Advice on Longarm Quilting machines
 

I'm at the beginning of consideration for a longarm and attended a class for the BabyLock Crown Jewel longarm machine. I was impressed with the quality of the machine and the frame and the fact that it was a bit, a tiny bit less expensive than a Gammill, etc.

Anybody own one of these and what has been your experience? Is there anyone out there who absolutely despises their machine and if so, why? Thanks so much for the input. I have gained so much knowledge here and wouldn't think of going forward without asking the "crew."

I bought a Handi-quilter Avante which is exactly the same machine as the Babylock Crown Jewel & I found that it was a little less cost than the Crown Jewel. The Crown Jewel is made by Handi-quilter. I thoroughly enjoy my machine. I have called Handi-quilter several times with questions & they have been more than helpful. Great customer service. Good luck with your decision.

I have a HQ16 on a frame that I love. I bought it used and have never had a problem with it. My DH cleans it for me every 2 years; it was clean as a whistle inside after 2 years of use. It hasn't needed any other servicing yet. It gives me about 11 inches of quilting space on a smaller quilt, between 8 - 10 on a larger quilt.

Price-wise, used is always cheaper than new. The good news is that most quilters take care of their machines, so the used ones are generally reliable. Even so, you probably want to see the machine in person and run it on a quilt sandwich for a bit. I'll suggest finding a place where you can rent time on a long arm, so you know what to expect/look for during your shopping experience.

Other less expensive brands you can look at: Bailey's home quilter, New Joy Crystal Quilter.

I've never used either of those machines, but they seem to be pretty basic. There is a forum for the Bailey on yahoo, but I don't know if there is one for the New Joy.

Happy hunting!

I have an A-1. Honestly, you will find people who love or dislike every make and model out there. The best advice is to try them yourself. When I was researching for mine, I went to several quilt shows, even one three hours drive away, in order to try them all out. Contacting the manufacturer may give you some people in your area willing to let you come over and see theirs. I have done this twice now, paying it forward for those that helped me in the same way. In the end, you need to decide what features you most want balanced by your budget. For me it was cruise control, hydraulic legs, a steel frame, less weight to move around, and a 22-inch throat. I wanted more than a mid-arm (up to 16 inches), as I wanted to be able to grow into maybe a business later. For now, I only do charity quilting and quilting for myself. But, I have the ability to move into a business, plus it can have a computer added later if I want.

I have a baby lock crown jewel. I do not like it. I have lots of issues and the computer I purchased for big bucks doesn't work correctly. I'm constantly having to call for assistance. They take over the machine from my computer and the assistant can't even get it to work. If I had it to do all over again, I would buy something different. Perhaps the Handi Quilter or even spring for a Gammill. This is an expensive investment and loving to work with your machine is everything. I have four quilt tops that need quilting and I'm just putting it off because I know I will have to struggle through it.

But, like everyone says, we're all different and hey who knows, maybe I simply got a "lemon". I did love working with the machine in the store - so go figure LOL

Just make sure that which ever machine you purchase you have assistance close by. I'm an hour away from where I purchased mine. I own a husquavana sewing machine that I bought locally. I just love having the support close by in case there is any question or issue.

I purchased a 26" Innova on 12' frame, and I love it. If I were buying another longarm for some reason, it would definitely be another Innova.

i am with dunster ....have an innova and love it ......used a few others before ...[.sister has one and a friend in town has yet another and a friend out of town yet a different would not trade mine for all the rest ]

Where can you buy Innova? Is Innova the brand name or is that a model from a brand?

Count me in as another thrilled Innova LA owner. I almost got an HQ until I drove the Innova. IMHO I got a lot more bang for the buck. Innova is reasonably priced, just a wee bit more than HQ and a LOT less then some of the other big names like Gammel, APQS and A1 (when comparing throat size). Great rack system and awesome 24/7/365 support.

for JT Innova is the brand. The manufacturer is ABM. Google Innova or ABM Innova or Innova longarm and you should get plenty of hits. There are dealers all over the country.

I went to LOTS of quilt shows and did a test drive on any machine I could afford. I learned a lot about how I quilt and move. The choice depends as much on you as the machine. And good product support is invaluable.

I have a Gammill Premier Plus, and I love it! I have never regretted spending the couple of extra dollars for it, the dealer support has been phenomenal, and the machine is all I could have wanted. So I would suggest you at least try one of them when you are looking...and they DO have some gently used ones. No affiliation with my dealer or Gammill...I just love my machine!

I have a Crown Jewel that I purchased 3 years ago and I love it. I didn't get the computer set up so I do free motion only.

Innova is the brand. Here is their website:
http://innovalongarm.com/

I test drove several different longarm machines at several different quilt shows. Innova was my favorite hands-down. There are groups for each of the longarm brands at groups.yahoo.com . I joined several and have paid special attention to the two Innova groups; they seem to be the happiest with their setups. An Innova with lightning stitch is my "dream" machine.

All, enormous thanks for all your replies!! Truth be told, it was the A1 I first saw years ago and haven't ever gotten it out of my mind. I know it's pricey, but I also know it's one fabulous machine. Think Innova has support here, as well. I'll keep working on my dry erase board doing quilting patterns as I continue searching. Love you all!

I have a Babylock Crown Jewel with a Qbot and I love it! :) The only issues I've had have been thread breaking a couple of times. But usually that's because I set the machine to go too fast on the Qbot (above 100% can be too fast on some designs), and once because I forgot to adjust the tension when using metallic thread. But it always sews like a dream and works great with my Qbot. :) If I had it to do again I'd still get the same machine. And I guess it depends on where you live as to whether the HQ Avante or the Crown Jewel is the less expensive of the 2. I love them both (since they're the same machine) but this one saved me like $1,000 with the deal I got on it. Good luck finding the right machine for you!

I have a Nolting 24" Pro on 12ft table. I think I died am in heaven.