Good Morning, Quilters!
I’ve been quilting for more than twenty years!
Most of my free motion quilting has been done on a variety of (BERNINA) domestic sewing machines: B830, B150QE, B770QE.
In 2017, I purchased the BERNINA Q20, a sit-down (stationary) quilting machine and early this year, I purchased a BERNINA Q24 long arm with quilting frame.
Each machine type and way of quilting has advantages and disadvantages.
Domestic, Mid Arm, Long Arm
Before we compare, let’s make sure we understand a few terms.
Domestic Sewing Machine:
Throat space: Less than 9 inches.
Most of us begin quilting on our sewing machines-the machines we use for every day sewing and piecing. The term domestic machine is used to distinguish these machines from commercial sewing machines used in the garment industry. Domestic sewing machines can perform many sewing tasks and usually have a throat space (the distance between the needle and the vertical side of sewing machine) less than 9 inches. Because the domestic sewing machine is so versatile, it is a great machine to learn free motion quilting. The major disadvantage is the small throat space makes quilting large quilts challenging.
Mid Arm Quilting Machine
Throat space: 12-17 inches.
A Mid-arm quilting machine is different from a domestic sewing machine in two ways: It has a larger throat space (12-17 inches) and it is a quilting-only machine. Most mid-arm machines do not have feed dogs and therefore can not perform typical sewing functions.
Mid-arm quilting machines are often set in a cabinet though some are set on a quilt frame. Cabinet style machines require much less space requirements than the frame-based counterparts.
Some mid-arm machines are positioned like a domestic sewing machine, while others are oriented perpendicular.
Mid arm quilting machines make quilting easier with more room for maneuverability. Compared to domestic machines, mid-arm machines usually offer large bobbins and stitch regulators in a moderate price range.
Long Arm Quilting Machine
Throat Space: 20-24 inches
Long arm quilting machines add more throat space. Like the mid-arm quilting machines, long arm machines do not have feed dogs and therefore are quilt-only. Long arm quilting machines are usually positioned perpendicular to sewing machine position which leaves the right and left sides open.
Long arm machines may be in a set in cabinet –the quilt moves not the machine–or on a quilt frame. When the quilt is stretched on the frame, the quilt is stationary and the machine moves.
Long Arm Quilting: Stationary or Movable
When looking to upgrade from quilting on a domestic sewing machine, the biggest decision is whether you want the quilt in a frame (with a movable machine) or you want to move the quilt and have a stationary machine.
Quilt Moves/Stationary Machine Advantages
Similar to FMQ on Domestic Machine-If you’ve been free motion quilting on a domestic sewing machine, the transition to a stationary mid or long arm machine is a delight. Everything is the same-only there’s much more room to move and usually a bigger bobbin to boot! Most quilting machines offer easy built-in stitch regulators.
Sit down quilting-One of the biggest advantages of a stationary machine in a set-in cabinet is it allows you to sit comfortably while quilting. At the end of a long day, you can relax at your machine and quilt away!
Less Expensive-Usually a cabinet is less expensive than the cost of a frame, especially if you need hydraulics on the frame.
Requires A lot Less Space-The space requirements for a cabinet based machine are considerably less than a quilting frame.
Design Review-I often like to quilt a little and then hang or lay out my quilt to evaluate. This is much easier on a stationary machine. When the quilt is rolled on a frame, you can only see a section of the quilt at a time and never get the “big picture”.
Quilt on Frame/Movable Machine Pros/Cons
Stand up quilting-While it is possible to quilt sitting down, most long arm quilting with a movable machine requires the quilter to be standing. I know this sounds like I’m a lazy quilter-but it is a serious consideration.
More Expensive-Long arm quilting machines and the frame are significantly more expensive than other options.
Requires Large Space-A large, dedicated space is required to accommodate a quilt frame.
Faster-Moving the quilting machine over the quilt is much faster than moving the quilt under the needle. I would estimate –4-5x as fast.
No Basting-Instead of spray or pin basting, the quilt is attached to a frame. This set-up only takes 20-30 minutes compared to basting 2 hours?
Computer controlled options-Quilting designs can be automated (with significant babysitting) when the quilt is on a frame.
What about YOU?
Do YOU quilt on a domestic, mid-arm or long arm?
What brand/model do you use?
Are YOU considering an upgrade?
What is the biggest factor in your decision?
We’d LOVE to hear!
YOUR Lucky Multi-machine Owner!
Lori
Read more:
BERNINA Q20 Review One Year Later HERE
Check out all of my books on Etsy: LoriKennedyShop!
43 comments
Barbara Castor
I just got a Bernina Q 16 and I love it. Took some getting used to but I’m in the zone now!
Peggy Norris
I use a vintage Singer 15-91 for FMQ. I’ve quilted several full-size quilts on it. I like it for its harp space (7-8″) and it’s easy to maintain. It’s a keep-it-simple machine! Straight stitiching and FMQ.
Laura Lea Relph
I have been quilting on my home machine for many year…wrestling the top on through. This summer I purchased a Qnique 19 and frame. The ease with which I can quilt now and the smooth lines as it moves are Freedom and joy all around! still not great with ruler work, but I absolutely count the minutes until I can get quilting every time a quilt top is done! Thank you for all the great training!
Karen
I love my Innova…..had it for almost 11 years!!
Jo-Anne
I purchased an Innova 22″ long arm machine 6 years ago (I also have two friends who have the same machines), and we all LOVE them! I use rulers frequently, but all off my quilting is FMQ. I just love it. I find that I can quilt for a couple of hours before I need to sit down a bit, but you can do a lot of quilting in two hours. And we have “red snappers” to load our quilts – if everything is ready to go (front, back and batting), it takes about 5 minutes to load a quilt. Yeah!
Pamela McQuade
I have a Viking Freesia 415 that I love because it is so well designed for people who love to sew. I hope you will still be focusing on home machines since I cannot now do an upgrade. Not all of us who love quilting can afford a specialized machine. I love your patterns and want to be able to use them!
Anne Godwin
I’ves sewn on my vintage Bernina 1230 for decades. While quilting a king size double weddng ring quilt, a friend offered the used of her Sweet 16 sit down machine. the difference between the 7″ and 16″ throats was amazing! I bought the used Sweet 16 since she’d recently bought a long arm. I love the machine. I don’t spend enough time quilting on it. I love your explanations and sharing of your knowledge. Thanks so much.
Deb Peterson
I use 2 domestic machines for free motion quilting, they are both Jukis. I especially like the TL2010Q and I’ve done many of your designs❤
LillianK
I quilt all of my own quilts on a Bernina B880. I enjoy being able to say I made the entire quilt! I have made 1-2 queen quilts but prefer twin size or smaller. Would love to have a Bernina Q29 sit down model , but my sewing area is very limited.
LillianK
Should have said “Q 20”. (Not Q29)
Karen
I bought an ABM Inova 24″ long arm 10 1/2 years ago and have enjoyed working on it. I quilt my own quilts and I help out a few friends with their larger quilts. I have taken lessons on how to quilt using rulers, panographs, stencils, but I enjoy free handing my designs. I love your designs and have gotten your books. Thank you Lori… you are correct when you said you need to practice.
Mary Smart
I quilted a number of queen-sized quilts on a domestic Bernina for 8 years, working very hard to improve my skills at free motion quilting. I am one of those rare quilters who enjoy the quilting most of all – seeing a top become a quilt under my hands. But after I gave myself tendonitis in both arms a second time, pushing big quilts through my domestic machine arm, I made the leap to a longarm.
The longarm has made all the difference in my being able, physically, to continue quilting as much as I like. The tendonitis meant 4 months recuperating before I could return to quilting each time. I’ve been quilting on the longarm for 18 years now and am still going strong at 75.
Since getting the longarm, I also quilt for others in the smallest of small businesses – no marketing, just word of mouth in my quilt guild. So the longarm has given me the challenge of quilting other people’s tops, not just my own, and I really enjoy it.
I love my longarm!
Anne
I purchased a Q16 in the foldable table as an upgrade from the Handiquilter Sweet 16. LOVE the Q!! Would have loved to get the Q20 in the Koala table but I am thrilled to have what I do have. The stitch regulator is an absolute dream and the table is super smooth for ruler work. Very happy indeed.
Mary Wolfersberger
Thanks for presenting a clear, concise explanation of machine quilting options including pros and cons. I learned to free motion on my Bernina 830 through your demos both on line and in classes. Your designs are my first choice. I now have a Bernina 880 and Bernina Q20 and enjoy both. It’s great to create quilts as gifts for family and friends from start to finish. Tell Pat “Hi!”
Karen Anderson
I would love to have a long-arm machine but I don’t have the space or the money. I sew on my Singer 9960 and do mostly straight stitching and piecing. I’m working on a Jungle Quilt right now that I started in 1976 (!). I’m quilting and piecing each panel seperately. I will be joining them together with the bindings. It is a king sized quilt and this was the only way I could think of to easily put them together because of the total weight. The panels range from 12″ x 12″ to 4′ x 5′ and sizes in between. I will try to send pictures when it is finished. Wish me luck!
GrrannyH
I do all my quilting/sewing/piecing on my very old Bernina 1130. The largest quilt I have done on my Bernina is a queen with FMQ, but am trying to stick to smaller projects as I get older. I have recently rediscovered my walking foot for doing a wavy quilting stitch that is actually built into the machine; it is quick and easy for diagonal lines and gets those baby quilts done quickly. Then I can appliqued on top of the background quilting, if I want to. I have considered a long arm more than once, but at 72, I am not enthusiastic about learning a new way of quilting; the frame would definitely get rid of the chore of basting, but the pool noodle method with pin basting works. Thanks, Lori, for all your ideas and designs. I have been following you for years.
Lorraine Doyno Evans
I have a HandiQuilter Sweet Sixteen. Although I love it, I often spend 30 hours FMQ’ing to complete a queen size quilt. Friends with long arms tell me they can do a pantograph in only 4 hours or if they do FMQ it is much quicker than pushing the fabric through on a mid arm. So I am thinking I might like to upgrade sometime in the future to a long arm. This, however, requires different straegies for quilting. For example, now on my SW16 I can make a feather vine all the way around my border without stopping on each side. On a long arm, I would do my top edge, but then when I got to the side borders I would have to take the quilt off the frame and re-orient the quilt so that the side border is lateral. So it would be a new learning curve.
GrrannyH
You could quilt the center of your quilt on the long arm first. Then, before you take the quilt off the frame, stabilize the borders with pin basting. Now remove the quilt from the frame. Voila: he borders are ready for you to quilt on your Sweet 16.
Michele Leonard
I have a JUKI 2010Q , it sits on my table top. It straight stitches only but it does have feed dogs, and I can do piecing and even put in a zipper , because it came with that extra foot.
I have quilted quite a few quilts on this and it was wonderful! Then I wanted more space and I got a BabyLoc Gallant and its Vila Frame. Now I can do my quilting a lot easier. I enjoy doing both type of quilting on both of these depending on what I want to do and how big my project it.
MaryJean Chatron
I love my Q20!. I wanted and needed more space to quilt. The Q20 delivers this.
I did not want the maintenance of the frame style long arms, although I would like to be able to program some of the beautiful designs that are available.
Knowing my personal limitations were critical to making my decision on what to purchase.
The Q20 was the right decision for me.
Janette
Bought a Bernina 750 QE seven years ago. Then I found your blog, and you have taught me lots. THANK YOU! Have never sent a quilt to be quilted. Started with straight lines, then doodling, FMQ. (THANK YOU). Still have lots to learn and every quilt l do becomes more fun. Have thought a lot about buying a Bernina Q16, need to do some Reno’s first.
Thank you for all you share!
Jan Vincent
I purchased an APQS Lenni longarm 2 1/2 years ago so I could quilt my own quilts. That may sound strange considering thousands of quilters use their domestic sewing machine to quilt but I tried that and couldn’t do it even though I have a Bernina 740 with a large throat space. The reason is I have greatly reduced hand and arm strength issues from carpal tunnel and ulnar nerve entrapment. I have had the surgeries for both conditions on both arms which has improved my strength now but still not enough to push the quilt around under the machine. When I try to use my domestic for quilting I end up with aching hands/arms/shoulders. I have had to figure out ways to compensate to continue to quilt but it has been so worth it.
Linda Paredez
How has your experience been with APQS and the Lenni? I keep looking at the Freddie, along with the HandiQuilter Amara and Forte. I think there is an APQS service center about an hour from me, but will check that out before making a decision.
Barb Despen
How do you like your Lenni?
Norma
I recently purchased a Q20 and, while the quilting is a lot easier and more fun – the addition I really appreciated is the lift table. When the table leaves are extended, there’s about 60” of work space. I raise the table and do a lot of smaller activities like rotary cutting on the raised table. I’m no longer bending over and my back is much happier. I never would have imagined how great the lift table is. I don’t generally stand when I quilt though.
Marcia
Norma – great to hear about the extra work space with the Q20 – I just ordered one with the lift table. I never thought about being able to use some of that space for cutting. Looking forward to getting my machine.
Linda Paredez
Thank you for the great article and all of the comments! I currently quilt on my Babylock Crescendo (FMQ and SID) or do edge to edge on my Babylock Destiny II, bit am hoping to purchase a long arm in 2022. It was definitely going to be a long arm because I hate sandwiching quilts; however, you bring up a very good point about having to stand to do the quilting, so that is something that may require I rethink my decision. While I can do a decent amount of standing now, at nearly 66 years old, I have to consider what the future might bring. I also want to get the computerized quilting component, so that might help with the amount of continuous standing.
Barbara Moore
I The purchased the hydraulic with my long arm. You can sit down at some long arms. The saddle stool is great.
Connie
I learned free motion quilting on a Bernina 710. I also have the stitch regulator for it. After doing many quilts I found I like quilting without the stitch regulator and as my stitching seems the same with or without. My husband surprised me with a Sitdown Juki TL2000. The throat space and height of the machine is awesome and table very sturdy. It is a workhorse but took some getting use to. I had to fight with the tension and now check every bobbin to be sure the tension is correct. When it is the machine hums. I have to admit though I enjoy planning, buying and piecing a quilt top way more than quilting it. But I do have the satisfaction of doing the quilt from start to finish!
Barb Despen
I started out doing FMQ on my Bernina 1130 and then the 440QE. But I really wanted more throat space and didn’t want to spend a lot of money, so bought a used Babylock Tiara mid-arm about 4 (?) years ago. I’ve had a lot of problems adjusting tension correctly with it, and still working on stitch quality, so sometimes wish I had a machine with stitch regulation. Recently got trained to rent time on a longarm and that was a fun experience. Think I will do that whenever I want an edge to edge design or want a quilt done quickly!
Meg E.
I had often considered ‘moving up’ to a sit-down mid arm. After getting two total shoulder replacements, and having long-term lifting restrictions of 5# for left arm, I’m really, really glad to see your article. I will not be able to go with the mid arm as I’ve given up on the free motion quilting: It’s too hard for me to maneuver the quilt and keep my shoulder happy. I’ll stick with my beloved Bernina 750QE’s walking foot. As long as I don’t let the quilt drag, it does a great job quilting lap quilts and projects…and larger quilts will just have to go to the ‘Quilt Shop Spa.’
Karla West-Dee
Thank you for a great explanation of the types of machines we have available to us today. They are marvels of technology. I started with a small domestic and have gradually upgraded to a BabyLock long arm with Pro-Stitcher. I do all aspects of quilting from pattern design to quilt motif/stencil design and love being able to use my motifs on either my long arm or embroidery machines. I’ve been enjoying your posts for some time now. Thank you so much!
Meg M Harmon
I worked in a quilt shop for a time and got used to all 3 ways of quilting on these machines. I love the sit down models with a larger space but can’t justify the expense. Longer stay do not hold much charm for me as I can’t see the quilt as a whole, too expensive and I prefer moving the quilt rather than the machine. I purchased a Handi Quilter Stitch 710 and love the space , about 11 “. I sold both my Babylock machines as the 710 had many of their features. I used some of the money to buy a Bernina 325 to travel to guild. It took a little getting used to but it is perfect for piecing, making bags and other projects. I also have my 35+ years old Elna Jubilee which I thought was broken but recently a friendly retired sewing machine repairman fixed very simply. All 3 are high speed but I really mostly FMQ withe 710 and piece on the other two. I think I have found my “Nivarna” with these machines. If I had known the Elna could be fixed so easily, I might not have bought the Bernina because the Elna travels easier but the Bernina has many features I really like so I travel with it. I like the Elna to move out of sewing room to sew near my 2 dogs and keep them company. No puppies in sewing room, it is my cat’s haven! I love quilting more than any other sewing I have done. And you Lori gave me the courage to try FMQ and I steadily improve. I keep telling others to try but I guess it is just easier for them to send to longer er. For me I like to do whole process. Thank you Lori!
mommaquilts
When I started quilting BIG quilts I got a long arm–Gammill Optimum Plus. What I love about the long arm is no more sandwiching! That’s my lest favorite part of quilting. I pin the backing to the leaders, roll it up, lay on the batting and top and just quilt. Love it!
Barbara Moore
So glad to hear you say that. I said the same thing. No more sandwiching. I just purchased an APQS Millie. I have a lot to learn.
Leah Groenwald
I have a Nolting mid-arm on a frame. I am blessed to have the space for my frame. I enjoy doing all the quilting myself, maybe with a pantograph but no computized patterns.
Donna Moatlik
Congratulations on your Q20 purchase. I totally agree with you, Lori! Bernina machines are wonderful. I took the plunge in March and upgraded to a Q16 machine(My budget impacted the decision I made). I can quilt all day and totally lose track of time. I tried a long arm and didn’t like it. Sure, it is faster, but I like the control I have when I am moving the fabric myself. My table is small but it fits in my space well and I can put a long table on either side of it when working on a king sized quilt.
Teresia Chase
I am a big fan of your free motion designs. I love their simplicity while they still produce gorgeous results. My 2 favorites are the square flower and the chrysanthemum. I use those designs whenever I can and I do them in my small frame machine, moving the quilt a section at a time. I have never really mastered FMQ on a regular sewing machine (except for leaves).
Lately I’m doing a lot of combo-quilting. If my quilt has lots of straight seams I like to stitch in the ditch or do straight line quilting on my Brother with the 11.5” throat. I also have a Brother-Grace quilting frame 5 feet long. It does wonderful free motion quilting and I use it for pieces that don’t have a lot of straight seams. The combo part comes in when I do part of the quilt SID and then clamp it to the small frame and do free-motion designs. The advantage to the small frame is you can just clamp a section to put in some detail, or roll it up like a bigger frame and do a quilt all-over.
I love your blog and recommend your designs to everybody who quilts. Thank you for all that you create and teach.
Susie
I have have been using my domestic machine (Brother) to free motion quilts. I am continuing to use it for small projects, especially to free motion raw edge appliqué. I recently purchased the Moxie by HandyQuilter. It is still free motion and the small frame (8ft) fit into my sewing space. Well, I made it fit! 😆 I appreciate being able to load a twin size bed quilt and get it quilted quickly. I am not really a quilt “artist”…so I enjoy using the edge to edge pantographs and quilt from the back by tracing over the design.
GrannyH
Susie: Handi Quilter just released automation for the Moxie; it’s the Prostitcher Lite. Several videos are on YouTube.
Karen Fairbrother
I have had my Bernina Q20 sit down machine for about 9 months and am more than satisfied with it. The built in stitch regulator and the large throat space are the best features. I know I made the right decision as I do not have enough room for a long arm and like to FMQ my own designs rather than use computer generated designs. I also know that being able to sit at the machine is much better for me than having to stand for hours at a long arm. You have been my inspiration, Lori, as I have read your blogs and watched you use your Q20 for years. Thanks so much for sharing all of your knowledge and teaching us how to free motion quilt!
Uli
I am quilting on my Janome MC6700 P I tried the Q16 recently because I live in a small apartment and I have seen that the table can be folded away. But I found out that the machine has to be removed before you fold the table which means I have to find someone to help me because the machine weighs 40kg and then I would have to find a place for the machine and the table.
In the end I decided to stick with my domestic machine, I quilted really large quilt on it and it may not always have been fun, but it can be done. I may upgrade to a Janome M7 someday… I tested the fancier Berninas, but they haven’t felt right for me.
Kind regards
Uli
Brooke W
I quilt on my domestic. Recently got a Babylock Jazz 2 for the large (12”) throat space and reasonable price. I’d love to upgrade to a mid or longarm, but have to save my pennies to get there. Plus – I’m not convinced which one I’d love the most.
Comments are closed.