Good Morning, Quilters!
A few months ago, I splurged on a BERNINA Q20 sewing machine!!!
For years I have debated whether or not I wanted a long arm sewing machine. On one hand, I do a lot of quilting and it is really challenging to wrestle a quilt in the harp space of a domestic sewing machine. On the other hand, long arm machines take up a lot of space and are an investment. Furthermore, I like to quilt at the end of the day when my feet are tired. I want to sit, relax and quilt-and I think most long arm quilters stand while they quilt. (Okay…don’t even say it…I know I have a lazy streak!)
Then I had an opportunity to try BERNINA’s Q20 sit down long arm quilt machine–and it was LOVE at first stitch!
FOUR MAIN REASONS I CHOSE THE BERNINA Q20
Sit-Down. Large Throat Space. Reasonable Price. Compact Size.
The BERNINA Q20 is a sit-down long arm sewing machine with a 20 inch throat space.
The Q20 is a fraction of the price of a long arm machine on rails. (Especially when you consider the beautiful Koala table is included.)
The table is a generous 36 x 45 inches and it easily expands to 36 x 77 for larger quilts–Yet way smaller than the frame of a long arm machine.
MORE TO LOVE
As you know, I am a BERNINA girl. I have been sewing on BERNINAs for more than 30 years. I have confidence in the brand and in their workmanship. BERNINAs create gorgeous stitches and this machine is no exception. Adjusting the tension is a breeze.
Because the Q20 only does one thing…(no embroidery, etc.) is does it very well. The screen and button layout is intuitive and easy. It has a built in stitch regulator…(I have never used a BSR–so I don’t know if I will use the built-in version) and the bobbin is HUGE!!!
I love that I can use the BERNINA feet from my B770!
And, if I ever change my mind: The Q20 can be set up for use on a frame!
THE DOWNSIDE to the BERNINA Q20 Sit Down
This machine is not on a frame. I still have to baste my quilts like before and move the quilt under the needle. (Though I can still change my mind and put this machine on a frame.)
I miss the automatic bobbin thread cutter feature available on my B770QE. I’m sure there was a mechanical reason the engineers left this out–but I do miss it!
HONEYMOON
I’m definitely in the honeymoon phase…getting to know the ins and outs of the BERNINA Q20. I have to learn how to use the programmable foot pedal and the various BSR modes, but I am delighted so far!
What about YOU?
Do YOU have a new love in YOUR sewing room?
Have YOU ever considered a long arm sewing machine?
Did YOU decide to BUY or WAIT?
We’d LOVE to hear!
I’m off on my honeymoon,
#FreezingColdMinnesotaWhoCares?
Lori
PS…If you like these motifs and tips, be sure to check out my book, Free Motion Machine Quilting 1-2-3 or any of my Craftsy Videos!
PPS…All tutorials, images and information are the property of Lori Kennedy at The Inbox Jaunt and are intended for personal use only. Feel free to re-blog, pin or share with attribution to The Inbox Jaunt. For all other purposes, please contact me at lckennedy@hotmail.com. Thanks!
82 comments
farmquilter
I ordered my Innova longarm 9 months after I pieced my first quilt. Love my Innova and the 12 foot frame it is on. I can’t imagine wrestling with a quilt under a stationary needle…makes my shoulders hurt just thinking about it!! I love that, even including shipping and taxes, I paid around $8,000 for the whole set-up that includes free 24/7/365 tech service. Considering I was looking at paying $25,000+ for a different brand to get everything I considered essential, I was so happy to find that the Innova had everything I wanted, is a quality machine, at a good price, that makes my quilting look good! Congratulations on your new machine.
Bonnie
Lori
I purchased a q20 about a year and a half ago for the same reasons you stated in your blog, I am a Bernina girl too and you will love the machine.
Regards Bonnie
Ps I use the needle up needle down to bring up the thread so in can cut it (I made the same comment to Bernina rep that I missed that function too)
Alice
I bought one last April. No interest and low payments for 60 months. I absolutely LOVE it. The pile of tops is turning into a pile of quilts.
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Woohoo!!
Claudia
Congrats! I may have to get one of these one day. You had asked about the quilt suspension system, go to: http://www.patsythompsondesigns.com Click on her store and than you will see a picture of her suspension system and you can find it from there. Her husband builds these and I am sure you could do the same or buy one from her. Check it out, I think it will help you a lot. Looking forward to hear more about your new adventure….Hugs. Claudia
Pat V
I looked at the quilt suspension system. How awesome is that?! And the price is very reasonable.
Terry Sheldon
Agreed! When I compared the cost of Patsy’s systems with the ones at our local shops, no comparison! Plus, you can get Patsy’s in purple!
Shannon
Congratulations ????. I’ve had my Q20 for 18 months and it is a game-changer! All that space makes FMQ so much easier, and I think you’ll love the BSR. I swore I’d never use it, but after a little practice, I can’t imagine being within it!
Verna A.
It is my dream to have my own longarm someday, so I’m saving up for one.
Paulette
check out a quilt suspension system here; https://www.patsythompsondesigns.com/shop/
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Thank you!
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I saved for a long time too! So excited to finally bring it home!
Scheri
My husband purchased a Artistic Quilter SD18 last Christmas. I am so pleased with this sit down quilter. It doesn’t take up huge space in my small home. Easy to use.
Jacqui VMS
If I ever do get a sit down quilting machine, it’ll be the Bernina :-). I tried one at a show and it was love at first stitch for me too! Enjoy your machine!!!
Terry Sheldon
Before you settle on a Bernina, give the other brands a try! Pfaff makes state-of-the-art machines…
Romney
Congratulations on your Q20! It’s a fantastic machine! It literally dances across the fabric!
Kelly
Lori,
You will love your Q20. My husband surprised me with one for my birthday 2 years ago. Last summer we bought the rails because I have a torn rotator cuff and couldn’t deal with wrestling quilts anymore. Look into a quilt suspension system. My husband made mine from pvc pipes. It was so helpful. You are going to have such fun. It’s a fantastic machine.
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What is a quilt suspension system? I do like that the opportunity to use a frame is an option!
Terry Sheldon
Lori, go to PatsyThompsonDesigns.com, scroll down and watch the videos on her two quilt suspension systems. THEY ARE FABULOUS…you can get whichever one is right for your particular needs. I paid somewhere around $100 for mine…our local quilt shop is charging more like $500 for theirs, exactly the same idea. But if you/your husband are handy you can make these easily…not me, however! I got a sitdown quilting machine too, the Pfaff Powerquilter 16.0; this suspension system is the bomb. Quilt your little heart out, NO DRAGGING QUILT, no extra tables you have to set up. Easy peasy to reposition the quilt. Good luck!
Lorraine Doyno Evans
Don’t spend a lot of $$ on a suspension system…make one your self. We have a rolling clothes hanger pole in our basement that I think will be very easy to turn into a suspension system with bungies and clips. Along the same lines as Ann Madison’s post.
Ann Madison
My quilt suspension system is basically, two poles(or you can use 4 for a very large quilt) each with bungee cords having clips on the end.i attached thes to the table and clip the quilt fabric so it is above the table a little or, resting lightly on the table. I found two adjustable “dog grooming poles” with c-clamps on sale at Wayfair. They work great and the cost is much less than buying a system specially designed for quilt suspension. It makes moving your quilt around for FMQ so much easier. Hope this helps, I am not very good at a written description but, if you would like, I can send you a picture of my set-up.
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Please send a photo! My email is lckennedy@hotmail.com
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