Curious about long arm quilting...
 

In reading throughout this board, it seems there are many who own a long arm quilting machine. Are there some of you who are not professional LA's? By that, I mean, you don't do LAQ as a business. I don't know that I, personally, can justify a LAM so I'm hoping you can help me understand more about LAQ and how you benefit most from having one.

Please understand I am not judging. You are entitled to have whatever machine(s) you want ... so PLEASE don't be offended by my questions ... I'm just trying to learn how I would benefit from a LAM sometime in the future if I could afford to. I realize you can do larger quilts. Do you find your "quilting" is better, the same? Is FMQ easier on a LA? I'm eager to learn whatever you wish to share.

Thank you!
Sharon

I got tired of making the sandwich, especially with bed size quilts. It's so much easier to handle loading a long arm. My quilting is also much, much better, probably because I'm not fighting with the quilt in a small harp area. I quilt for myself, friends and family, and it's really fun!!

I wanted to really step up my charity quilting. I hated all that basting and then shoving quilts through a sewing machine. I spent alot of time researching what I wanted. I narrowed it down to an HQ16. Then I started trolling all the classified websites including Craigslist. I had a budget of $3,500. It took me 2 years to find one at that price. It is one of the original ones with no bells and whistles--not even a stitch regulator.

I have quilted for $ for people who like what I do---easy all overs from the front of the machine. It was a great decision for me and I also quilt tops from our charity groups. I did over 100 last year.

I also got lucky and found an HQ16 that was gently used and less expensive than new and what they are now. I also go not extra bells and whistles (no stitch regulator).

I look at it like I did my domestic more than 15 years ago. I want to get good quality and what I will use because I will have this machine for the rest of my life. Hopefully someday when I stop working FT, I will be able to quilt more than I do now. And at that point I wont be able to afford it! So I had to do it when I did. I hope someday to maybe make quilts to sell (baby/lap) rather than specific quilting other peoples tops.

I didn't like trying to jam my quilts through my DSM harp so started researching longarms. I got an Innova last year and quilt just for myself, my mother and my sister. My FMQ is much better with the longarm and having the machine adds a whole new dimension to the craft - totally different than working with the DSM. I absolutely love it, and switching back and forth from piecing on my DSM to quilting on the longarm keeps me from getting bored doing too much of the same thing.

I have a mid arm, Handi-Quilter 16 on a frame. It uses a "robot" carriage that takes orders from a pc to move the Hq16 through a quilting pattern on the frame. I need that kind of system as my arms, hands, etc. can't handle it, and LA is too expensive. I bought the system used at a very good price; it meets my needs.

But, no, I would not consider LA as a business. I'm retired and I don't want to "Have" to do anything - and it is hard work.

I bought my HQ16 years ago, used. Then added the ProStitcher [the old version] a few years ago. Due to personal circumstances I do not do this for hire but for my quilting groups' charity quilts as I am able I may consider doing for $$ later on; just not yet as I don't want to deal with the deadlines incurred.

I got tired of never having time to finish anything while I was working fulltime. I got a chance to buy a used Gammill (had been trolling for sale websites for years) and went for it. I intended to quilt for hire once I retired, but find I'd rather only quilt for myself. Have never regretted the purchase, though. I do quilt my guild's raffle quilts at no charge.

Geez! I woke up at 2:30 a.m. dreaming about mid & long arm machines and got on the computer to read all your comments and researched some machines and reviews, etc. I primarily make lap quilts that I donate to a local nursing home and I purchase all the materials to make them myself. (Although I have just started a bargello quilt for me ... haven't kept any quilts I've made so far.) I just purchased a Juki F600 in Sept/Oct 2014 which I thoroughly love. I'm struggling with FMQ...just can't get that rhythm I keep reading about...and thought perhaps a mid or long arm machine might help perfect my skills.

The closest mid or long arm dealer is at least 2 hours away. And, realistically, a mid arm would probably make more sense space wise for my setup. What I'm gathering from your comments so far re: your investment in a LA is recouping your investment wasn't a big factor in your decision to buy one...but more your ability to produce quilts easier, faster, and perhaps quilt better?

I may regret having started this "thread". I know this is going to bug me until I can actually test drive one of these machines. LOL Thanks to all of you for sharing.

I have the Voyager 17 and Hinterberg frame. Had it not been for the fact that I won the frame and bought the Voyager with my prize money, I wouldn't have one due to the cost. I don't do it professionally, and love the freedom the LA gives me to quilt more difficult patterns. I stunk at it on my DSM. It takes a lot of practice, but is so totally worth it! As far as "quilting easier, faster and perhaps quilting better", it depends on the pattern chosen, of course, but it is most definitely easier. Most definitely. My machine is a midarm, and perfect for what I do. I, too, make mostly lap quilts and have a 9-foot setup, which is perfect for lap quilts. I can easily put the quilt on the the frame horizontally or vertically with room to spare on both sides when it's the quilt is horizontal, and can also do a queen-sized quilt. So you don't need a huge 12' frame if you're concentrating on lap quilts.

I have a question for the original poster �� If your husband bought a motorcycle just to ride around and enjoy, or if he bought a boat to go fishing, or even bought wood working tools, do you think he would consider "recouping the cost" of any of those items ? I honestly dont know why us (and I definitely include myself in this) have to justify the purchase of something that we will just enjoy. I have to work really hard to tell myself that it is ok to buy an expensive toy. It brings me joy and quite frankly that is justification enough. ��

I will suggest renting a machine before buying, make sure it is what you want. I dont believe long arms are easier per se, the issues are different. While not having to struggle with a small harp, getting it straight on the machine is a challenge in itself. Hope this helps.

Once you decide on which machine you prefer, you can always look for a used one. Most LA quilters baby their machines and take good care of them, so most used machines are in really great shape. Many LA companies have used machines for sale, and you can try boards such as Longarm University and MQ Resource, as they both have used machines for sale.

I went to a quilt show recently and got to try out a long arm. What fun!! Of course this was brand new and probably top of the line. I don't have the space to keep a machine in my home so owning one is totally out of the question for me. But I'd highly recommend you try to attend a show at some point and just test some out. It's 100% different than FMQ on my DSM.

except for the HQ16, I'm like cathyvv... especially the retired part :).
i had the computer robot, but sold that set up. i prefer doing the freehand.

i have a long arm and i do not hire out. i just have it for my own use

If I had room for a sit down quilt only machine I would buy it. I have no room big enough so I will just be happy quilting on my 9" throat machines.

I have a mid-arm on a frame, in my living room, which I bought used. I quilt mostly for myself and family, and some charity quilts. The frame makes things much easier when it comes to sandwiching and FMQ. When I win the lottery, I intend to upgrade to a new system with all the bells and whistles.

I am odd man out. I quilted professionally for 10 years and I still quilt on my Bernina 1530. I had a large table constructed and good support so I never had problem with my smaller harp. I did not stipple and that might be why.

I'd love to buy one but I don't have the room for it. If I find the space and buy one (which I might in a few years if/when we move), I will NOT be using it for income! Quilting is my hobby and I refuse to make it into a job! I intend to not need to work in my retirement and have been diligently saving towards that goal that since I was 19.

I could see myself donating my time to do quilting on charity quilts. But quilting other people's quilts for pay...that just sounds like work to me. I don't ever want quilting to feel like WORK. It's what I do to get AWAY from work!

I bought my LA for multiple reasons:

1. Prior, I was a hand quilter. It took me way to long to complete a quilt and I have way to many quilts I want to make.
2. My initial attempts at FMQ on my domestic were not fun and not good. I was constantly tensed up and my motion was herky jerky
3. I hate making the quilt sandwich with a white hot passion. Frame quilting eliminates that step. YAY.
4. I took a class to rent time on a LA and I loved it but also realized very quickly to get good at it I needed the practice time and I wasn't going to get that renting one.
5. While Carolyn MT does bring up some valid points, I have the big boy toy as well (my Harley Road King) so I did feel the need to justify the purchase. And yes a large LA setup inclusive of rack and stitch regulator runs almost as much as a HD Sportster motorcycle. Add robotics (which I don't have) it can quickly approach the cost of a new SUV!
6. I justified the purchase thinking I could supplement my retirement quilting for others.

As far as quilting for others being too much like work, well that all depends on your passion for it. Confucius said, and this is paraphrased, "if you love what you do you will never have to work a day in your life". While I have gotten some challenging quilts I have never felt it was like work. I love looking at other peoples interpretations of patchwork and color. I consider myself very lucky that I get to see so many different styles of quilting and so many beautiful quilts. As long as I allow ample time for your own projects I never feel like I have ruined my hobby by making it too much like work. And I have gained valuable experience by working on other peoples quilts. I still work full time at a "day job" so I may feel differently when I retire and am devoting more time to quilting. As for me, I love quilting for other people, I guess because I love quilting. I have made some great friends and gotten to stare at some drop dead gorgeous quilts and had a hand in helping to make them even prettier.

If I had the room I would have a long arm machine. Just doesn't fit in my house. But that would be a whole new skill set to learn!

it is easier to do fmq on a longarm and it does not bother my shoulders because I am not pushing the quilt around.
It has made my life better and yes I do think my quilting in better. I have a very old one bought second hand and it does not have any stitch regulator or any of the whistles and bells that come with most machines now days.

There are "long arm" machines that are a lot more affordable than a "true long arm", the Bailey machine is one, and when I have money and room, it will be the one I get. A lot of times, Bailey even offers free shipping/handling to the lower 48, and they have great customer service and prices. When I get mine, it will be for me, and not for quilting professionally.

I'm really enjoying reading about people's long arm experiences! I often wonder what it would be like to have a stand-up long arm machine, but both the money and space required put the idea firmly in the realm of fantasy for me.

I agree with this statement from feline fanatic:
3. I hate making the quilt sandwich with a white hot passion. Frame quilting eliminates that step. YAY.

I currently do not have the space or the money to purchase a longarm but I hope one day that will change. I currently rent time on a longarm. I realize I cannot afford to pay enough rental time to get 'very good' at FMQ on the longarm. However, I can quilt a queen size quilt on the long arm in the time it takes me to pin baste the quilt for using my DSM.

When I made my 1st quilt I sent it to a LAQ with the request of simple meandering and not to go over my embroidery designs. It came back with quilting over my designs. Decided if that's what's going to happen I might as well do it myself so I got my 1st quilt machine, a Viking MegaQuilter 9" on a Grace Pro frame. Added PCQ robotics, moved up to a retrofitted PCQ/MQR, then onto a Juki stretched 18" still using the same frame. I found I enjoy quilting since I acquired a program called ProQ Designer which allows me to layout all my patterns, tweak them to suit myself, etc. I enjoy custom quilting more so than E2E but that's just me. Since then I've moved up to a 26" Innova with a 12 foot frame and upgraded my MQR system to fit it. I don't quilt for anyone but myself. Is it worth it to me? Yes, as I have a finished product/gift made all by me. If I had to send out my quilts, I can only imagine how much it would cost with custom quilting. Sometimes I don't quilt for 6 months at a time but I still don't feel I wasted my money on it.

Also I live in a small town so finding a quilter nearby might be a problem so would have to add shipping to the cost of making a quilt. All my quilts are gifts too. I enjoy the process from start to finish in making a quilt and have the satisfaction of a job well done.......................even if its not perfect.............but then only I know that usually. Those that receive one of my quilts unbeknown to them that they're getting one do realize that I put a lot of myself and time into this gift. I do it because I want to and not for any other reason .............just because I enjoy doing it and seeing the surprised look on their face when they receive. That makes it all worthwhile to me.

Just my take on the subject.

I went in with a friend and purchased my LA. After pricing a king-size custom quilt LA'd I figured I would have 1/6 of it paid for with just the one quilt and considering I was going to do at least 5 queen-size that same year; I knew it would pay for itself in no time.

Ask yourself: How many quilts do you make a year
What are the sizes you make the most
Would you want a computer and stitch regulator
Are you at an age where you have many years of quilting ahead
Are you prepared to pay for special supplies (quilting thread $10 to $20 per spool), bobbins, needles,
rulers, pantos, etc.
And most of all: Do you have the room for machine

This is everything I thought of before deciding to purchase.

I have 2 long arm machines one is at my oldest daughters house and she only occasionally quilts for others. I have the newer machine it is a nolting 30 pro. I only quilt my own quilts or quilts for charity or occasionally for some one I love. not for money.

My wife and I realized early on that we would be spending a lot of money if we sent our quilts out to be quilted. Quilting on the DSM sounded like endless frustration and very little opportunity to improve our skills. We looked at our finances at the time and decided we could swing the 9" Pfaff on a frame, and it would pay for itself by not sending quilts out for quilting.

Fast forward several years. Our skills have improved, and the small throat space limits our options for quilting design. We looked at several machines and narrowed it down to two 18" machines: Juki and Babylock. We bought the BL and decided to consider quilting a few quilts for pay "sometime" in the future if our skills increased to the level that someone would actually pay us. This was not a decision that she or I made. We decided together whether we had the space and money for this significant outlay of cash. Quilting is something that we both enjoy. We don't live in an opulent house, drive expensive cars, or take lavish vacations. This worked for us, and we only considered the impact to our family when we made the decision.

WhenWhen I purchased my first long arm I had no intention of being ( a professional). I bought it because it cost me $385 to have my first large quilt quilted by someone else and I felt I could not remain a ( quilter) if I didn't learn to quilt them myself. And, I tend to make BIG quilts. I have quilted many on my domestic machine but didn't think I would keep making quilts ( which I really wanted to keep doing) .. So, I took a couple classes at a shop/dealer to learn to use a long arm, enjoyed it and figured it would pay for itself just saving me having to pay someone else.

My DH purchased a used Gammill LA(a true workhorse)because Well... I wanted it. First of all it's convenient right in my living room when ever I need it. I don't have to travel to a rental machine, your time goes by very fast on it, also. I don't do it for hire right now but If I do prefer to in the future that is a valid option for me... something that is fun to do and get paid for. A lot of other high end sewing machines cost a lot more than my machine which we got for a extremely low price with lots of freebies included with it,light bar,thread,pantos,lots of stuff, too much too mention. Was thinking before about getting a 10 thread embroidery machine but the longarm just made a lot more sense to us. hope this helps!

I want to buy a Juki 2010 but I think if I found a HQ16 at a good price I would buy it. I just don't have the room for a long arm sewing machine. I'm not good with deadlines so I'm not sure I would be able to get it done in time for me to really have a business. I think I would do it just to help with my quilting skills and for other people like family.

I purchased the Sweet Sixteen during the holidays and LOVE it!! As a fairly new quilter I wanted to be able to totally make every part of the quilt myself, and although my domestic machine has an 11" harp, the Sweet Sixteen is a HUGE difference. Not much space required at all, but the ease of use is awesome. I have a very limited income, and I did get an awesome deal (didn't want a stitch regulator), but I feel it's worth every penny and then some. I have to sit down for medical reasons, so this was another reason for a midarm. Just remember you still have to do the sandwich yourself still. No plans on making it a business at all. Good luck- go for it!!!

First, let me just say that your comments and the wealth of information you all are sharing is worth everything!! That's why I asked this Board ... real people/users giving real comments (not an advertising video). I LOL re: the price of "men and their toys". My DH has been a golfer for years and I don't even want to know how many sets of golf clubs he has purchased over the years. That's the reason I justified buying my Juki F600 (I said it was my set of clubs - HA).

You ladies are really swaying me. I'll definitely keep researching. Next quilt show in my area isn't until Sept. (one in June I may attend about 2 hrs. away). I'll also search for a local LAQ to see about a class & renting time. Like many of you, I'm not interested in this as a business ... just want to make more quilts as easily and efficiently as possible and improve my quilting skills (especially FMQ).

Thank you and keep your advice coming!

Sharon

I have had the same experience as many others -- got my LA this past August. I don't really have room either, but my DH and I agreed to sacrifice the dining area of our house for it. Like many have said, I also HATED layering quilts with pins or spray baste. I was actually doing pretty well with FMQ on my regular machine, but it always gave me problems in my right shoulder. Some folks warned me that quilting on the LA would also be hard on your body, because you typically stand a lot, and sometimes it can bother your back. But, I find it more comfortable because I end up moving around a lot more. Another thing is I love the stitch regulator. I guess you could get one for your DSM; I never investigated that.

One nice advantage I hadn't anticipated was that now I have a 12 ft working space. My LA has a 12 ft frame, and the table (used for pantos) is 2' x 12'. I got 4 cutting mats (2x3) for the table, and now I have a nice long area for trimming edges, and for other work. It's a little narrow, but my largest work space up to now has been only about 2'x4' .... any usually piled high with "stuff"!

I totally agree with CarolynMT. If you can afford it, have space for it and want it then you don't need to justify buying a LA. I first bought a Pfaff with a Grace frame (9" throat) and hated it because I couldn't quilt bed sized quilts without turning them. So I sold that one after about 4 years and bought a brand-new Gammill. That was 3 years ago. I love it. I quilt only for myself, do charity quilts for a church group and sometimes am persuaded to quilt for some of my good friends. I don't intend to start a business but I am having fun with what I'm doing. Only trouble is that now I really like the quilting part better than the piecing so I may have to start a business just to have enough quilts to LA!

My sister had a lot of quilt tops made but was not able to hand quilt them so she bought a Tin Lizzie . She was going to leave to me when she passed , so I looked for the best deal i could find. She has not passed but after I got all her quilts finished . She gave it to me. I have never quilted for anyone else nor do I plan to. Don't think I am that good. lol
I do love it and quilt for family members. If you can fit it in your budget , Go for it. You only live once.

I quilt for the pleasure it gives me , my LAQ er saves me time and money, plus I no longer have to fight with the sandwiching on the floor or tables.. So what more can I say to justifie buying it ...quilt with joy

I just ordered the Bernina sitdown long arm machine with the Koala table. My husband encouraged me to go for it even though I only quilt my own creations. It will make the quilting process more comfortable for me, I think.

Thanks Sharonquilts for starting this post. I too have been researching quilting machines. I am not sure what the difference is between a mid-arm and long-arm. Space is somewhat of an issue but I have the room if I really want to. I do not that some people have their LA in the living room - do you just keep it there in the open or do you have a way to conceal it? Just curious. I do agree that if you can afford it and it makes you happy then you should pursue it. I currently work full time and look forward to the day I can retire and quilt away with pleasure. That said I also am thinking that if I am going to make the investment it needs to be soon because once I retire I would not spend the money.

I want to compliment the people on this board. Everyone is so helpful. Threads such as this one are invaluable and I so appreciate the comments, suggestions and opinions.