depends on what you want to spend...I don't think that a machine that has only a few decorating stitches has a large sewing space...I know that the Bernina 820 is 15 or so inches...there are others that are less expensive that might be larger than a regualr machine...just depends on what you want to spend

I've been using my Husqvarna Sapphire Quilter to quilt, using a Flynn frame. Works great for meandering, but it'll only do about a 4" quilted design.

Viking has a larger throat

I need some edjumacation.... :D
So, if the "open area" is the harp, What is the throat???

I have a Janome 6500 with 9" of space. I recently quilted a 65x65 quilt with no problem at all. I've done a queen size in the past. I have one waiting to be quilted that is 92x92 but I'll be sending that one out to be quilted because of shoulder problems, not because I think I couldn't do it by myself.

I agree, scrunching instead of rolling works for me, too. I have a Juki TL98E, about 8 years old and I use it all the time for my quilting. It has a 9" throat. I also have a Viking Sapphire that has 9-3/4 inch throat.

Harp...throat...same thing...for those who've been asking.

Thanks so much for that link! I think I will be spending a lot of time on that site! :)

My Husqvarna Saphire 870 is supposed to have the largest area... so I am told.

Lots of the new ones have 10" and 11" throats I think. I have had my Brother for about 6 years and it has a 9" throat and is fantastic for quilting.