I have a 18" nolting and am curious which pantos the "experts" feel are the best to start practicing with for a newbie. :D
I am also looking for a great book/video that would help with the process of learning panto placement. There are so many advertised as "the best" but figure experience speaks louder than advertisement.
Thanks

I have not yet bought any pantos so I am looking forward to seeing all the responses to this.

Me too! :)

Well, I know there are many gifted longarm quilters here, so figured it's the best place to ask.

As a newbie I bought panthos (which look to complicated for my newness) and rulers that I am not ready to jump into. Interested in seeing other posts for suggestions. Good question :-)

I like one called Chantilly Lace because it is loopy. You want to get a flow going so stay away from straight line, to start with. This is just my opinion.
Here's Chantilly Lace.

https://www.baysidequilting.com/store/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=1863]https://www.baysidequilting.com/stor...idproduct=1863[/url]

I had the 17" Nolting Fun Quilter for many years and learned thru experience that any panto over 10" is too wide.... if you stay under that size, you'll be fine.
I like Popcorn, Cotton Candy, Wildflower and most any of the Jody Beamish pantos. Hers have a nice flow.
Have fun and remember to 'dance' with the machine!!

Have it!!! will try that one for sure..also isn't there a way to know if the panto's are "nesting" so that you can line them up easier?
Thanks

I keep trying to "dance" flow but everyonce in awhile I trip over my own 2 feet!!! End up getting some really interesting goobers amongst the smoother sections!

Thanks Kathy and Whinnytoo....I can use all the suggestions I can get.
I am only doing my own quilts and projects, never want to do quilt tops for others. But do want to explore and play with my own.
I am busily printing out the suggestions. Any ideas are much appreciated.

LOL, thats what makes it unique!!

Most pantos have 'registration marks' to line up your next row......... with some of mine I made my own marks.
After you do a row or two (use a practice piece) you will figure out where you need to make your marks if they arent already on there

My suggestion is to start with some designs that aren't really condensed. The closer together the lines in the design are, the easier it is to get confused or to get on the wrong line or to go backwards when you meant to go forward. So when you are just starting out, try something a little more open. That will give you an opportunity to learn how to line the pantos up when you advance your quilt. Another thing that I found helpful is to choose patterns that interlock.
One of my favorite designers is Jodi Beamish (Willow Leaf Studios). I also like pantos from Lorien Studios and Dave Hudson (The Pattern Man). If you are looking for a really, really easy panto that looks great on just about anything, try Chantilly Lace by Norma Sharpe. You will find with pantos that when you get comfortable with them you will naturally wnt something a little more complex.

I also use Raindrop alot. Not sure the designer but it is definitely a good panto for a beginner. Have Linda Taylor's Loops and Stars and it is easy also.I'm away from my home right now so don't have access to other names. Good luck--just remember to relax and have fun with them and you will be all right.

I like pantos on Urban Elements website. They will not only have pantos, but also the corners, blocks, borders and other 'go with' items. And if you sign up for the newsletter, you get the specials as well. She also has a few freebies listed, at least most of the time.

I normally do more freehand than pantos. I would recommend any DVD by Linda Taylor. She's great with instructions! She has freebies on her site as to how to line up pantos, load a quilt, etc. (shown on a Gammil, since that's what she sells).

You can do a search to find the websites, as I don't have access to them right now. Good luck :)

Debbie in Austin

there are tons of youtube videos about doing pantos and also on longarm quilting in general. Sharon Schamber has lots and if you just do a search on 'longarm quilting' or 'working with panto's " I think you'll find lots of ideas there.

Thanks everyone..I am busy looking up all the patterns mentioned.

Look for patterns that have a 'random' look to them. I really like designs with leaves and other organic elements. Nothing in nature is perfect, so bobbles aren't as critical, especially when you are just learning.

When quilting with a panto, go from point to point. If you miss the line, it's ok - no one is going to compare the panto and the quilt! If you need to stop, stop on a point. Turn on the music, get into the swing of it, and enjoy quilting!

Try looking at www.urbanelementz.com~ If you join the monthly club thing, it saves $$. They have some great pantos!!