: Learn to Longarm Quilt
Good Morning, Quilters!
Starting today, I will be adding a new series of posts, Learn to Longarm Quilt with Lori! ( I love alliteration LOL!)
Yes! I did it! After years of thinking about it, I took the plunge and purchased a longarm quilting machine. Please join me as I chronicle each step of the way. This week: Purchasing a Longarm Quilting Machine and Frame and Setting Up a Room for Longarm Quilting
BERNINA–Tried and True
After testing several brands of longarm quilting machines at various quilt shows, I purchased the BERNINA Q24. Faye, Nora and I tried many very good machines, but I decided on the BERNINA first and foremost because I liked the feel and intuitive design. Secondly, because there are several BERNINA dealers near me, I know I can get advice and service. (You are buying a dealer, not just a machine!) And finally, as a life long user of BERNINA sewing machines, I have a general comfort level with the quality of the machines.
Shopping at Quilter’s Haven BERNINA Dealer
First, I did some online research at BERNINA.com, then I headed off to my local BERNINA dealer, Quilter’s Haven in Rosemount, MN.
After consulting with the lovely owner, Jean Graham, I decided on a few optional accessories:
Hydraulic Lift–Because my daughters and sisters will learn to longarm too, I think the hydraulic lift will be useful to accommodate our different heights. Also, I’m not sure if I will want to sit or stand while quilting, so the hydraulic adjustment will make both options easier.
Frame Casters-Casters allow the frame to be moved more easily. While I’m not sure we will move the frame often, it would be hard to add the casters after the frame is set-up, so I added this option just in case.
Mechanical Channel Locks-This simple device allows you to quilt perfectly straight lines. I imagine these will be useful right away.
Palm Precision Handles–The dealer recommended I purchase these as she thought the hand position is similar to the way I currently quilt.
I did not buy:
The batting roll holder or the extra shelves because I plan to build those into the room itself.
There are many other accessories including pantograph and ruler work accessories which were very tempting. However, I showed a little (very little) restraint and decided I could purchase those in the future. (Funny how we create these little economies and then feel virtuous!?)
Frame Size
The BERNINA long arm frame comes in three sizes. The dealer had a floor mat outlining the available sizes. I was able to take the floor mat home and evaluate how the frame would fit in my room.
I chose the Classic size (12 feet by 3.9 feet). It holds a quilt up to 108″ wide. The larger size would not fit in my new room and the smaller size would not accommodate most of the quilts I want to make.
The Qmatic-Computer Controlled Quilting
After doing online research, my plan was to purchase the Q24 and the frame without the Qmatic computer. I have always enjoyed creating my own designs and creating quilts this way seems the most natural to my current workflow.
However, I brought my husband with me….
He took one look at that computer–and convinced me it was necessary. His argument: even if I didn’t want to use it, my daughters and sisters might, and technology is always the way to go.
He’s probably right, but don’t tell him I said so!
Order to Delivery
I ordered the machine in October and it arrived 8 weeks later via a cartage company.
They wheeled two huge packages up my driveway and into the garage. One long box contained the frame and the other package included several boxes: the machine, the lift, and the computer.
Currently, the boxes are patiently waiting for us to set up the new studio.
Once the studio is ready, a BERNINA technician will set up the whole thing.(This is optional–you can do the set up yourself by following online videos.)
Setting Up the Room
We are reclaiming a room in the basement to use as the quilting studio.
The room is currently the “junk drawer” of the house. Everything that is broken or has no other home, lands in this room.
The hardest part of this whole process will likely be getting the room cleaned!
Next Steps: Drywall, Flooring, Lighting and Electrical
My husband will be doing the drywall and ceiling.
An electrician is coming today to upgrade the electric, install outlets and prepare for the lighting.
With a little luck, the laminate floors will be installed in two weeks.
I will add details and photos as we go!
Do YOU Longarm?
We’d LOVE to hear from YOU, readers!
Do YOU have a longarm quilting machine?
Have YOU ever considered purchasing a longarm?
Any thoughts or comments on our progess so far?
Do YOU have a big project or something to learn in 2021?
We’d LOVE to hear!
As my son always says….
Go BIG or go HOME!
#thrilledandterrified
What have I gotten myself into this time!?!*(@#????
(Longarm) Lori
78 comments
Eileen M Blazic
Congrats Lori! I am very excited for you! Thanks for sharing pictures of your ‘in progress’ room. I got my first longarm, an HQ Avanté, 4 years ago, to celebrate my ‘2 x 35’ birthday. My Swanny (our lake has swans) got her own room remake as well. The new room is in our basement and has 6 large windows that look out on our serene lake, I chose a cork floor because it makes it so much easier to stand for longer periods. My ‘slice of Heaven’! I don’t have an hydraulic lift, so I got a drafting chair that works well when I need to sit. I also have a stool on wheels for the back of the machine, where I just learned to do pantographs and groovy boards.
Another longarm quilter friend gave me the idea of using a dresser with lots of drawers for my threads. No dust for those spools! I found an antique oak dresser with perfect drawer space at a thrift shop for $45. I chose the Thursday 25% discount instead of the 25% Senior discount. After all, I was only ‘2×35’!
Switching from a domestic machine, where I have been using free motion designs for 30 years, has been a challenge. Doodling, building muscle memory, and lots of practice have helped me build confidence. I love using your many clever designs, and ruler work has also added to my skill set.
I wish you many lovely moments with your new toy! I can’t wait to hear about your progress and see all of your free motion creations!
WordPress.com Support
Thank you for all the great ideas!
Lora Stovall
I’ve had a long arm since 2006, first an HQ16 now a BabyLock 18″ on a Handiquilter frame. I do only free motion and ruler work – pantograms are boring – and have used lots of your designs on my quilts. I use a motor cycle stool most of the time. I find my upper body is steadier if I’m sitting rather than standing. I can swivel and scoot along on the stool. I got the first long arm because I could never get the quilt sandwich together with all layers flat. Loading it on the longarm takes care of that problem.
WordPress.com Support
I love the idea of sitting to long arm! Will check out a motor cycle stool! Thank you!
Hilda Hoover
I am a longarm using your books and love to doodle. So excited and welcoming you into the longarming world. Set you fabric out before you with the tread needle handles to draw, a free motion adventure.
Joy in quilting,
Hilda
Donna Johnston
Congratulations on your new baby. I have an original Tin Lizzie 18 that I purchased in 2006. No computer, and it has a wooden frame. Very basic. I am not accomplished at free motion, but I figure done is better than quilt tops folded up in a closet somewhere. I don’t quilt for others so it doesn’t matter. I thought about upgrading to one with a computer, but at my age (72), I couldn’t justify the expense. Have fun!
Meg Harmon
When I worked in a quilt shop, I learned how to use both long arm and the sit down quilting machines. I considered both in my adventures but decided finally I did not want to spend the money. My husband died and I moved to a bit smaller home so now I really do not have the room for either one. I quit with a HQ 710 domestic. It has a large throat and I use card table etc around me to help with bulk. It isn’t perfect but it works for FMQ and, for me, it is better than any other way of getting quilts quilted. Maybe someday I will decide to try my machine on one of those frames that are small but can accept bigger quilts and which can be used with my domestic machine. Time will tell. It would involve a reconfigure in my sewing room for sure, I am sure you will love this machine. Bernina machines are terrific workhorses; I know as I worked with and sold them at the quilt shop. I wish you the best but I know you will make this work for you. And condolences on your loss. I pray for your family.
Marta
Please, what is an HQ 710? THank you, Marta
Cathy Wilson
First I have all your books and have followed you over the years. I’ve used many of your quilt designs to increase my ability to use my longarm.
I have 2 longarm’s at the moment. I purchased an HQ16 back in 2006 and had to teach myself how to free motion quilt. There were very few if any classes, videos or anything else back then to help you learn how to use the longarm. I used rulers, stencils and different marking tools, even creating my own from clipart. I quilted a large number of quilts over the years especially as I volunteered with Linus and QOV groups. As my back, shoulders, and eyesight began to give me trouble I had to slow down – coming up on 70 does that too.
In 2019 I purchased The APQS ‘Freddie’ with all the bells and whistles. I’m again able to complete even more Quilts of Valor with greater ease using a digital pantograph.
I’m learning how to use the computer more to create programed designs. I love my new machine because it has the capability for the entire frame to rise up and down with the push of a button using my foot. I also can roll the fabrics the same way. My new APQS has saved my back. I can change from computer generated designs to free motion that glides effortlessly. I have found I do both in the same quilt.
My 1st machine HQ16 moved into my dining room and hopes to find a new home soon.
Biggest tips I can give is buy what you can afford while considering your space. Don’t be afraid of your machine, and take good care of it.
Pamela
Lori! Oh, my goodness… Several years ago I purchased a Q20 (strongly influenced by your recommend of your own new Q20). I love quilting on it. I am wondering if you traded yours in or added to your BERNINA family? I dream of having a longarm on a frame, but don’t have a place to put it and wouldn’t want to give up my Q20 on the table. Looking forward to hearing of your adventures setting up your new space and learning the differences in your new machine.
Cyndi
I am following with excitement. I have taken a class on how to use a longarm in anticipation of one day owning one and also to have access to one until we have room. So far I like working on my home machine as well as hand stitching but it sure would speed things up if I had a long arm. My daughter loves to sew tops but needs my help to layer and quilt. Just the ease of not having to try to sandwich the layers kneeling on the floor or layering it on the wall is very compelling. I do wish cost wasn’t such an issue though. Looking forward to vicariously living through your journey.
Juanice
Congratulations! I’m sure you will just LOVE your new machine! If you decide to quilt while standing, consider an anti-fatigue mat. American Floor Mats has several options and sizes. I have a 12’ frame and ordered a 10’ X 3’ “Hog Heaven Plush” in a pretty blue. It really saves my feet!
Diana Lassahn
I have a long arm and especially like it to free motion quilt. Using rulers sometimes help, but when doing a charity quilt I prefer free motion. and of course as with anything practice is the answer. and being kind to yourself. I have learned to accept that whatever the result it was the best that I could do at that moment. and I learn something with every quilt about what to do or not do. For example: I have found that I prefer to leave borders Unquilted until the top, middle and bottom are quilted. I like my borders to be one continuous quilt design even if it is only leaves and stems. It somehow works for me.
Marta
What a thrill!… another “new baby” in the family! Happy for you and the other family who quilt. I don’t have one, No space in either house for one. After watching people do it… not sure I would ever enjoy setting up and taking down a quilt. But then I stick to smaller (60×60) quilts due to health issues with neck spine. Yall go for it and bless your husband for committing his time and heart into helping his quilting world !
Nik
Congratulations! Funnily enough, I have been thinking about looking into the possibility of a long arm quilter so I will be following your journey with interest. Super happy for you and I hope that you have many hours of enjoyment. Thank you for everything you share with us 🙂
Lynn from Alberta
Please give some thought to the amount of dust/lint/fuzz that a high speed machine kicks up. In my sewing room I have a small air clener I run on a regular basis especially when doing frre motion quilting. I watched a big Grammil working in a smallish room and the amount of stuff in the air was frightening. Be kind to young lungs….and have lots of fun with your new machine.
Lori Kennedy Quilts
Thank you—this is not something I had considered!
Patti Scronce
I’d love to take the plunge myself but I’m afraid of spending the money and not using it enough. Right now I’m enjoying quilting with the skills I’ve learned from you. Maybe in a few more years!
Lynda Sturm
Congratulations, I have the Bernina Q24 (no computer) and I love it. Looking forward to some longarm tutorials, my hardest part is thinking of what to quilt.
Janet Licari
Congratulations to you and your family! This will be a fun time learning to use this beautiful machine. I have a longarm also, and unlike me, I think you will not spend a lot of time afraid to use your machine and make mistakes. Your free motion experience will be a perfect background to switch to a new free motion. Looking forward to seeing Learning to Long Arm Quilt with Lori videos!
Marilyn Larkin
Wow, I must congratulate you, What a move. Now not to be a wet blanket, but, I feel you will be leaving us to play with your new toy. On the other side of the coin so many long arm quilters will be so delighted to have you work on this new machine. Good luck and have lots of fun I know you will break lots of old ideas and develop wonderful designs I am so pleased I have my ’25 days’ to keep me going on my domestic machine.
Marianne
Enjoy your adventure with the new machine…lots to learn! Hope you will still have time for FMQ tutorials on regular sewing machines. I have learned a lot from you and appreciate your sharing spirit. Good luck.
Karin
Congratulations…excited for you! Laughed about your hubby convincing you to buy the computer. I was going to look at the Q16 and my husband urged me to go for the Q20…saying that I may as well get it right. Of course, I did not argue. Best decision I have made in a long time. Will be following…
Katrina
I ordered the Q24 too. I haven’t received it yet. Hopefully soon. I’m excited to watch what you can do with it!
Cindy Clark
Wowser! Congratulations! And it sounds like there will be several family members interested in using it. And it’s wonderful that your hubby is helping with the room setup. I can’t wait to see pictures of the whole setup when it is done!
Rebecca
Congrats on your purchase! I will be making my purchase of the Q24 later this year. We have an out building on our property that my husband is converting into a quilting cottage. Your space looks wonderful! I am hoping to learn many things from your blog!!
Sydney Roosa
Wow! this is exciting. I’ve used a longarm since about 2003. I will follow you set up with interest. I started with an HQ 16. Then upgraded to a 24. Then we retired to a smaller home and so I had to downsize to a 16.
Amy McBurnie
Welcome to the wonderful world of longarming, Lori. 🙂 I have a 20″ Handiquilter Amara with a computer and I love it. As a decades long Bernina owner, I looked very closely at the Q20 with frame and no computer, but for the same price I could get Amara computerized system. Add in that I could trade in my old HQ 16, and well I stayed with Handiquilter. There are so many really good machines out there. I’m looking forward to following along as you begin your new adventure.
Birgit Knuth
Yes, you are gonna love your new toy, congratulations. I too went the longarm way last year with a 10 ft frame and a hand guided 18″ Vision2 Gammill, love love love
Maureen Ashlock
Congratulations. I got a Q 16 with folding table on the 15th of Oct. Ordered it on the 14th of Aug. for my BD. This sit down fit in my sewing bedroom and I do not have room for a framed unit. at age 79 this will do and I love it. Will watch and learn with you and have fun.
Karen
Congratulations Lori: I have followed you for a long time, purchasing most of your books, Craftsy class, & emails. I struggled & tried every method to quilt big quilts. Finally after quilting 2 kings on my domestic machine three years ago, I took the plunge and purchased a refurbished Nolting Commercial 24 inch longarm & the largest frame I could buy. A computer addition was available, but since I was 73 at the time, I did not want to have to learn a new computer system & spend the $ as I did not plan to quilt for others. I too enjoy doing my own motifs even though it is challenging. I have done the pantographs especially on charity quilts which I have been fortunate to help our church quilt, allowing me to practice more. I try to piece easy quilts, including panels to have more projects to work on to continue to improve my skills.
Thank You for your inspiration throughout the years. I look forward to your new experiences which you so generously share with so many quilters. Bless YOU!!
Tammy Howell
I am so interested in your long arm journey! I have just started looking into quilting with a long arm after many years of saying that I would never be interested in one. I quilt on my domestic machine and my sit-down mid arm… but… they just aren’t doing all that I would like them to do anymore. And the idea of not having to baste…well… I’ll be watching your journey closely.
Renee Z.
I have a Martelli sit-down mid-arm on an hydraulic table. We are building a retirement home and am designing a craft room. I have no talent in designing so am wondering if your other machines will be in the same room? I’ll be following you closely to see what your lighting decisions will be.
Arvilla Trag
I don’t know what Lori will be going to, but I have invested in two Luminess lighting frames, one for over my cutting table and one for over my George on the front porch. This week we are having nice level tile flooring installed on the front porch to replace the extremely warped floorboards from the 1930s. Once the tile installers realized what the light bar was they took full advantage of it. It is height adjustable and absolutely a blessing – I couldn’t cut or quilt without it.
Gayle O'Grady
I don’t have a long-arm yet, but have been shopping/comparing them for a couple years now. My real issue is no room in the house for a large one. Am on the verge of purging a lot of clothes just to make room. What’s more important anyway? Quilting!!!
Barb A
I’m jealous but will be happy to watch you enjoy.
Sandy
Congratulations, it’s about time!! You will probably say why in the world did I wait so long. Now you really can get to quilting 😊Looking forward to longarm posts from you.
Mary Honas
After six years of quilting on the mid-arm at the quilt shop where I work I bought my own Gammill Optimum Plus on a 14 foot frame. It was a gently used, trade-in at the Innova dealer who used to sell Gammills. I took my sister who has been in the quilting business for years with me to get her opinion. Obviously, she approved! It’s been nice to have her input and when she needs a bigger frame she is able to accommodate her customers, win-win for both of us. It’s a lovely machine and after 3 years, I’m still loving it. It’s hand guided but I ordered the IntelliQuilter, expecting delivery in February. My customers have benefitted from your quilting designs as they work regardless of the machine you are using. Thanks!
Susan Zito
I always look forward to reading your emails and watching your videos. Congratulations on taking the leap to longarm. A longarm is on my bucket list. I’ve been sewing since I was 11 and am 67, but only began quilting in my early 60’s. I long for a dedicated sewing room, but I’m still someone who has to pull everything out of a closet and set up on the dining room table. What are the dimensions of your sewing room? Maybe I can convert a guest room into a sewing room.
Nancy
I have the Q20…I love it. I chose sit down because I cannot stand too long…also I have a small space…and can barely do a queen size..I recently did a king and happily sat down to quilt and found the ROOM was too small! That quilt is off to a quilter friend of mine. Sadly, my Q20 has its limits….my room!
In any case, I will follow your adventure…sounds like great fun…
Nancy
Kathy Price
I am excited for you but please don’t abandon us that can’t afford a longterm and don’t have the room for one. We still need your help and great ideas.
Kathie Banks
How Exciting! If I had the space, I’d get one too. Since I don’t, I gifted myself a Q-Zone Hoop Frame. My Babylock Crechendo fits nicely on it. It is less than 5′, but I can quilt any size on the frame by simply sliding it over and re-clamping. I’m still trying to figure out translating my favorite motifs on the domestic to the range of movement afforded on the longarm style carriage. This will be fun to go through with you. I love that block wall in your space!! I think I’d paint it and keep the visual texture.
Karen Fairbrother
I am surprised that your machine came in 8 weeks; I have been waiting for almost 12 weeks for my Bernina Q20 to arrive and am running out of patience! The excuse of course, is the COVID thing; seems that excuse is getting to be a scapegoat! I envy all of you that are happily quilting away while I wait. My pile of quilt tops is getting bigger!
Maureen Ashlock
My Q 16 took 9 weeks to come to MO and was ordered the day after it was announced on Amanda Murphy’s Thankful Thursday video. I got the sit down version with the folding table. Hope your Q comes in soon..
Kathie Banks
Karen, our supply chains has absolutely been compromised by covid. From staff shortages in the manufacturing sector to the shipping industry this slow down is not just impacting small business. My husband works for the US postal service and since covid shut our world down in the spring, they have had to deal with short staffing and an extreme increase in package shipping as we all started buying online. Christmas only served to make the problems worse as freight trailers stacked up in shipping hubs, unable to move because of a lack of personnel. It’s frustrating, I know, but for our part, we need to respect that businesses are working as hard as they can with limited staffing and resources to meet our needs. I can’t tell you how many times my hubby comes home frustrated because of an angry customer taking it out on him.
Melissa Moran
Congratulations on your new longarm purchase! Will you be going through your 25 Days to Better Machine Quilting using the longarm? I was signed up for the class last year, but was not able to fully participate due to covid, family, work, etc.
Rochelle Wiese
I just got my APQS Lucey a few weeks ago and I couldn’t be happier. Even though I don’t live near a dealer, their customer service and on-line support are terrific. We also converted a messy basement space but all we had to do was to add additional lighting. My husband and I are in our seventies so it was quite a challenge to unpack and assemble the machine by ourselves but we did it! I started out trying to justify buying it since I have no intention of quilting for money. However, I do lots of charity quilts and decided that was good enough! Besides, we have not been able to travel, eat out, go to the movies, etc., so this replaces all of those–plus it keeps me sane–I consider it a bargain!!
Shirleyley
Congratulations Lorie.Ten years ago I bought my A 1 long arm. I was 75 years old,and was not sure if I should spend that much money, at that time. Here I am 10 years later turning 86 in May and still enjoying my machine. I did not get a computer than, and have decided not to now either. I quilt for myself and friends.
Looking forward to sharing your quilting journey with your Longarm Shirley upstate N Y
Carol Epp
Lori,
I am so thrilled you have purchased this longarm, how exciting. How exciting for you once your space is finished and you are ready to quilt! I acquired this exact machine right before covid hit so I have been struggling to learn how to use it on my own. I would love to get some good tips from you! You have been a wonderful inspiration over the years. Thank you so much!
Pat
Lori, so glad you are entering this fun area of quilting. I recently purchased a mid arm and I am really really really looking forward to your lessons.
April Russell
Congrats! I have a HQ Avante and love it. I have been following along with your tutorials and lessons and have learned a great deal. Can’t wait for the longarm version. Thank you 🙂
Eva
Congrats! So exciting! I’ve used a long arm that a friend has. It’s different than free motion quilting and I had to reeducate my brain. Doodling really helps! Have fun with this! I’m still trying to find room and convince my husband that I need this. Wish me luck!
michaelannegephart
Congratulations Lori and welcome to the long-arm world of quilting!!! It’s freedom you’ve purchased to play and create new designs via machine and thread.
I purchased a Gammill Classic purchased in 2001 when I started my business. I fell madly in love after test-driving three models at a quilt shop. Give yourself room around all sides of the table as you’ll travel around it. You’ve heard the expression, “miles to go…” you’ll be practicing and experimenting for many years to come. The rewards are many and you’ll learn techniques you couldn’t do on a domestic machine.
All my best wishes for long-arming future!
Ann
Congratulations! i just bought a APQS Lucey because of the close dealer. That’s a must. I was going to use your book for inspiration and so am really excited about you having a longarm too. Here’s to many happy years as we learn our longarms together.
Penny
Hi Lori
I can just imagine your excitement as I too have recently treated myself to an Innova Longarm (M24) on an 11 foot table. The 12 foot was just too big for my space. The two crates (weighing 320kg) arrived from Texas during one of our British lockdowns. We live in a second floor apartment so unpacking took some thinking about, I assembled it all myself as the dealer could not visit because of restrictions. I agree a friendly dealer is a huge bonus. I am so pleased to have purchased one, thrilled with the magnificent Innova engineering and have put in many a happy hour on it, learning as I develop new art quilts. Look forward to following your work.
Karen Richardson
Congratulations on your Longarm! My husband and I purchased one several years ago. We both love it! It is fascinating the accessory purchases that you did and did not make — our purchases were nearly the same and my logic for all was essentially the same!
How fortunate that you get to build your studio. Make sure you build in enough light for the quilting area. IMHO, you cannot have too much light.
Best wishes on your new adventure!
Arvilla Trag
I so envy you the space for a longarm, and being able to custom design your layout on top of that! You will have actual shelves! (Guess what I don’t have in my sewing room?) I am trying to figure out how to improve my sewing room layout for better space utilization, and so far all the possible options are less efficient that the existing arrangement, which isn’t optimal. Last fall I bought an APQS George (he lives on the front porch), which took some adjusting to – much noisier than my VQ3000, more finicky about tension (but once you get it nailed down it stays that way), and it just “feels” different when I use it. I chose the George for several reasons, not the least of which is the lifetime warranty, followed closely by the fact that it fits the available space and is a sit-down machine. The only thing I really wish George had that he doesn’t is a stitch regulator. If I had more space I likely would have made a different choice.
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