Innova Sit-Down Quilting Machine - Anyone Tried It?
 

Hi everybody. Once again, I look to the group for advice.

I am trying to decide if I want a sit-down or frame setup. A stitch regulator is a must. What a decision. I've already looked at the frame setups and know what I would get if I were to go in that direction. Now, I'm looking at the sit-downs.

I have seen/tried the HQ Sweet Sixteen with stitch regulator and like it enough. But I don't want that to be the only one I try and I don't think there's anything else out there with a stitch regulator other than the Innova sit-down. (I know there's the Babylock Tiara, but that's really an HQ per a local dealer who sells both.)

So, I'm wondering if anybody out there has or has tried the Innova sit-down with stitch regulator and if so provide some thoughts. What were your impressions? Did the stitch regulator allow good visibility around the needle? Did if function smoothly? And any other questions I failed to ask...

Thanks in advance,
Cathy

I asked about it at a show last year and was told by the Innova dealer that it's a completely different machine than the stand up. Different design, mechanics etc. so be sure to test drive. Just because you like the stand up version, doesn't mean you'll like the sit down. I really wanted to try one but the dealer hadn't gotten one in. I'm hoping this year they'll have one at a show. She did tell me that the table it's in is huge and takes up nearly as much space as a frame. FWIW.

Thanks Candace. The table's only 24 x 65. I did hear from someone on a board that it's beautiful and I'm sure some of the price of the setup is from the furniture. But she doesn't have the stitch regulator so couldn't speak to that. But she loves the machine.

I tried the HQ sit down and many frame quilting machines but bought the Innova 26 on a frame. I think it all depends on the size quilts you make and if you have any physical or space limitations. I make bigger quilts overall and have joint issues. For me the Innova frame was a good fit as it can handle big quilts, no more basting either, and it is very light weight. Definitely try before you buy. Also you might not need a stitch regulator on a sit down machine. I definitely liked it better without but then I have 10 years of quilting on my Janome 6500. The space of the throat is wonderful on those sit down machines. With a sit down you will still need to do the basting. HQ representatives told me people that make art quilts, smaller, and have physical or space limitations buy the sit down over a on frame machine. The crowd that was there supported what they said. Try before you buy.

The table sure looks a lot larger than that?? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBxT49mFsTQ That's what the Innova dealer told me, anyway... and I think the measurements you're talking about are with it folded away. That's not open space needed, however. I found another site and open it's 48" x 65". I can understand the logic from the dealer. For not much more space, one could get a small frame.

The nice thing on the Innova is that the stitch regulator is built in. With the HQ you control the stitch regulator like a computer mouse. BUT I think that humongous metal block right behind the foot would be a big distraction for me. I like visibility all around the foot and even went for the open-toe foot on my HQ Sweet 16.

All you can do is try it out and see what you like better and which one gets you more bang for your buck.

Thanks for your replies. The having to control the stitch regulator on the HQ is something that makes me hesitate. Innova is trying to find a local person with the sit-down so I can see it and see how I react to the stitch regulator. Let's hope!!

As to the table, the width is the dimension that would affect me. I have a Horn cabinet for my DSM that is about the same size with the extension and it does intrude into the room when it's open but I can live with that while using the machine. Then put it down when I'm done.

If I do go frame route, it's an Innova all the way. Just have to decide on the size of the head and the frame. I **do** love that machine.

Cathy

Of all things quilting I hated basting with such a passion that no more basting was a major reason I got my Innova on a frame so I would never have to baste again. To me, quilting on a frame translates much easier to the same movements I would use for drawing. The movements needed for sitdown quilting where I was manipulating the quilt to make my designs rather than the machine, just did not work for me. If you don't have any physical limitations to stand and quilt I would go for a frame set up. Additionally, I have seen saddle type stools that some quilters have used so they can sit and quilt on the frame. One more thing to consider, you can't readily do pantos with a sit down model. And I think it would be very difficult to take advantage of rulers and templates as well. I think in the long run you will be much happier if you went with a frame setup. JMHO.

When I was looking, I found a sit-down model that could be added to a frame setup if you changed your mind on how you wanted to quilt. I think it might have been the HQ but I'm not that certain. This might be worth some research. If you do want a sit-down version, try the George from APQS. A friend has it and loves it.

I'm in the same pondering boat as you - sort of. I used to have a Bailey on a frame. I really didn't like the space the frame took up in my craft room and really never used it. I guess I just didn't bond with it... But to me floor space is prime real estate. I don't mind basting a quilt now that I have made friends with spray basting :D

I went to look at machines yesterday and kind of left empty handed and no more closer to a decision than I was before. I wasn't able to test the Tin Lizzie sit down. I really wanted to be able to compare them side by side. My local dealer says that they'll be getting one in in the next few weeks so we'll see about that. The Georgia expo is coming up and I might head out there to try out machines again...
I'm also going to look at the Sunshine 16 maybe this coming weekend. That is MUCH more affordable but it is not stitch regulated. I personally don't want or need the regulator. I tried the machines on frames and sit downs with and without the regulator and I don't need it so I'm happy there. That will save me money...

The Innova as much as I love the idea of it, is far too expensive for me. I don't quilt for others. It's just me and that's a lot of fabric for the difference in cost....

Update!! I was able to see the Innova sit down at a show yesterday. They've modified the design for the regulated machine so that the big regulator block is no longer just above the needle. The sensor is now under the acrylic insert that encloses the base of the machine. It senses the movement of the fabric over it. They also put it in a smaller non-furniture table which results in a lower price. The table is bigger than the HQ Sweet Sixteen although there doesn't appear to be any option for leaves.

What a beautiful machine. It works beautifully.

I ended up getting the Babylock Tiara (just like the HQ SS). DH suggested that I seriously consider selling the Tiara while it's near new and get the Innova. Tempting but not sure I can justify it.

But thought I'd post on my impressions and the changes they've made in the machine and setup.

i have an innova ...stand up and just love it ...and this is the 4th one i have used ...sister had 2 different ones and a friend has yet another and love mine the best

Go to www.apqs.com and look at the George machine. Has a stitch regulator. I just got a used millineum and love it. Still have a lot of learning to do. I believe they will send you a dvd of their machines for you to view. Good luck in your search.

There's no mention of a stich regulator on the George machine. All the other machines specifically state that there are, but not the George. Could be that's why it's less expensive. I do like the large throat (20"), and APQS machines have a good reputation.

What does 'large throat' mean in this context? 8" x 20"? It looks like there is 20" from the needle to the end of the arm. But what is the 8"? How far you can go side to side?
And it looks like when you put a frame in there that you lose a whole lot of "throat space" to the rollers.

Throat size is usually expressed in height and width. So an 8 x 20 should mean 8 inches tall and 20" wide. The rollers do gobble up a lot of space, especially when toward the end of the quilting the quilt is rolled up on that roller. That's why in longarms, most people consider that the wider the throat, the better.

However, a wider throat usually means more mass, and more machine to move around. So there are some diminishing returns there, it appears...

I recently tried out the Innova sitdown. What an amazing machine. I currently own hq16 sitdown. Can't wait to upgrade to the innova. Plus they are coming out with "pantovision" for the sit down. Basically it is a pantograph that is on a tablet/iPad. Innova has really thought out all the details. I think it might be the best sitdown machine on the market right now.

I recently tried the Innova sit down machine and thought it made a beautiful stitch. Have a Handiquilter Fusion but want to get a sit down for my smaller appliqué pieces, etc. Loved the stitch regulator on the Innova. Husquvarna Viking has come out with their Platium 16 but it has a stitch regulator like the HQ 16, which reminds me of a hockey puck. Not sure if that stitch regulator being attached to your quilt would put pull on the quilt. Does anyone have that type of stitch regulator and if so, what is your opinion of it. I am leaning towards the Innova. I have a lot of tension problems with the HQ. Can anyone speak about the Innova and any tension problems with it? Any information would be appreciated.

Sit down quilting machines
 

I recently tried the Innova sit down machine and thought it made a beautiful stitch. Have a Handiquilter Fusion but want to get a sit down for my smaller appliqué pieces, etc. Loved the stitch regulator on the Innova. Husquvarna Viking has come out with their Platium 16 but it has a stitch regulator like the HQ 16, which reminds me of a hockey puck. Not sure if that stitch regulator being attached to your quilt would put pull on the quilt. Does anyone have that type of stitch regulator and if so, what is your opinion of it. I am leaning towards the Innova. I have a lot of tension problems with the HQ. Can anyone speak about the Innova and any tension problems with it? Any information would be appreciated.