When someone writes this: "I quilted this all free hand..no pantographs or computer quilting" (when referring to a quilt done on a long arm - what does it mean. Not having a long arm I just wondered.

Pantographs are a drawing that is followed in a row using a laser pointer attatched to the Long arm. Computer quilting is when you have a computer set up that controls your long arm machine. When they say free hand they just let their long arm gift take over!!

Very well said, Jade! It's the only way I quilt! Well, I do use rulers when I want a specific arc or a straight line!!! :thumbup:

thanks just curious b/c don't know much about them - it all sounds so complicated but I sooo admire all those quilts done on long arms - I have trouble with just FMQ but usually is my machines fault! lol

It really isn't complicated. I love the way quilts will talk to me and tell me what they want quilted on them...it's difficult sometimes because customers want an all-over pattern because it costs less and the quilt is screaming for custom, over-the-top quilting and I get to either talk them into spending more, do the custom and not get paid for it or ignore the quilt and do what the customer wants :cry:

it is really an art

Some people draw their freehand pattern on their quilt first, others like me just go for it with no marking. I hope to do a wholecloth in the future and that one I will mark before quilting.

I have a slightly different perspective on pantographs :)

Many panto designs are popular because some artist has shared their wonderful "freehand design" on paper for us to copy.

Just because a quilt is quilted with a pantograph doesn't mean it can't be as equally beautiful as one quilted "all free hand".

On the other hand, there are quilts that can go from average to stunning works of arts with custom quilting.

The right panto on the right quilt can also be quite stunning.

Totally agree

I agree as well. There are many talented artists that share their designs to use in panto's and digital designs and I have no problems supporting their living! But I can also appreciate someone's FMQ.