Bigbutte

if you are doing straight line or sigzag stich for quilting what size of quilt does it make sense to bring it to a long arm quilter I use a machine with a 6 or 7 inch throat. I like doing my own thing but I see other people bring it to the long arm people plus I cannot to FMQ.

Iceblossom

A lot of depends on the pricing in your area. For me, I just can't justify the several hundred dollars I am used to. Some of my new quilting ladies since I've moved have marvelous affordable quilters.

The other criteria I use is when you just aren't satisfied with what you can do yourself. I have done queen and even King sized quilts on my vintage machine but I don't want to do that anymore. I would usually do a basic grid of some sort on the bed/center of the quilt and then something fancier on the borders where I could work it. My fancy dancy modern machine with the extra large through has died and is no longer an available option.

I'm still hoping/planning on getting a long arm for myself. I am productive enough and have a backlog of 20+ tops all with backings and bindings, everything done but the quilting. I'd rather put in my money to a system I can afford than to someone else's skills -- but it is tempting!

The FMQ comes with practice. Nothing wrong with getting some sheets and/or blankets from the thrift store for practice on dog sized projects (basically crib sized) especially if you can find a rescue group that wants them. If you have the option, I'd recommend buying a roll of the batting you like/want to do FMQ on and use that but a lot of it is just practice practice practice and eye/hand coordination.

sewingpup

well, I rather eat dirt than do quilting on my sit down if it is bigger than a table topper. I do have a long arm. Which I did get as a retirement gift to myself. I have straight line quilted up to a queen-sized quilt on a sit down. It was a pain handling all the bulk and weight. I also do not like to do the basting to prepare the quilt. Some people love to quilt at their sit-down. I would advise starting out with a smaller quilt and see how you like it. You could also rent out time on a long arm if you want and see how you like that. I now quilt most of my quilts myself on my longarm but pay if I really want fancy quilting for a special quilt. Works for me. Oh, and you do need to practice if you want to quilt free motion, it takes a while.

SusieQOH

I send anything larger than a twin size to a longarmer. My skills just aren't that good for anything too large. I get frustrated. I have improved though- I started quilting for 10 minutes a day and it really has helped. My longarmer is very good and her prices are great.
I've never had an interest in owning a longarm. I'd much rather send them out.

Bigbutte

it make since to invest in yourself

BonnieJP

Take it to a long arm quilter whenever you want. It all depends on what YOU are comfortable doing on your own.

Mkotch

I thoroughly agree!

peaceandjoy

Even if I wanted to, there's no way my shoulders and neck would allow me to quilt anything larger than a baby or small throw. Too much tugging and arranging of the sandwich needed.

Where I live, the cost of quilting is $.02 for standard panto or simple design. It goes up, of course, for more complicated designs and custom quilting.

WMUTeach

I do my best to quilt my own work but............if a quilt is a gift for someone special, I send it out. If the quilt is for me and large, I send it out. If the quilt is small, or for donation, I do channeling or crosshatch and occasionally free motion. I make too many quilts per year to send them all to a long arm quilter. Purchase a long arm machine? Not a chance! First small condo and no space for those monster sized machines. I have watched a friend purchase, learn the techniques, the technology, and learn how to charge appropriately for those who ask for her to do their quilts. I am not interested in that learning curve at this point in life. I limit myself to 4 - 6 quilts per year that go to the long arm quilter. I want to support her business but I also want to support my budget.

cashs_mom

I have a Juki 2200 QVP Mini with a large throat. I quilted a king sized quilt on it last year without problems. I do my own quilting and enjoy doing FMQ so I've never used anyone else to do my quilting.