short arm quilters
 

Hi My name is Debbie and I have just set up a Janome 7700 on a Inspire frame. Was wondering if any of you have a short Arm Machine on a frame? I would like any tips you have for me. Thanks

when i used a juki on a hinterberg stretch, i was able to do large blocks by breaking down the pattern into parts... lots of rolling, but at least could do larger designs. for instance, i did the bottom of this flower, rolled, then did the top of the flower. i think i also added little corner designs, too, with more designs
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that's a sliver of soap that i used to mark the design

I have had a Grace frame that I used with my short arm machine for several years and did queen size through baby size quilts on it. Yes, there is a lot of rolling since you can only stitch approx. 4" per row. I upgraded to a larger machine - not a long arm - and now have approx. 11" of space. You have to plan out your design like QuiltnNan said so you can do larger designs. I mostly do free hand meander and/or swirls and loops. But I enjoy it and it makes me happy.
Tips? I don't have anything particular to say except enjoy it. When it becomes a chore, it's not fun anymore.

I have a Brother PQ 1500s on a Lil Gracie (queen) frame. If I just do meandering, loopy or squiggles it's easy. Like previous posts, if it's something 'fancy' yes, I have to roll, but it still works out. :D

I've had a Pfaff Grandquilter machine on a 10 foot Inspira frame for several years. I have used it a lot, but thinking about trading up to a longarm, cuz I mostly do large quilts.

Don't really have any tips, except that I had to add on a stitch regulator (Quilter's Cruise Control). I really admire quilter's who can do free form without it, especially after I found that I was not able to.

Best advice is to just have fun with it!

I have a Brother Nouvelle 1500s and I tend to stick to designs that fit into that space as I get fed up rolling stuff back and forth. It works fine.