pumpkinpatchquilter

I swear every day I'm pulled to a different machine. Now I'm interested in the Handi Quilter. We have a dealership about 40 minutes away (a HUGE plus) and they seem to be somewhere between the less expensive machines I've been looking at and the highly priced machines. We are going to the local dealership on Monday and I'm hoping to have the opportunity to test drive it.

My questions are - if you bought an HQ Avante 18 did you feel like you have enough space? A big reason I'm wanting a long arm is to quilt large quilts more easily. I'd like to do a few customer quilts on the side for a little extra income but nothing huge.

Anyone buy their Handi Quilter used? If so what was that experience like for you? Worth it? Did you buy it used from a dealer or somewhere else?

kristakz

Love my HandiQuilter! I bought an Avante 18" in July, and I am thrilled with it. Every time I load a quilt, I think about how much time I did NOT have to spend crawling around on the floor pinning it. I definitely have enough space. I had been looking for a 20" machine - 26" is way too big for me. I was a bit concerned that 18" would be too small, but I haven't had any problems. I just quilted a quilt with 9" blocks on point - custom quilted. That just barely fit, but it did, and I was able to do what I needed to. 12" blocks straight set are the largest you can do in one pass - but you can get creative and find a good place to split your design if necessary to quilt larger blocks custom. I have a 12' table - very glad I did that, as I just finished a 102" quilt. My one complaint is that the roller bars bend slightly under their own weight, and I'm still trying to find a solution that will give me a consistent level off the table for the guide roller.
I love having a local dealer (30 minutes away). I just spent time with her today, going over some issues (skipped stitches) in my latest quilt. She gave me lots of suggestions, and is always happy to let me try out her tools and such (like the extended base for ruler work).

QuiltnNan

congrats on being able to get the machine. just a caution though... you might want to ask if using the machine commercially voids your warranty. seems that i read that somewhere. also, will your insurance be valid if it is only for homeowner and not for business?

DebraK

About a year and a half ago, I bought an HQ Avante from a quilt shop going out of business. Everyone used it, as the owner rented time on the machine as a service to her customers. I quilted on the Avante for two days in the shop, quilting donations quilts to learn the ropes. The owners came to my house and set everything up, and left me another donation quilt to work on to make sure I wouldn't risk one of my own quilts if there were any problems. I've never had any trouble, and because they are HQ dealers, they are just a phone call away should I need any help. I've never regretted my purchase.

feline fanatic

When I was deciding on my LA I almost went with a handiquilter. But then I tried an Innova. The price of the machines were comparable and I felt I got a LOT more bang for my buck with the Innova. I did a lot of test driving on the Handiquilter sweet 16, took the class at the shop that was selling them so I could be certified to rent time. I used the Avante 18" at a class at MQX year before last. Nice machine but IMHO the Innova is nicer and a better value and the rack set up is way better. Innovas come 18" 22" 26" and one more size up, I think it is a 32 or 36" throat(way too big for hand guiding, that size is for those doing a computer set up.)
I ended up buying my dealer's 26" demo machine and I have not regretted it one tiny bit. I got a one year warrantee with it and haven't had a bit of trouble. They came to my house and set it up. The only regret I have is not having enough room in my home for a 12' rack. But 10' I can quilt 100" wide quilt quite easily, think I may have done one just a little wider, but it is a pain doing one that big.

That said, dealer support would be a deal breaker for me. A good dealer/sales rep that is available for trouble shooting and can come to your home to set up the machine is worth their weight in gold. So if you don't have an Innova dealer close by then by all means look into getting the Avante.

pumpkinpatchquilter

Thanks for your input I'm grateful for it! Having a dealer so close is a huge part of why I'm drawn to HQ. I'm also hoping to buy a refurbished or used machine - I just cannot afford one new.

AliKat

I have a HQ16. Got it used, otherwise doubt I would have gotten it. Added the ProStitcher when it first came out. I love it. Would love the Avante but ....

I have local HQ dealers. Though when I have had a question I usually just call HQ and they are great. When I got the updated bed and cradle they sent me pictures to help. My table is handmade so it isn't like having the HQ table.

luvstoquilt301

I bought a used HQ for $2,500 on Craigslist. One of the best decisions ever.

pumpkinpatchquilter

What a deal you got! What size was it and did it include the frame?

trishlovesquilts

i just bought the Sweet Sixteen and i LOVE HER!!!!!!!!! best decision i have ever made! love the table that came with it and i always spray baste my quilts so no big deal there. but i love it!