This Question May Sound Dumb
 

I was reading about mid-arms. I have entertained the thought of getting one. I thought I would check the prices. One site said something about mainly free motion. Do they not sew in a regular manner?

This article might help. https://shop.mybluprint.com/quilting...ting-machines/

By mid-arm are you referencing the like of a sit-down Handiquilter Sweet Sixteen, and the others that are re-branded from it?

If so no .... it is strictly FMQing.
That being said, you can still master straight line stitching using rulers, or just a really good eye and a steady hand, while technically doing FMQing.

If you’re looking for a machine that does regular sewing as well as free motion you’ll want one with as much throat space as possible. My Viking has 10 inches, others might have more.

most of them do not have feed dogs - so that greatly limits them for regular sewing.

I like this thread, as I would love to have anything, with a larger throat than a regular machine.

I used my midarm to sew the binding along the edge, using a ruler. Then when I flipped over the binding to sew it down on the front I did need to use my other machine. It was nice for the first sewing, though, because the weight and drag is hard to handle.

There are stand up mid arm quilting machines and sit down ones. Stand up ones generally have between 10-16 inch throat. You can do free motion, ruler work or pantos on a stand up one.

I see a great many sit down machines and 'Little foot' machines in sale groups, Most say they are upgrading to a larger machine and frame.

I have a used HQ16 stand up machine. It is considered to be a mid arm machine by many.

A teacher told me.. the only dumb question is the one NOT ASKED! I don’t have an answer to your question but I’m sure others will!

Agreed with kat13