Yes, a larger harp would be of help but I have been able to quilt award winning quilts on my Bernina 1530 (8" harp). What I found that works best for quilting on a DSM is to make sure you have adequate support on your left side and behind your machine so the weight of the quilt doesn't hamper your quilting. I have an square piece of pressedwood that I insert to sit on an open drawer (in my sewing desk) and the other end sits on a bookcase. When I learned to machine quilt, I was told to roll up the quilt and toss it on my left shoulder. THAT NEVER WORKED for me. Good Luck