When you say you've "machine quilted" for quilt, do you mean by a quilting machine or sewing machine? Does everyone own a quilting machine?

I use my home machine. It's a Juki "quilting machine" but it's really no different than a regular sewing machine except for the slightly larger throat area which allows for quilting a larger quilt. I used to use my moms old Necchi (which has a rather small throat area, so it was a bit harder to get all that bulk in there but I managed somehow) and I even use my old Singer 301 on occasion because it's lighter and can be taken to classes, etc.

I wish I had a long arm machine. I see one in my future. Hope God does too!! :D :D :D

Most people cannot afford longarm machines. In general, if someone says "by machine", they mean a sewing machine. I have heard longarmers use the term also, but usually they are more specific.

I would think it means quilted by any machine as opposed to by hand.

When I machine quilt, it's done on my sewing machine. When I think of having it quilted on a long-arm machine, I think of that as being "professionally quilted"...NOT that it isn't "professional" when all you wonderful quilters quilt by hand or machine of any type.

Thanks everyone. I guess this means that now I'll have to show my sewing machine who's the boss. :) I just can't imagine doing those fancy quilting patterns that I've seen on my sewing machine.

You can do two types of quilting with your home machine. You can do straight line quilting using your walking foot. You can do free motion quilting by dropping the feed dogs and using a free motion/darning foot. It is best to practice on a muslin sandwich before attempting to quilt on a real quilt.

Muslin sandwich - A 12" - 18" square of muslin, a layer of batting (I use 100% cotton.), and another square of muslin

Material MiMi