I definitely find moving the machine a lot easier, especially on the bigger quilts. Just like anything new, it does take practice.

I steer my fabric. I use Machingers gloves, they help a lot.

Thank you ladies. I knew it would be easier on a longarm..It sure looks it anyway..I am almost done with a king size on my DSM and it will NEVER happen again..I even did it in three sections..I really want a long arm with a stitch regulator

For me the longarm is much easier. I have quilted a couple queens size quilts with my domestic machine and found it very difficult to move the fabric around under the machine arm.

Without question the machine is easier to move. Yes, it does take up a lot of room but is so worth it, if you have the space and money for one. I the Side Saddle computer system with my longarm which makes it even easier. If do find that I often mix the freemotion quilting with the computer designs depending on the quilt pattern. I even do the small wall hangings on the LA. Small pot holders, mug rugs etc I do simple lines on the domestic.

QuiltingGrannie

Moving the machine is much easier.

Longarming, beyond a shadow of a doubt for me....much, much easier!

Oh yes, it's so much easier moving the machine (and so much faster) than trying to move the quilt.

Especially if you have hand issues, the long arm is easier. I tried a sit down long arm in which you moved the fabric and that just wouldn't work for me as I have RA. Pinning is hard on my hands so I use red snappers to load a quilt on the long arm and that is quick and easy.

I'm so glad you asked this question! I'm really wanting a new machine and the 3 that caught my eye (and fit my budget) are the HQ Sweet 16 (which you move the fabric), the Juki TL2000 on the Grace frame, and the Bailey's Home Quilting machine. Of those 3, does anyone have an opinion? I think I would do much better moving the machine. My mom and I are going to the NQA show in Columbus this week, so I plan on doing some test drives (though I don't think anyone on my list other than HandiQuilter is going to be there).