size
 

What is the smallest size quilt one can use on a long arm? I am making some small animal crate size quilts (approx. 18"x22") and I was wondering if I'd be able to quilt them on the long arm.

Could you put several on 1 large backing with some space between, quilt them, then cut into individual quilts?

I could. So that small size is too small? I have never used my long arm yet...that's why I am asking.

I've seen very small quilts and runners on a longarm frame. The person just pinned fabric around the edges to attach all the various clamps and such to, so it could be stretched and attached like a larger quilt would.

It's not too small, but because you need extra backing for attaching to the rails you will end up with quite a bit of fabric waste. I have done two little quilts side-by-side like Faintly Artistic suggests, and it worked well.

This is what I do when I have a small quilt to do, especially one with a minky or stretchy fleece backing. I'll sew muslin strips to the outside of the quilt before I load it.
You can load a quilt as small as you wish on your long arm. There's no rule that says a quilt has to be over a certain size to be quilted, the only size rule is it can't be too big for your frame.

Cari

i have done this with placemats and it worked great

Awesome. Thank you all so much for your responses.

I float my quilt tops, so no size is too small. I do need about 30" length of backing, but normally when I have something very small, I add it to a quilt that I've got extra backing for.

I did several smaller table runners, and sewed the backing together before mounting them. I could do two side by side, and then rolled them forward until I was passed the seam and did more.

I've done a record album size--so about 20x20", and table runners--you just need to have extra fabric to attach to the leaders and also clamp on sides. And I've done like several where I'll put several small ones on one piece of backing--did 6 14x18" ones for a quilt shop that way. Got really crazy and put a bunch of panels on a very large piece and it worked!