I don't have anything against computers, but Charisma of this board does the most AMAZING work, free hand. She's a true artistic genius, so that's where my quilts will go until I get a LOT better at FMQ, unless I have the time to hand quilt, or if it's all straight lines.

I cross lines and backtrack alot more often while doing free-motion than I do when using the PC Quilter. I can digitize meanders & loop de loops but it's easier to just load the frame & go at it than to figure out the math and tell the computer to do it & I can make snap decisions on the fly. The PC quilter just does what it's told and nothing else so I use both and am very happy.

I don't know much about the computer quilted quilts. I have one, quilt that is. When I look at it - it's to perfect. I like seeing the little variations of the FMQing. I would love to be as good a Charisma - oh heck - I'd be thrilled to be 1/2 as good as her. I think I'll stick with FMQ. I feel it brings the artist out in me. BUT I would like to see how the computer ones are set up.
Now this is just my opinion. Last time I voiced my opinion I was reamed royaly for it. So if I have offended anyone I sure didn't mean to.

I like it all....I do my own meandering....I have two friend..one gets my larger quilts and it is computerized...the 2nd friend get those I just do not want to do usually singles and does her own designs...i prefer the personal touch and design...I do not like it real close as I think it takes away from the beauty of everything put into it. just my opinion.

I hate to sound really stupid, but where does pantograph quilting fall on this spectrum, free motion, or computer?

Pantos are hand-guided following a pattern or can be computerized. They are not free motion.

I will watch to see who responds to this as well............. I would think free motion, you are following the pattern not the computer doing the work!!

I've never sent in a quilt to be quilted by a long-armer and most likely never will. But looking at the pictures here on the forum I prefer the slight irregularity of FMQ to the computerized or pantograph designs. It looks more real and lively to my eyes.

QKO..Pantograph pre drawn pattern and is followed by a laser light...I do not particularly like it. I have a hard time following...rather do my own design..

I love both free motion and computer quilting! As well as ruler work and templates or pantographs. I think they're all fun ways to complete a quilt on my LA.