I had the same problem, getting caught in the quilt top. I knew not to quilt past the edge. So I bought one of those clear foldable cutting boards ($store/2pkg.). Put plain printer paper atop my panto a few stitches where I needed to stop, covered paper with cutting board, so it stays put. Now I easily know where to stop.

I have a Handiquilter frame that I used with a Juki 98 straight stitch machine and I just sold the machine and kept the frame now I use my Janome 6600 on the rollers and it works great. I do have the handles but the hookups won't fit into my Janome ports. does anyone know if there is a conversion kit I could get?? right now I just hold onto the top of the machine itself and it works and I use my stop start button and auto cut buttons. I couldn't believe when I opened up this thread this morning as I just sold my machine and tried my Janome on the frame.

I have a Pfaff Grandquilter (9" throat) on an Inova 10' frame. I have had it for about 2 years. Got it used from a lady in our Guild for $1500.00. I ONLY use pantos because I just don't have time to learn FMQ. I quilt from the front so I can see to start the stitching on the left side just at the edge. Then I run off the right side a little. I do not have a stitch regulator, but don't think I am missing anything with such a small quilting area. I pin the top, batting and backing to the leaders at the top of the quilt, then use Red Snappers on the bottom. I like the Red Snappers, but you have to remove them when you get to the bottom as they take up so much room. I think that basting a piece of scrap material to the bottom of the quilt top, then putting on the Red Snappers would work really well, but I always forget to do this until I get to that point, then it is too late. If I had the money I would definitely upgrade to a mid-arm machine, but right now I am more or less happy with what I have.

Check out Kathy's Quilts..they have really good customer support.

I have a Viking Mega quilter with frame and wish the dealer had it back.

I have the same machine, and a New Joy quilting frame. I bought it used so have had to learn it by myself, without taking lessons from a dealer. I like it-just wish I had more time to use it. I have only done 3 quilts on it, and I have 3 more ready to go when I get time to load one. I have not tried any pantos yet-just meandering. I would love to get a stitch regulator, but at nearly $500, it is out of my price range for now. I have signed up to take a "Long Arm 101" class at an upcoming quilt show later this fall, so I am hoping to learn some better technique, even though it is not a Long Arm system. I definitly like it better than laying on my floor pinning my quilts together! I too have to make sure I don't go too fast, but I agree, there is a "zone" a person can get into that makes it work so nice!

I have a mega quilter as well...do you have handles for your frame? I have frame but find that the quilter is just to awkard to move while trying to manuver the pedal...how did you work that out...

I have the Brother 1500 and a Handy Quilter frame. I can't seem to get the hang of it. I can't keep the stitches even. I just finished a quilt today but did FMQ without the frame. I was told it was impossible to do but that was by a lady trying to sell me a $10,000 machine. I want to do feathers but can't do them without eyelashes. Any hints or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Ihave the same machine that I started quilting on. Mine came with the original HQ frame and HQ handles. They have a speed control on the handle which would help you. I even bought another set of handles to quilt from the front too. You can purchase a frame (cage?) that mounts on the moving platform and you mount the HQ handles to them. Happy Quilting!

I have the same machine that I started quilting on. Mine came with the original HQ frame and HQ handles. They have a speed control on the handle which would help you. I even bought another set of handles to quilt from the front too. You can purchase a frame (cage?) that mounts on the moving platform and you mount the HQ handles to them. Happy Quilting!

I have Handiquilter frame with using my machine that I use for long time n currently trying to sell as my dh upgrade me to long arm last Christmas.

I also have a Hand quilter frame, and sometimes use my sewing machine for tops only. I tried the quilting with my sewing machine but it just didn't feel the same. I have made only one quilt on the machine, quilted - I'm back to making tops on sewing machine and quilting by hand. It takes longer to quilt by hand, but it gives me the "awww" feeling when I've completed another one. Here it is the first of August, and I've completed 3 quilts by hand quilting. Working on #4 atm, pushing for at least #5 before Christmas.

Before starting your next panto bring the machine down to the edge of the quilt and place a paper dot or piece of blue painters tape on the area of the panto where you need to begin and end. I think by doing that you will begin to love doing pantos again like I do.

I have a Viking Mega Quilter and a Grace frame. I really like mine. The throat space is about 9 inches. i
That limits the amount of space you have to work with and I tend to just do swirls and loops but it works for me. I make quilts for people to use!

Hi everyone, I have a Pfaff Hobby GrandQuilter and an older Inspira frame. Getting into the "zone" involves a treacherous trek through every mistake imaginable before I finally reach that sacred portal into the "zone"! My problem is that I have a bad back, and by the time I get there, back pain keeps me from fully concentrating on the actual quilting. If I stop for a period to rest, I have to make the journey all over again! Question: Does anyone know of a frame that is more "back friendly"--standing or sitting? When I try to sit while quilting a section, my knees hit the lower rails.

harpyquilter,
I purchased a "drafting" chair that I use in front of my short arm. It has a metal ring about half way between the seat and the floor for your feet. The seat is level with my backside if I am standing next to it. So I kind of step up to sit down. That way, my knees are above the lower rails. And because I put some floating wood floor strips over my carpet, I can slide the chair with one foot. I never start quilting on the same day as I load the quilt. My back just won't take it either. Hope this helps.

I have this system too - have been using it just short of a year. Started with charity projects, baby quilts and panels and have now progressed to single and queen size. A huge learning curve but am loving it!

I have a Husqvarna Mega Quilter with and older Inspira frame. I had my husband build boxes to put under the feet to raise the frame so I don't have to bend over. Originally is was low enough that I could sit and quilt but it was hard on my back bending over topin the backing and top to the leaders. I'm not very good and just do loops. It is good for my home quilts but if I have a good quilt or I want to give a quilt away, I have someone else do it for me.

OK I have this same machine and frame....maybe you can tell me what I am doing wrong...my thread keeps breaking....I make sure the quilt isn't laying on machine bed....the quilt is tight....I have good quiilting thread...I try not to go to fast....but it breaks some times after 2 rolls other times after a few stitches.....hope you ao some one can help with ideas.....

Me too!! I recently got a crib size Grace frame and I use my Janome Horizon with it. I've done a little practicing and it works pretty well and I'm hoping with more practice to be able to finish most of my smaller quilts and wall hangings. But, I'm still struggling with loading the quilt. I have to stop and read the directions or watch a youtube video every time. Hoping it will become easier with time.... I think I will enjoy it...

I have an EZ Quilter frame that is very similar to the Ken frame in your pic. I used it for about a year and quilted all sizes except for King on it. Then last October I bought a Juki 2010, with a larger throat space, and because I enjoy FMQ so much, I just quit using the frame. I didn't like to have to keep rolling and unrolling the quilt, and the space just wasn't big enough- my machine was always bumping against the rails in front and back. I'm probably the only person alive who doesn't dream of having a LA! I just really love FMQ- I've gotten pretty good at it.

Thread breaking
 

How frustrating and I know because I've been there. Check:
1 that your quilt isn't too tight - it shouldn't be so tight that you could bounce a coin on it.
2 Other thing to check is your thread tension - could be that top and/or bottom tension is set too tight.
3 What size of needle are you using? Try a 14 or 16 and see if that helps.
4 I know you say that the takeup bar isn't sitting on the machine bed, but make sure you haven't it set too high. I have a very small clearance -- the recommendation is the height of your little finger, but mine is set a bit lower than that.

I hope these tips might provide some help - do let us know how you get on. Good luck!

me too! me too! I'd love to take my short arm off the frame and onto a table! My table machine has 7.5 inches and my frame machine has 11.5 inches... sigh.

You aren't believe me. I looked at frames, and long arms, and in the end decided that my mid arm does a great job at FMQ and it sure doesn't seem to have the learning curve, the space requirements or the set up times that a long arm requires. I can puddle even the big quilts, and because my sewing table is a drop leaf, i bring it up to support the weight of the quilt as I FMQ. I did a Carpenter's Wheel recently (posted in Pictures) that was all done on the mid arm. I mark the designs with chalk as I go. Its fun!

I have the same set up Pfaff Grandquilter and 10 foot Inspira frame. Used to really hurt my back after abut 20 minutes of quilting. My DH picked up a set of those wooden blocks that you put under the legs of your bed to make it higher, and it raised everything up about 4 inches. I can now quilt for a couple of hours before the back pain kicks in.
BTW I'm 5'6", and have degenerative disc disorder, plus a little scoliosis and arthritis in my lower back - just saying that it really worked for me!
The only thing is the Inspira frame has 6 legs and I think the blocks come in sets of 4.

I have the very same machine and I love it. It was set up on a pro-flex frame, but I took it out and set in on the table again. I find the throat space too short to do any kind of patterns. I'm a Charisma wanna-be, and I envision myself making fabulous feathers just like she does, lol, but am really limited with the throat size.

Presently I am on the look out for a 12-14 inch machine. The Brother is a speedy machine, and I love it for piecing. I've done a few quilts with just meandering, but I dream of doing so much more!

Wonderful thread! I'm gleaning lots of useful information; keep 'em coming!

I don't know if anyone has suggested this yet, but you might want to try "sewers aid". It is a lubricant. I had a problem with thread breaking. I tried lots of things that didn't work. I read about sewers aid somewhere and tried it. I used to be able to get it at Hancock Fabric, but couldn't the last time I checked. I had to buy it online. It comes in a container that looks like fray check. I hope you get your problem solved soon. I know how frustrating it can be.

Checked into the handles..think I am gonna give them a try before I give up on mine. LOL I'm a Chrisma wanna be too.
There is just something about those feathers. I'm the kind of person that can usually do what I set my mind to do so this is killing me.

This is a great thread! Yesterday I tried out a HQ Sweet 16 sit down machine and boy did I enjoy myself and now I have a dilemma I want one but it is so expensive!!
If I cant have that then I am looking at the Janome 1600P -DBX..i havent tried out the Janome..has anyone used both and can give me honest feedback?
I already have a Bernina Artiste 180E so don't want a machine with fancy stitches.

I can't help you with the Janome, but I was wondering if you were aware of the Sunshine 16? It's a sit down machine, like the Sweet 16, but with a much more affordable price. It's not as fancy either, just a modified industrial. Their website isn't very good either, http://www.sunshine16.com/Sitemap.html and click on the side menu to pull up the different options. Don't skip Page 8 either LOL!
I haven't tried one, personally. This is the one I am saving up for, though!

I have been using a Juki 2010 with a mini pinni frame for about a year. It has a nine inch throat and I have loved the stitch regulator that I bought with it. It was fine for my own quilts but I want to LA for others and so I just purchased an 18 inch long arm and will be working with that. The Juki is a great machine to start learning to short arm quilt on a frame.

Thankyou AshleyR for replying to my query. It never hurts to look around and keep an open mind so I had a look on the Sunshine site and it certainly does sound good. I wonder if they are available in Australia?..I will have to shop around. I really want to try before I buy anything and one thing in favor of the Sweet 16 is I have tried it and it certainly was fun and easy to use. Have you tried out the Sunshine?
I have also had lots of good reports about the shop I am considering buying it from and also talked with a lady here on the forum that has also bought one from the same shop and she loves hers too and has had no problems. I have also looked on Ebay to see what is out there but as it is such a big purchase I think it will be wise to consider the after sales service etc and factor that in when deciding. Let me know when you buy your sunshine and how you like it!

I haven't had the chance to try it yet. I haven't found a dealer. When I emailed the site, they got right back in touch with me about it. I think she is at shows a lot, too. I haven't ever been to a show, so I don't know!
It will be almost 2 years before I have enough for it, so don't wait on me!

I have a quilting frame made from Richard's pattern that we downloaded from the Internet. I also use my Janome 6600 on it and it works fine. Like you I just move it by holding the top of the Janome and have no problem. You can see how well it moves if you go to Utube and in the search box enter PghPat1 where I have posted 2 videos (first time ever posting on there). One is my first queen sized quilt....a floral log cabin and the other is of a Jellyroll Race Quilt......no, I didn't race - LOL. I am a new quilter. Maybe next video will be better. I won't be making a lot of quilts but is was less expensive to build this and be able to quilt large quilts than it would have cost me just to send the queen size out to be quilted. We built it so that when I'm not using it, the poles come off and store under the table and I have a sewing table the whole width of my room. Love it.

I'm really enjoying reading this thread since I have so much to learn. I am in PA now for the summer but will be back in FL (where my frame lives) in October. Reading this thread make me anxious to get back to it and try out some of the suggestions I've read on here.

Pat

Just found this thread. I'm a shortarmer too. My set up is a Gammill 12' table with a Singer, 11" throat space. I do pantos because I can't quilt from the front. I only have an on/off button and a dial that sets the speed. They are both on the back of the machine. I would love to have a stitch regulator but am told they don't make them for my setup.

Would like to know the link for these quilt frame plans. Have looked for some various quilt frame patterns for some time and all I can find are kits. Thanks.

http://buildaquiltingframe.weebly.com/ Here is the link to the plans for the frame that we made. Pat

i do all of my quilting with a Juki TL98Q set in a desk. I puddle, I'm old and i have bad joints but I keep on quilting. Here is the latest quilt, a king-sized radiant star.

Gail, that quilt is GORGEOUS! :-)

I am almost a short arm girl! This morning I bought a Little Gracie II frame off of craigslist. Right now it's in several big partly assembled pieces in my living room as I try to figure out where to put it. It was in great shape, used for only 6 quilts as the previous owner now has access to a longarm. I'm not sure what kind of machine I will use but would love to get one of the smaller Baileys. Another option is a 9 inch machine with a stitch regulator - I couldn't do that with the Bailey. What do you think?

Laura

Is it a bad thing that I bought this before I bought a dress for my daughter's wedding in two weeks, lol?!