Is there tear away paper patterns for long arms?
 

Just recently purchased a Qunique 14R long arm. I don't have a laser yet but want to try quilting a pattern edge to edge. What are my options? is there "paper patterns" to place on top of the actual quilt and then tear away?

Yes, there are. I've never used them (or any pantographs for that matter) but did a google search for tear away pantographs. This is one of the findings - https://www.quiltingcreations.com/st...CategoryID=213

They are out there, but that would get really pricey and only a single use product. I haven't looked lately, but Hobby Lobby carried the Carol Doak Foundation Piecing paper in bulk sheets. As long as you are using only a 10" wide panto, you can copy each section and tape them together. It would take a lot of copying for even a medium quilt. I would try to figure out a way to tape or pin the panto up in front of the machine and do the best you could at copying it freehand.

Find a design you like and draw it a bunch of times to get your muscle memory started. Then use it as a guide. Or break down and go ahead and buy the laser. I have heard that some people taped one of those red laser flashlight style lights to the back of their machines to use as a temporary solution to getting one that would be permanent.

Thank you very much

Actually, if you go really old school you can use a super large knitting needle. Clamp it somewhere to the back of your machine, get a regular panto and follow the design with the point of the knitting needle. I'm talking those big ones that are as big around as a sharpy marker and 12" long. You have to make sure it is good and secure and the tip just hovers over the paper design. My Innova came with one and when my laser light went in the middle of a quilt, I was able to finish it with the knitting needle pointer.
But really, if you just got your machine, load up some junk fabric or even a couple of old sheets with some batting and just have fun! It is amazing what you find you are capable of. Doodle, sign you name, do loops and squiggles and make leaf shapes. Have a blast, Much more fun at the front of the machine.
I don't think I tried a panto until about my 10th quilt. I found it quick and most of them are very pretty and add great texture but doing them was mind numbingly boring for me. LOL

I recommend a roll of ( Golden Paper) then you can copy ant pantograph onto the paper and use it to stitch through. It is a much more economical choice, Golden is easy to see through, easy to copy/ trace. There is a lot of paper on a roll ( check Nancy’s Notions) easy to sew through and you can trace or create your own designs. You can also cut the paper - make the design any size you need.

I lucked out when I found a 18" roll of Golden Threads paper at a thrift store for $1. Works great and tears away nicely.

I had not heard of Golden Paper before. Would it work for spider web string quilts?

Personally if it were me I would make a copy of the tear away that you choose and this way once you buy a laser you can use it on the frame bed. I mean you purchased it so wouldn't that be okay? Not trying to encourage something that is wrong to do.

feline fanatic......I was the one who originally went old school with the knitting needle stylus and posted it on the Quilting Board. This can be found under "HOMEMADE PANTOGRAPH STYLUS" by lindaschipper.
Been using this for some months now and it still works for me and a few others who have tried it.