quiltingshorttimer

I like Urban Elementz but think Linda Taylor's are easier and like how she has arrows every so often so you don't get lost in the design, also makes it easier to adjust. I was told when learning to LA--especially with pantos, it to relax---don't death grip the handles. also, the fewer straight lines and right angle in the panto the easier it is to get a smooth pattern.

GrammaSue

I am getting a new-to-me machine quilting frame (Inspira) and machine (Pfaff GrandQuilter) on Friday. I have worked some free-motion on a friend's set-up but am anxious to try pantographs. Thanks for the info on where to get them.

JustAbitCrazy

I buy most of my pantos from Quilts Complete. They have a website you can check out.
It does get better with practice but before you start, follow the panto with the light only and the machine turned off (not stitching) several times until you feel proficient. I do that before each stitching session, even mid-quilt, and even with easy pantos or those I've stitched before. Sometimes I only need one pass, sometimes I need two days, lol.

Geri B

I have also traced the panto with machine off, laser on, just to get the feel of it if it's really intense. And keep your eye in front of laser not on it......like driving a car. Look beyond, where you are going not where you are.....

pantos can be fun...sort of mindless......and my theory is why strain the brain trying to create a design when there are so many lovely ones already out there....just me

kbeuchert

Hi! It does get easier. A couple of things, Relax, relax, relax. Relax those shoulders and loosen your grip on the machine. Look ahead like you do when you are driving. Trust yourself. You will most likely not be right on every line and it will make no difference at all. Do not go back and try to fix it, you will make it worse. Most of all, Have fun!

Whoopie

I bought mine at Staples or Office max. Don't remember which.

feline fanatic

You must be thinking of something else. I don't think it was a pantograph you got at Staples or Office max. They most definitely do not carry pantos.

A pantograph is a quilting pattern made for using on a rack setup. You follow the design with a laser light or stylus. It can be done with a midarm, longarm or domestic as long as it is loaded on some sort of rack system with a table to spread the pattern out on and provided the machine has a way to mount the laser light or Stylus.

Marich52

Don't concentrate on being on the line when you start practicing. Use the line as a "guide" until you get comfortable with the movements......then you can work on sticking to the pattern and getting more precision. Have fun with it.

mamagrande

I get my pantos from Willow Leaf studio and have some from Colombia River, anyway I find that humming helps me keep a relaxed even flow. I also trace with my finger before I start especially if it is a new panto or a more complex one. I started with a loose meander and worked with that on several samples and then moved on to use it on quilts. I have a friend that needed some quilts done and told me to practice on them, they actually looked pretty good.