Pantographs?
 

I'm just learning how to use my long arm quilter and would like to not spend a fortune on pantographs if not necessary. Thanks.

https://www.urbanelementz.com/shop/category/free-stuff/ has quite a few free ones. You can print copies and tape them together.

They're not necessary at all, since you can quilt without them - just free motion and rulers. That's what I do. I think it would be incredibly boring to follow a pantograph. However I would really like to have a computerized longarm, so it could do the repetitive work for me.

I have used some from other LAer's since I do not quilt for money.

There's also a free one at Fons and Porter's website. You'll need to enlarge the copy you make, most likely. You can also buy books with quilting pantographs in them. They usually only show a small section (one repeat). If there's one I want I just trace the repeat with a thin sharpie onto paper on a roll I bought and make my own. By using those in books you will find pantographs which you seldom or never see other longarmmers using, plus you will save a lot of money buying a book as opposed to paying $16.50 per pantograph. You just need a roll of paper and time. I like Anne Bright's books, and Laura Lee Fritz comes to mind.

Another thought: many la'ers are going computerized and sell all their pantos, usually for about $8 each. Also, sometimes pantos go on sale, so watch different websites for sales. At Quilts Complete, you get free shipping if you spend $50 (easy to do when pantos are $16.50 each). If you think pantos are expensive, don't even look at the prices of rulers.

I have a few pantos you can buy for cheap. They are nice ones that I though I would use but never did. PM me if interested.

You might want to check out "My Creative Stitches" by Christy Dillon. She sells her new patterns for $5 when they first come out.

I use Quilt Recipes at http://quiltrecipes.com/index.php
You can download a free program from them with several free pantographs. Then, you can purchase other pantographs, starting at $4. Then you can print out a pantograph whatever size you want using the free program. This way you can make the pantograph to fit what ever size quilt you are doing. Where the ones you buy are one size only. You can't lose anything by trying the free download program an you can print out a pantograph to try it! Good luck. Ann