pumpkinpatchquilter

I am looking to purchase a long arm for my own use and some light long arming work on the side after I get comfortable and I have a question for those of you with stitch regulation. How necessary do you think it is? I have a small budget and will likely be buying an older used machine...many of the older machines in my price range don't offer stitch regulation - and I'm thinking I'd much rather have a larger throat space to have a bigger work area and frame than the stitch regulation...but how realistic is this? I want to put out professional high quality work if I'm going to charge others for it - how do you feel about it? Do you think it's a must?

ckcowl

my (very personal opinion) is- you should have good control/ability of your stitching before using the stitch regulator---kind of like learning to drive-before using cruise control-
that is just me- i have a stitch regulator which i pretty much never ever turn on- i have a friend who rents time on my machine who ALWAYS no matter what uses it. i learned my machine with out it- then found i really hated it when i did try it...but like i said- that's me- some people feel they would never ever quilt without one- some of us have found good stitch control through lots of practice and don't depend on one.

lindy-2

it is for me but if you think you have the patiance and control to learn without the regulator go for it. its alot of work just learning to move the machine smoothly without having to worry about speed. but thay said that is what was used brfor regulators so its quite possible.

An Arm Long

If you are willing to put in the time to practice without stitch regulation, then go for it. But if you want to be very good quickly, then start with stitch regulation.

sewingladydi

I guess the best test would be if you free motion on your regular sewing machine without a stitch regulator.

When I started quilting, I free motion'ed without a stitch regulator & found it frustrating. Now I have a new machine with a stitch regular and absolutely love it. I can concentrate on the design instead of worrying about my stitches.

I also have a 2007 Tin Lizzie I bought used and it has a stitch regulator. Worth it to me on both machines.

SewingLadyDI

Prettiptibbs

A stitch regulator is great for ruler work...your stitches remain even.

pumpkinpatchquilter

Thank you all so much for your input - I really see where you're coming from. I think in the beginning, as soon as I get comfortable I'll be doing a lot of simple designs and pantograph's...my thought was I want to be sure I'm giving customers something they can't do themselves...or else why pay for it, ya know?

THIS makes so much sense to me. I never thought of that - THANK YOU!

Calico21

I guess I think differently from the other responders, but shortly after I got my Bailey, I got the stitch regulator, having had it on the prior (Juki) machine. I've hardly done any quilting without it, and have no regrets about the expense.

caspharm

The stitch regulator is also helpful with pantos, because going through curves and sharp corners require an even stitch for the best effect. I learned without one and then tried one at the dealer and really appreciated being able to not worry about "toe-catchers" (the long stitches).

lfletcher

The learning curve is a lot shorter if you use the stitch regulator. One less thing to worry about. I had a mid-arm without stitch regulation and I did manage to do ok, but my new machine has the stitch regulator and I use it every time.