Hi Kathy, When free motion quilting, the length of stitch is regulated by how fast or slow you move the quilt but if the movement of your quilt isn't consistent your stitches aren't all the same length. A stitch regulator senses how fast the quilt is moving and helps regulate the stitch length even if you don't move your quilt at the same speed all the time. It takes practice either way, but a stitch regulator makes it a lot easier. My machine isn't a long arm. Bernina makes home sewing machines with stitch regulators.