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Forums Archive » handi-quilter-discussion-group » ask-an-hq-expert » New to Mid/Long Arm Quilting
New to Mid/Long Arm Quilting
administrator
Joined: Aug. 26, 2008
Posted: April 28, 2008, 10:54 PM
i am very seriously thinking of buying a mid arm quilting machine and frame. After seeing the Gracie frame at the Quilt Show I was convinced this was the right way to go and have since been moved in the direction of the HQ 16 and portable professional frame. I took a brief detour toward the Mega Quilter and frame but was discouraged when my quilting teacher told me she had bought but never used hers. I don't want to report the same about the HQ 16. What do you think about this being my first mid arm machine and frame? I love to hand quilt but it just takes too long. I hate machine quilting on the regular machine whatever I do or use to facilitate the process. I have a Bernina and a Viking home machine. I do have the room for a frame and mid arm and I will probably never do a king size quilt - rarely a queen size.
New to Mid/Long Arm Quilting
administrator
Joined: Aug. 26, 2008
Posted: April 28, 2008, 11:08 PM
I had researched, tested, tried, discussed and cussed over SEVERAL longarm/midarm set ups. I truly enjoy my HQ16 and QuilTable. I chose the QuilTable because I like to make large bed sized quilts and I have the room to keep it up without a problem.

Please remember, when you first get your machine YOU WILL NOT BE GOOD! You will also need to remember that machine quilting has a totally different look and feel than hand quilting.

Your hardest job with ANY LONGARM machine is getting the bobbin tension and the top tensions right. Understand that once you have the tensions set, the next time you change your bobbin, you may have to adjust them AGAIN. This is not an HQ problem, it is a LONGARM problem. Just remember that. I usually have to fiddle a bit with tension every time I change the bobbin. It's not a big deal.

I strongly suggest you get a machine with a stitch regulator. Also, when you are putting a curve in your quilting, aka feathers, circles and the like, SLOW DOWN on the curves. Everyone has a tendancy to take the curves way to fast, when you do, you will have "feathering" on the back of the quilt. Such as, the bobbin thread will be pulled tight and the top stitches will be pulled to the back side.

I have the ruler base, versi tool and Handi Ruler on my machine and use them on every quilt I do. There is a set of 3 DVD's available on the website or from www.quilterstouch.com that are excellent with instruction and tips.

I hope this helps. Keep us posted on your decision making, we will all be interested.