Smallest Throat Used for Larger Quilts?
 

What is the smallest throat you have managed to do a large quilt with?
I have a Brother SQ9185 with only about a 5" throat. Plan on doing just straight line quilting but not sure if this is going to be doable (Queen size). I bought this as an entry level learning machine before I invest in something on the higher end. Hubby has offered to purchase another one but I don't want him going to that expense until I get more experience under my belt and more comfortable. TIA

My Featherweight - full size quilt.

May I ask what size throat it has on it?

You can also use one of the many quilt as you go techniques.
I think the featherweights are about 5".

Thanks, I thought about that and that would be ideal to do. Problem is, this is one my son helped me plan for him. It is basically a panel with borders. I wonder if I could do the panel and border (only quilting the panel itself at that point), then do the remainder of the quilt? Now that I think about it, that might be feasible (at least more feasible than the whole queen size at once, lol)

Teresa, yes, this is very possible. I would plan the quilt in sections, if you can.

This is a common practice, and you have a couple options:
Option one is prepare the full size backing, but when you sandwich, only put the batting under the center of the quilt. When quilting, you need to be mindful of the extra backing so you don't catch it in the stitching. When the center is completed, whip stitch another section of batting in, prepare this portion of the sandwich and quilt.
For the second option, you also add the backing in sections. This reduces the bulk even more and you don't have to worry about catching it in your quilting stitches.

I would go to my local quilt shop and ask them to show you how to quilt it.

I once made a full size with my smaller machine. I used Theramore batting which is ultra thin. It worked, but I had wrinkles on the back. If I ever attempt it again, I will do quilt as you go. There are lots of videos on youtube, maybe one will work for you.

I have the SQ9185 machine and I've quilted 2 lap size (45x80) and currently working on my 3rd. It is doable. I also straight line and a few decorative stitches. At first I did the push and shove method through the harp. It really wasn't that hard. I now roll up and it fits perfectly with no problems. I do, however, use a low loft batting. Pelons Natural with scrim.

It should work fine as long as you use a very low loft batting. I can't imagine trying to fit a cotton batting in that size harp. I have a 5.5" harp and barely fit a twin under it. Maybe the Quilter's Dream Request would work, but that would be the only possibility for cotton. Hobb's Washable Wool would definitely fit, just make sure you have a large flat surface to support the weight of the quilt while you're quilting it.

I quilted my avatar quilt (Queen size) along with many others and had no problem with my Bernina 1530 that has a 7" harp. It is planning on visually what order sections should be quilted. I start from the center and work outwards on the side that is rolled up (right side)

I have done a large King on a small harp machine (brother cs6000 and I would guess around 5-6"). I did fmq and straightline quilting. It isn't the easiest process, but it can be done. I puddled the quilt and had support for the quilt behind the machine and to the left of the machine. This eliminates having to fight the weight of the quilt too. You don't need an expensive machine with a huge harp space in order to make a beautiful quilt.

Oh goodness, I thought my six inch throat space was small. King size but would only do one like that in sections in future.

I've done lots of large quilts with a small throat space, but it requires a great deal of surrounding support space, which has already been mentioned, as well as a lot of rolling and pulling through. My hands would cramp afterward from all the rolling and pulling. You do have to work from the center out as half the quilt rolled up is really pushing the limits of space. Good luck!