HQ16 / APQS George vs. BlockRockit
 

I am continuing to research FMQ machines and I have a few questions. The BlockRockit is appealing to me because it has a frame for the quilt (no sandwich-making!) and you control the handles / move the machine to quilt. However, I have been reading many reviews and the sit down mid arms are getting rave reviews. But with the mid arm you would still need to make the quilt sandwich and you move the material (not the machine) to FMQ. I am wondering if anyone has experience with both and would like to hear your opinions, likes, dislikes. Thank you very much.

I would NOT get a sit down unless that was the only way I could fit one in. I detest basting a quilt. I do not like being hunched over a quilt I can pin a queen sized quilt in less than an hour. Easy decision for me. I can do a couple of rows, do something else and easily come back to it. We live in a rental house and I made sure I had a place for my HQ. It is in an alcove in the living room.

I have been doing research of my own and would be interested in replies also. I have not heard of the BlockRockit. I agree with you on the sandwiching - not my favorite part of the quilt either. That's why long arm machines are more appealing for me. With mid arms there is more room to maneuver with fmq.

I have an HQ with a long table, and I love it! I would not go back to having to smooth things out, pin, baste, etc. No way!
This machine is a time saver, and helps me physically. I can do a few steps, and come back to it. Easier on my hands, knees, hips, etc......Worth every penny!

When doing your research, don't forget the Bailey, which has a good reputation and customer service, and is priced considerably less than the George, and the BlockRockit, is a fairly new brand, so I don't know if they have all the "bugs" worked out.

Really, it's a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer quilting on frames; others prefer a sit-down machine.

I have a midarm on a frame and find it's a lot more fun for me to quilt that way. I don't have to have a large flat surface to baste the sandwich, and it's easier for me to move the machine than to move the quilt. I also like being able to stand up as I quilt -- much less fatiguing for my back, neck and shoulders.

There are people who prefer to FMQ on a sit-down machine. One QB member actually changed her frame setup to sitdown because it was easier on her body to quilt that way. I have met marvellous quilters who have never quilted on a frame setup; they learned to quilt sitting down and they just wanted to continue that way.

If at all possible, go to a large quilt show and try out all the different setups there. Find out if you like quilting by moving the machine. I loved it the first time I tried it, so I knew I wanted to go with a frame setup rather than a sitdown. If for reasons of space I had to give up my frame setup and go with a sitdown, I would definitely use a suspender system such as the Jennoop to make it easier. If I had my "druthers" for my dream quilting setup, it would be an Innova with lightning stitch.

The BlockRockit gets good reviews from users. You might want to join the homequiltingsystems group at groups.yahoo.com; I have seen comments about the BlockRockit there.

Thank you for the excellent comments. I am hoping to go to the sewing and quilt show next weekend and test drive some different machines.

What occurs to me relates to a discussion we were having here about the tidying-up lady whose book has become a sensation. As I recall, one of her maxims was, don't focus on what you want to get rid of, focus on what you want to keep. With that in mind, I would suggest making this decision not based on what you hate (basting), but based on what you enjoy. I think the two main questions to ask yourself are: Would I rather sit down or stand up while quilting? Would I find it more intuitive/enjoyable to move the needle over the quilt, or to move the quilt under the needle?

Best option -- try both methods and see which one you like better!

Such good comments here.

I didn't realize you could have a midarm on a frame, how does this work? I have obviously confused the descriptions, because I thought a midarm (like the BL Tiara) was a large harp machine set into a table, but with the machine set the opposite of how a DSM is set up. How large a quilt can be quilted on a mid arm with a frame? How big is the frame? Any idea how the price of this set up compares to a midarm in a table? Just for example, Of course true cost would depend on brand, dealer, sales etc.

Lynn and Kathy, who sell the BlockRockit are great to work with, and have lots of great support and video tutorials to help you.

The HQ Sweet 16 is a great machine, except for the stitch regulator.

Have not heard of the George, yet.

Have fun with your search!

I have a BlockRockIt and it is not a sit down machine. I use mine on a Little Gracie II frame. It loads just like the big boys and I move the machine not the fabric. They have released a sit down machine recently but it is new. The support from Lynn and Kathy is great as is the Grace Company who makes the machine for them.

The George is an APQS machine and is a sit-down longarm (has a 20" throat). Are you looking for a longarm or a midarm? All sitdown machines require you to push the sandwich through the machine, while a midsize or standard longarm are on a frame that you requires loading the sandwich on the frame.

I love my Innova 26" with a stitch regulator, but purchasing any machine is definitely a personal choice, so you should try as many machines as possible. You can see what is in your budget, and consider looking for a used or demo machine. Ask the dealers if they have one available, or you can look online at a site like Longarm University. Also, if you buy a new machine, ask if classes are included, so you can learn the basics.

Another suggestion is, if possible before buying, see if one of your LQS offers a class and rents time on their longarm and see if you like quilting on a longarm (midsize will be similar).

Here is my blockrockit set up, I have only had it since November and love it.I bought the launchpad frame so I could do up to a king size quilt.

My solution was to find a used grace frame with a mega quilter at a really good price and try that. It even has a stitch regulator. It took me as long to load my quilt as it does to spray baste one. It takes a lot of space that I didn't want to give up. I could only work a pattern that fit in the small area that the throat of the machine covered.The biggest draw back though was that I didn't enjoy quilting on it as much as I had on my DSM.
I finally decided on a sweet 16 sit down machine. I do have the stitch regulator (it does work really well once you know how to use it) but I found that the machine is so easy to use that I don't need it. My largest quilt so far is a queen size and I had no problem with that and expect that the king sized that is getting pieced now will work as easily. I pick up different kinds of thread just to try them and it works great on everything I have fed it, from 60 weight to 12 weight in cotton or poly.
I have table space on either side of my machine to hold the quilt and I work in a puddle so the only fabric that I am pushing is that small area between my hands. I do mostly FMQ and I am learning to use rulers. I really love to use it and it fits nicely into my sewing room.
I still don't like sandwiching the quilt.
Try different options before you decide. I am sure one will feel just right.

I have the Voyager17 and a Hinterberg stretch frame and use it standing up. I went to this set-up, as I was really rotten trying to do FMQ, and hated crawling around on the floor basting a quilt sandwich. I've had this for about 7 yrs. and have been very happy with it.

There is another machine that several friends have around here. It's the Sunshine 16, made in Tennessee. They love it. Check that one out.

The terms mid arm and long arm refer to the throat space. Generally speaking, a throat of between 12 - 16" is considered a midarm and anything over is considered a LA. But the terms are used loosely.

ANY sewing machine can be loaded onto a frame. Even a small domestic with only a 9" throat. All machines from the little domestic to the huge commercial jobs (32" or larger throat that they use to do mattresses) ride on a carriage that is on the frame. The small machines run out of room very quickly because as quilting progresses, the completed quilt is rolled onto a takeup roller that is also taking up throat space. So many who mount a small throat machine (IMHO that is anything under 16" harp) on a rack are quickly discouraged because they have to turn a larger quilt to complete quilting and run out of available quilt space so quickly. Turning means unpinning the entire sandwich and literally turning it around so the completed part is on the front roller. Additionally, LA quilting machines are much more heavy duty and run at much higher speeds than a domestic or a stretched machine like the bailey. So it is very easy for the quilter to manipulate the machine head faster than it is capable of sewing. This leads to a whole different set of problems or the quilter must train themselves to move the machine much more slowly.

To me, the beauty of frame quilting is:
No more basting the quilt sandwich
It is more "intuitive" to move the machine over the quilt rather then move the quilt under the machine
I don't have to start in the middle and work your way out
I am more comfortable standing up to quilt than sitting down

the downside is the frame does take up a lot of room. I have a dedicated room for my LA and I still could only fit a 10 ft frame. Would have loved to have a 12 ft.

Also keep in mind the blockrockit is only 14 inches which is not as much room to quilt as a long arm. I agree with trying them out at a large show. I also agree about the baileys being more affordable and you get more space than the blockrockit, it is just a more basic machine, not fancy like others. There are also more ways to baste that are less harsh on the back. Sharon Schamber has a good method with boards that she does for thread basting, but others have used it for glue and spray basting methods if you are interested in the sit downs. For me I like long arms but I am also on my feet all day at work and have hip problems so in the long run a long arm where I stand all day is probably not going to ever be ideal for me healthwise. Those are also things you have to take into consideration. Space is also another consideration sit downs take up way less room than long arms. You can't make a large purchase based on other peoples views as each person is suited to different machines. For a large purchase you must test drive before buying otherwise you may end up with buyers remorse

I purchased a sit-down and I did not like it at all. Now have the long-arm and both my husband & I love it. I did manage to sell the sit-down version for the same price I paid for it.

I am wondering if anyone has experience with both and would like to hear your opinions, likes, dislikes. Thank you very much.[/QUOTE]

I highly recommend trying both a long arm and a sitdown machine to see which one you like best. When I was in the market for a quilting machine, I just assumed I would prefer a long arm. I had the space and the money for it, so I went to try one out for a while. Luckily I lived near the Nolting factory and they let me play on various machines for almost 2 hours one day (great people by the way - take a look at their machines too). I discovered, to my utter surprise, that I didn't like long arm quilting at all! Yes, it was faster, but I truly missed the feel of the fabric under my hands. I did not feel connected to my quilt when moving the head instead of the fabric.

Some people find standing at a long arm tiring. Some peple find moving the fabric on a sitdown tiring. Best find out for yourself which one works best for you.

Pam

Love my Tiara II also, and have little difficulty FMQing on it as I was used to my DSM with a 6 1/2" throat space. WOW what a difference the extra room makes. No more back and shoulder aches either. I also have the stitch regulator and it works great, but definitely has a learning curve as you adjust to the machine controlling the speed instead of your foot pedal.........very weird at first. I hate sandwiching too (just impatient to start the quilting process I think) but have had great luck spray basting on our basement ping pong table. It sure beats crawling on the floor and not being able to get up LOL

I have a HQ Sweet Sixteen and love it. I have not had any trouble FMQ with it. I don't like to stand all the time as with a long arm.

Even with a longarm, I've heard that some people use a saddle type of seat on wheels on which they scoot around with so they can be sitting rather than standing. I have back problems, and I think that is the only way I could do a lot of quilting at one time. In fact, i think i saw that Sharon Schamber has one. I saw a Juki and a frame set up at one of our LQS and it was only(?) $5000 for the machine and frame. The frame was only 60" wide, but I make only lap quilts, so that would sure work for me. Unfortunately, that was a couple of years ago, so the price is probably a lot more now. Oh, well. I can dream!

The BlockRockeit is much less expensive. It gives me hope that this long arm quilting is reachable for me. Now to find a place to take the test drive!

I tried the Sunshine 16 at a quilt show and loved it. A very basic setup and affordable! It stitched beautifully!

I have an Innova on a 12' frame - so much easier on my body to stand and move the machine and no basting quilts!! My favorite thing is the free 24/7/365 tech service - really, I called on Christmas day afternoon as I had a quilt that had to leave the next day and they walked me through timing my machine (it was the first time, over a year after I bought my longarm). I have never had anything go "wrong" with the machine that wasn't just because of my ignorance - it is my first (and only) longarm. Innova isn't cheap (take that any way you want!) but it didn't break the bank like some longarms can and it has so much as "standard equipment" that is "extra" with the other brands I looked at. The very best thing is that it makes my quilting look so good!

Reasons to get a sit down would be because you do smaller quilts, have no space for a longarm, cost, can't stand to quilt, you do only art quilts. Even if I did only small art quilts I would prefer a Juki or an old Bernina 830. I used Innova and HQ sit down plus I quilt smaller quilts on an Janome and older Bernina, I own, with and extended opening but I bought an Innova on a 12 foot table for quilting full sized quilts. I have no regrets about buying a machine on a frame and I can still do quilts on my Janome and Bernina. I also like the look of the quilting done on the Janome and Bernina over the HQ sit down.

If you are considering a long arm, I much prefer it but it does have a learning curve. I am so happy not to have to baste and deal with pushing and supporting the whole quilt. With very small quilts, up to about 36x36 in., I prefer to use a sit down machine.

Excellent advice! Take your time to research. These machines are all pricey and the last thing anyone needs is to have a machine they do not like.

Using my HQ16 on a frame, I can quilt at most 11.5 inches. Reality is that the actual number of quilt-able inches with any larger harp machine is dependent on factors such as the batting, length of the quilt, as well as the size of the harp. As you roll the quilt up on the frame, the roll takes up some of the harp space. You may start out with, as in the case of my set up, 11.5 inches available to quilt with, but could wind up with less space after each roll of the frame. My frame is 10 feet long and can quilt up to 96"wide. That's more than enough for most of my quilts.

Since I don't quilt professionally and never plan to, the 16 inch throat is plenty big for me.

Longarm
 

Hi milley35,
look into the hq16. Mom and I purchased one used and love it. It has been a learning curve, but we are always trying/learning new things. Next to figure out the prostitcher. I think you would b happy with one. Look at longarm university.com. They sell used quilting machines, happy hunting!!!!

I have the BlockRockit on a Grace GMQ Pro frame and I love it. I quilt only for myself and do not need a extra large quilting machine. I think the larger machines may be for those who quilt for others or do extensive machine quilting. The BlockRockit is easy to use and is made simply enough that you can do your own maintenance. The lighting is great and the stitch regulator is easy to use and you can't beat the customer service. I do have a lot of tension problems but I hear from owners of all types of machines, that tension problems are usual. I suggest you join the Blockrockit yahoo group. They have a data base of where their machine owners live. The owners on the database make their machines available to those who may want to try it before they buy. Feel free to pm me if you have any questions and I will try to answer them.

I'm finding all of your comments very helpful. I'm also trying to decide on a sit down model. I simply don't want to give up the space a frame would require. (besides, our 2 cats would think it was their personal hammock.) I've looked at the HQ sweet sixteen and the Gammill Charm. I love that the Charm can be controlled using voice commands, making the foot pedal unnecessary. I've been sewing on my Janome 6600 for 3 years and have become spoiled by the on/off button and speed control. I also have a problem with my calf muscle when I sew using the foot pedal.
Are there other sit down mid arms which will allow me to bypass the foot pedal?

Due to space, I bought the Tiara. ( sit down). As with anything, it is a learning curve. I am satisfied since I don't have the $$ or space for a long arm!

You don't need the foot pedal on the HQ Sweet 16 if you're using the stitch regulator.

I have the HQ18 Avante. And like everyone else I love my machine. You should sit down and make a list of all your wants & needs. Keeping in mind your budget, your space and how often you would use it. Different machines come with different size tables. Some tables you have to raise the take up bar after so many rows of quilting. With the HQ18 the take up bar is situated where there is no need to raise it. My machine comes with a 12ft table. So you must do your research and make sure it will fit your space and accommodate your needs. Then go find dealers that carry the machines you like and play to get a feel for the machine. If a dealer is not willing to let you play, they are not interest enough to have you for a customer. And imagine how hard it would be to get them to help you if you encounter a problem. You must love you dealer as well as the machine. So go play and have fun doing it. Find the one you love.

I thank everyone for all the great input. It is so helpful to hear your comments and opinions. I do not have experience with FMQ and my thought is that I would prefer to stand and quilt on a frame but space may be the issue. My craft room is very small. I am hoping to attend a quilt show this weekend to test drive a few machines.

Milly, did you make a decision on the quilting machine? I would be interested in what you chose and why. If you bought it at a show, did you get a better price?

Hi Pat - I have not yet made a final decision but I continue to research. I am thinking the HQ Avante may be the machine for me. However, APQS Lenni is on a very good sale right now (but I have not been able to test drive the Lenni and don't know when I would be able). I do think show pricing is the best. If you are looking at machines I would recommend you try doing as much research and test driving as you can and then hopefully there will be a show where you can make your final decision.

I was so confused when I began quilting my own quilts four years ago, wondering what system would work for me. It was right here on the Quilting Board that I found my HQ16! I have had it since 2011 and I love it! It has stitch regulation and a perfect stitch. Since I purchased it I have upgraded it in many ways with a new pole system and a new frame. And guess what? I'm selling it! The reason? I'm upgrading to a computerized Handi Quilter. If you are interested and would like more information and pictures please email me or PM...I'd love to make you a great deal.