Maiziedo

I have a Hinterberg Hand quilting frame made from hard rock maple. A beautiful piece. Since getting this several years ago, my arthritis has become worse and I can no longer hand quilt.
2 years ago my husband bought me a Tiara longarm quilting machine. It has the sit down table. I would like to convert my hand quilting frame into a longarm frame. Is this at all possible? I know it would take some conversion. I know there are many of you much more knowledgeable than I am and I was hoping some way this would be possible. Thanks ahead of time for your answers. Maiziedo.

dunster

Many sit-down longarms can be put on a frame, but I've learned from listening to the experiences of others that it is much better to get a frame that was built for your machine than to try to make another one work. You would need a carriage for the Tiara to ride on, and that would need to fit both the frame and the Tiara. The hand quilting frame is not built to withstand the vibration, or the weight, of a high speed sewing machine. These beautiful Hinterberg frames are in demand by hand quilters, so you might be able to sell that frame and put the money toward one that is meant for your Tiara. (I would check with the dealer before doing anything.)

cathyvv

As Dunster says, check with the dealer before purchasing a frame. Sometimes dealers have used frames for less, too. There are computerized quilting systems available, but they raise the initial cost for long arm considerably. My guess is the customer base for computerized quilting is relatively small, so the prices are high to pay for the development and so on. Darn!

quiltingshorttimer

Actually, Cathy, if you check on FB sites for Professional Quilters, or any of the different manufacturers you are going to find the # of quilters purchasing , or adding, computer guided features to their machines is huge. it allows them to finish quilts so much faster and make income off their machines--but you are right that the initial investment sure is huge too!

Maiziedo

Thank you so much. I figured it wouldn't work,but I was hoping. Have had some offers for my Hinterberg, but the offers are not what the quilt frame is worth. I have all the extensions for it and it is just like new. So, I guess, I will keep on looking and hoping.