Is long arm quilting always free motion?
 

Maybe it's a silly question, but I wonder if all long arm quilting is free motion, or are there programmable patterns in some machines?

Yes there are computer programs that can stitch the pattern out on the machine

We can use pantograms, rulers, computerized programs, and now if we could find someone to load them onto the frames for us, we would be all set. And as for this being a silly question...Never! That's how we all learn.

There are longarm computer programs that will stitch the pattern while the quilt is on a big frame. It is amazing what can be done these days.

free motion is just one of the techniques long-arm quilters use- there are computerized machines- or some quilts are marked with stencils- pantograms used with a laser pointer to follow them- special rulers, groovy boards- stitch in the ditch, cross-hatching--- lots of different techniques used with long arms...some of us just really prefer free motion quilting

Technically it's all free motion since a true long arm machine doesn't have feed dogs. It can be free hand, a pantogram or computer guided.

I have a long arm machine. I have 2 different patterns on grooved stuff that looks like foam, but much harder. I haven't used the machine but 2 times. Gonna try to do better.

Thank you for your quick replies. Very interesting! barny, from what I've seen most would love to have a long arm, use it!

I so agree!