I quilted all my quilts on a regular little Brother sewing machine, (mostly lap or single bed size) took some squishing but definately doable. I have now got a Janome Horizon 7700 which has much more room, so it make it easier. I don't have a frame, if I need to do a large quilt, I put my sewing machine next to my dining table to help support the weight of the quilt. Well worth the time and effort to practice as I just couldn't afford to send my quilt to the longarmers.