Should I buy a long arm?
 

I think I am going insane. I am actually seriously considering spending multiple thousands of dollars on a long arm quilting machine. What are some things y'all wish you would have known before buying your long arm machines? I would be doing quilting for only myself, not as a business. I don't like wrestling fabric through the throat of the regular sewing machines. Therefore I think a long arm would be easier. I've tried a long arm at a quilt show a couple of years ago and it felt very zen. The computerized machines with the automatic quilting sound phenominal but I couldn't buy any of those new. I don't want to settle for something less than what I want and then not use it because it's not meeting my need but don't want to spend more $ than I actually need to. I'm just starting to research longarm machines and there looks like a steal of a deal on Craigslist- an innova 22 pantograph for $12,500. I don't want my cheapskate ways to put me in a bind- and buy something just because it's on sale even if it's not what I want. Any advice????

I bought an Innova 26" about 9 or 10 years ago. Two years ago I upgraded to Lightning Stitch and some of the other options that weren't available when I purchased my machine. I don't know if the Innova 22" on craigslist is a good deal or not. It would depend on which stitch regulator it has, how old the machine is, what condition, etc.. But I do love the Innova brand. I quilt only for myself, and occasionally for friends, and I'm glad I have a longarm to do it.

I am in similar but different dilemma. I don’t want a long arm. I am considering a sit down mid arm. I have tried a lot of them. Can’t decide.

sounds like you've checked off the first thing on your list--trying out machines at a show so you know whether you like moving the machine vs. moving the quilt. What else to know? 1) do you have the space for a frame? they need walk around space to be functional without moving the frame(which would take locking casters--very handy). 2) can you afford this machine ? I was told by a Gammill rep (while working on my machine) 2 yrs ago that it's getting harder to make a living/pay off machines by quilting for others because of DSM with rulers, sit down machines, and mid-arm machines---I would agree with this statement. But you've indicated you would use it for your own quilts and friends--so sounds like you've checked this off too. What else? My Gammill bought used is a 28" harp on a 14' frame. The length of the harp is really not comfortable for me to quilt custom (which is mostly what I do) so I could have used a smaller harp easily. Also, while I sometimes get client quilts that the 14' frame is handy, those are few and far between--so a 12' frame would have been fine. I got a steal on the price of the set-up, all her rulers, all her thread, parts, needles, 100 bobbins, 4 bobbin cases, all her design books, etc. I definitely recommend a stitch regulator and I'd check to see if the machine is capable of accepting a robotic guided system (whether Innova, Butler, etc) in case you'd ever want to add that at a later date. I love long arm quilting and don't regret spending what I consider big bucks for it--but then I used money I inherited so didn't have to borrow,which I'm not sure I would have done.

Depends on where you are. There are a lot of them for sale. One site and of course I can't think of the name of it ......has a lot of them listed. I do not think your deal sounded like a steal. Marcia

www:[email protected] or some combinatoin of those words.

I've never regretted buying a longarm myself (Pfaff P3 with an 18 inch throat). While it's on the small side as far as longarms go, I love it! I wanted to do the whole quilt from start to finish and love the results I can get with the longarm. While I quilt only for myself, I have had a friend or two come over and I've helped them quilt one of their quilts. I do this on a very limited basis, and don't advertise that I do so. I don't want to feel compelled to offer this to anyone/everyone who knows me. I have also been working with my step daughter who is a phenomenal piecer to teach her how to longarm her quilts on my machine. While she is very appreciative, I find that nerve wracking to say the least as she is the type of person who becomes an instant authority once she has a bit of experience with something. So she will argue or disregard my instructions so that I feel I cannot leave her alone for a minute in case she does something. There is no dealer nearby now and I am afraid that she may inadvertently due something that will damage my machine and then I'll have to figure out how to find someone to fix it - which would likely involve shipping it somewhere.... my husband and I can do the basic servicing and he can even retime it if needed but anything other than that would need the technician to do it.

I can relate to your situation. About 12 years ago I had an opportunity to buy a used longarm machine and I did. I quilted for myself and a few friends and stayed as busy as I wanted to be. In 2016 that machine broke down and needed servicing and parts but the company had long ago gone out of business and I had a huge decision to make. Do I spend enough for a car on a new machine or do as I did before I had a machine pay someone else to quilt for me. After much thought and figuring I realized that I had to have a new machine. I decided to get an Innova 22 with Lightning Stitch and it was a great decision. I love that machine. Several reasons for choosing the Innova: dealer close by, great reviews from other quilters, and a great resale value. I wish you well in your decision.

Do you live close to a Quilt Show (as in Paducah, KY, coming up in April) - they have every brand of machine in those quilt shows for you to try out.

No I don't. :( There is a Baby Lock dealer nearby but I would have to drive several hours to get to any other dealer. :(

I am hoping to get the Baby Lock Regalia, I have been trying out long arm machines for several years, but the only dealer near (200 miles) is Baby Lock. Using just reviews alone I would choose the Innova, but that option is not available here.

I learned about the facebook page, Longarm and Accessories 4 Sale through this forum. I do not have a facebook account, but have learned that several pages are deemed "public", which means that even those who do not have a facebook account can access these pages, this Longarm and Accessories 4 Sale page is one of those. WOW some of the deals are unbelievable, all price points, all sizes, sit downs to professional. Just another resource for you to check out, you never know just like Craigslist.

Some considerations--how old are you and how much will you use the long-arm? Can you justify paying that much for a "hobby"? How many quilts could you hire someone else to quilt for that amount of money? Of course, there is the satisfaction of completing a project of your own but just saying. Perhaps there is a local shop that rents the use of their long-arm without you purchasing and maintaining the set-up plus giving it permanent space in your home.

five years ago i decided on a long arm machine. and i have not regretted it. just
for me i do not do it as a business and i also do one of my friends and my sisters when they
make a quilt. it is better than paying some one else.

I spent about 3 years auditioning longarm machines (plus building an addition over our two car garage) before deciding on a purchase. It came down to two brands of machines which would both have had service representatives in my area...I was hesitant to purchase a used machine because of warranty and service. Even though you have gotten to try longarm machines at quilt shows, I suggest you take a few long arm classes that provide hours of free motion instructions and experience on a machine. I began my FMQ journey four years ago at MQX in Manchester, NH and fell in love...I knew someday I wanted my own machine and it finally got delivered a couple of days after Christmas.:)

I agree on taking a class that teaches you:
1. How to load quilt top backing and batting on the frame
2. General operation like threading the machine, loading a bobbin and quilting from both front and back of the machine.
3. Adjusting tension for different thread types
4. How to advance the quilt and line it up for pantograph quilting

The Craigslist ad sounds confusing. You wrote: "an innova 22 pantograph for $12,500."

First of all a pantograph is a paper pattern you lay on the back table and follow with a laser light so does this mean they are including a pantograph (or multiple pantos) or are they just saying it has the laser light for doing pantographs? Either way the laser light is a standard feature included on all innovas. A pantograph normally runs about $15.00

Judging by the price I would say this is a 22" Innova with the standard stitch regulator as opposed to the lightening stitch so that is pretty much the regular price brand new (inclusive of rack)! Now if this machine has pantovision and lightening stitch then it is a deal.

I too have an Innova and like Dunster I bought mine 8 years ago and upgraded to Lightening Stitch. Well worth it IMHO. Innova is a great machine and I positively adore mine. Many longarmers have switched from other brands to Innova.

Additionally I would mention that I have heard many, many stories of people who jumped into getting a longarm only to realize they don't like loading a quilt on a rack or don't have the stamina to stand at it for any length of time or they got one thinking they could quilt like show quilts after only a few hours of practicing which is definitely not the case. Then there are the people who got them and were afraid to use them! IMHO dealer support is essential, at least in the beginning. Innova does have awesome 24/7/365 customer support via phone to walk you through most issues but it is so nice knowing you have a dealer to turn to, especially in the beginning. I would go to the Innova website and see if there is a dealer near you that you may not know about. https://www.innovalongarm.com/about-us/our-dealers.html

You are definitely on the right track by asking, looking around and having already tried out machines at a show but there is a huge difference between playing with one at a show and actual longarming. A class will give you the most exposure. And you don't have to take the class on the machine you want to buy. I took a class on a handiquilter and got the Innova.

Just watching people at shows long arm makes my back hurt so I'll go at your question from the $$ viewpoint which seems one of your focus points in asking for input.

Getting my quilts quilted runs about 260-275.00 (queen+) At $12.500.00 if my math is right I can get better than 40 quilts done, and mine are always double sided, which is 80+ tops.

Setting aside you may be rich as Croesus, $12,500.00 is a lot of money. Is your house paid for, your cars, do you have zero consumer debt? Are your kid's college funds funded? your Roth or IRA? Is there house maintenance going wanting, roof/plumbing/electrical/windows?

At the very least do you have the funds saved up? If not have you factored in the interest over time into your mental cost total?

Love your avatar quilt, and best wishes on the journey. I've often found the journey is the most part of the fun, finally getting is a bit of a letdown.

A little over 4 years ago, I purchased an Artistic SD 18" made by Janome. I quickly ruled out any other longarm set up because of the price. I am self taught on machine quilting on a domestic machine. Once I had meandering down, I knew I had to upgrade to something because any quilt larger than a baby quilt was just too frustrating to machine quilt on a domestic. What I like about my machine is that it fits in my sewing room. I like that once I have my quilt sandwich, I'm good to go. I like that I can switch out quilts which I have done - to get a smaller project like a gift or something out in between working on the larger quilt. I like that I create all my quilts from the very start to the very end. I like that I was able to learn all kinds of free motion quilting patterns that I felt I was limited on my domestic due to space. Because I love "the touch of a hand", and the entire creating process, I don't see the importance of a computerized stitch and even less interested in a stitch regulator. I'm not interested in starting a business but have enjoyed machine quilting for friends and relatives. I wore out the bobbin winder washer and I was able to replace the washer. However, I went ahead and purchased a free standing bobbin winder and that works out well. My sewing machine service tech says I should get years and years of use of this machine and since I keep it clean and well oiled, I plan on just that. I am completely happy with my purchase and as long as my machine is running, I'm pretty sure I'll just stick with it.

I bought A1 machine from a gal online sight unseen. I called A1 and they knew the machine...told me the gal had it serviced recently and it was a good machine. I bought it and used it for a few years. Really liked that machine...THEN...I tried an Innova. I traded my A1 in for one of those.
My point is - if you find a machine (like the one on Craigslist) you can give the company a call and see if they know the machine. Get the serial number of the machine. They may be able to give you some info on it.

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This is a new to me machine and set up I bought from Craigslist in early January. After alot of reading and research to make the decision to purchase it, and how to make the leaders, and practicing loading it, I just started sewing with it this week, and wow do I have a lot to learn. Through the state guild I also searched out a few long arm quilters and met with both of them, spent several hours with each, they both loaded an entire quilt onto their machines, and demonstrated FMQing to me and allowed me to ask lots of questions, take notes and pictures to reference later. I'm excited about this new adventure, as I'm sure you are too I'm I also am going slow and not rushing the process so I don't get discouraged, enjoy the journey.:thumbup:

As one who bought a used Innova, I'd say it sounds like a great deal. Used Innova's do not come on the market very often because their owners love them. Even though I bought mine used, the local dealer has adopted me as one of their own and provides me with great support. If you don't have to rob a bank to make the purchase, I'd say go for it!

I am in the mood to buy a new LA set up. We bought a new house and it was under our budget so I have half the leftover to play with, DH the other half. He has already spent his. LOL I have had two, all given to me but I never bonded with either of them. I gave them to friends who are very happy with them. I have been taking weekend trips to various dealers to try different set ups. I am thinking about the Lenny. https://www.apqs.com/machines/Lenni/

I put out a similar question on another site and one person suggested asking yourself if you really enjoy the quilting part of the process and others suggested renting one someplace. I found a place near me to take a class and then rent their machines for me this is the solution. I don't have to give up space and lots of money and still have a way to use a long arm occasionally without the pressure of having a machine and feeling guilty for not using it.. And I do not want to have a business. The part of the quilting process I enjoy the most is the designing and piecing so that influenced the decision as well.

well honestly only you can answer that. I bought mine about 8 years ago it was used and old no whistles or bells on her but she does quilt very nicely , I use pantographs and self quidded. I purchased it from nolting the longarm company they guaranteed it for one year. I have not had any issues with it except operator errors. The longarm company people who sell them probably will have used ones you could purchase at a lower price. Please check them out for a good deal.

I went back and looked at the listing. It was made in 2015. It has Pantovision and lightning stitch. What makes lightning stitch better than the regular stitch regulator?

It is super responsive. You never get the one longer stitch that often happens when going from a dead stop into a motif, like the long sweep of a feather frond or changing directions on a straight line. I honest thought I was pretty happy with the standard SR until I got my L/S. It took me about a year to decide to spend the $4K to upgrade but after I upgraded I was kicking myself for not having done it sooner.
Many more choices of stitch length. I believe the standard only goes as high as 14 spi and the LS goes up to 20 something (great for doing micro work) and going the opposite way it has large basting mode too the regular s/r didn't.
The control is a touch pad on the front of the machine, the standard was mounted at the back of the machine.
You can upgrade to Innova's robotic system which requires L/S. Not sure what would be involved to upgrading to robotics with a 3rd party system.

Edited to add that is a great price with pantovision (and lightening stitch) which is a way of doing pantos from the front of the machine. Instead of following a paper pattern with a laser light from the back, you are following pointer on a screen mounted to the machine and working from the front. Very convenient for spotting right away if something has gone wrong, like a thread break or bad tension all of a sudden. I am pretty sure it comes loaded with a bunch of designs. I don't know much more about it.

I purchased my first quilting machine HandiQuilter 16 - to learn on, then sold it a couple of years later upgraded to HandiQuilter Avante - then last year sold it and upgraded to HandiQuilter Fusion. These are fantastic machines. In the future I can see moving to the HQ Forte and purchase the ProStitcher for that one. Have never been disappointed with any of these machines.. Go for it.

I don't know anything about longarms but it sounds like you want to get one so I hope you find what you want!

Good advice given here. Here's my .02 (which is only worth about half of that!) :D I purchased a used one, just for reference...

* Is there a dealer for That brand close by?
* Do they offer classes on machines not purchased in their shop?
* Will they service machines not purchased in their shop?

Ask my why this is important (oy!).

These are Great machines and do some amazing things, but they are also temperamental beasties and have the ability to test the patience of a saint.

My personal position, I wish I would have purchased a new, but one with less bells/whistles, so I could have had the shop support.
Can it work out? Of course, it just depends on the answers to my first three questions. :)

Good luck!

Close! I think it's https://longarmuniversity.com/MachinesForSale.html#sale

Then you are getting a great deal. This is almost identical to my machine (mine was 2014) had the overhead light bar and casters and was roughly $14k. The nice thing about Innova is that you can always upgrade at a later time too. Just this year, I swapped out my Pantovision for Navigator (computer-guided). I'm loving it.

I bought my Baby Lock Tiara, a sit-down mid arm, 6 years ago. I quilt only for myself and have never regretted spending the money on myself. Like you, I tried many machines at several shows before my purchase. While my dream is to have a large studio with a long arm on a frame, my current home doesn’t have enough space. I thoroughly enjoy free motion stitching and this machine has moved with me 2 twice since my purchase. I made my decision based on my available space and my local dealer. Having support during the set up and learning curve is important for me and having a trusted local machine tech is also important (but I have not needed him!). Go for it! You deserve to spend money on the hobby you love!

I think I would enjoy a LA myself, but alas, no place for one, and at my age only if I win the lottery would I ever consider spending those big bucks for a machine that I wouldn't use that often, and would only be for personal use. I am retired and DH will next fall, we owe only our monthly bills but who knows what might pop up or f we might want to move and purchase another home. I would definitely think about the cost and how often it would be used if you are no planning to start a quilting business.

I purchased a used Handiquilter and then three years later bought an Innova with Lightening Stitch - just because I'd always wanted Innova and had the financial opportunity to do it. I decided that I would someday want an Innova by trying all the machines at a show and talking with the reps from Innova - not dealers but the guys that owned the company.

It sounds like a decent price since it has Pantovision, an over $2000 upgrade. But check out the tablet that comes with it. They are now using Microsoft Surface tablets because there were performance problems with the old tablets that they used. They also used to allow owners to buy only the software and that created issues because some owners were buying underpowered tablets. I don't think they allow software only purchases anymore.

The dealer network is expanding but then again, quality of dealers varies. The one I purchased from was subpar and now I live where there is no dealer. But the customer support from the company is exceptional and the machine can be maintained and serviced by the owner, if you're not afraid to try it.

As others say, go to a show and try them all out. Different machines feel differently to you. Everybody will - for the most part - defend their choice of brand. You need to find what works for you. Machine Quilting Expo is in Manchester NH in early April. Good luck.

You may have made a decision already but what I did.

In 2015 I went to the big sewing show at Puyallup. I wanted to try out all the machines in one place. I had a 4-5 year plan before purchasing. I live In BC Canada and used machines are rare, even more rare on Vancouver Island.

I regularly checked the local online classifieds as well as the https://www.longarmuniversity.com/MachinesForSale.html.

Handiquilter is the only brand that has support nearby, but I was impressed with the information I got from Andrew and Gammil, as well as APQS which has BC presence. This was before Janome had their long arm machines.

In May 2015 I saw an ad for an older HQ 16 available locally. When I called I was the 5th person who had called, but I was the first to show up with cash. The next day I picked up Diana and took her in for servicing before taking her home.

Now the not so pretty part. I loaded a Jelly Roll Race quilt onto the machine, quilting 3/4 of it and that is it. The machine has sat for the better part of 4 years. There are numerous reasons why. I do not regret my decision to buy the machine and am going to take a series of workshops in May to get comfortable using her. My plan for this summer is to finish 4 quilts.

I did buy a new bobbin winder as the one that came with the machine is temperamental.

If after this summer I decide long arm quilting is not for me, I will be able to sell it for what I paid.

If I decide I really like long arm quilting, then I may look into upgrading in 2020.