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Older Handi Quilter
Posted: Aug. 28, 2007, 5:53 PM
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I am taking over my mother's Handiquilter that she bought about 5-7 years ago because she is afraid of it and frustrated. I have been very pleased with the results. She bought the frame system and then a Brother sewing machine(long arm) because that is what the dealer told her to do. I think this must have been before this HQ16 came . My question is for those who might have used an older version of the system, perhaps with some machine that the dealer told them to buy. Is there a big difference between the HQ16 and an older version? I feel very limited with what I can do design wise because starting and stopping is such a pain and there is such a short windo to work with. This new model looks like it has a larger stitching area(more depth) and from what I read in the forum, it sounds like people are doing lots of different designs on one quilt. I am just doing continuous line patterns back and forth or doing it freehand in a puzzle like pattern because I feel stuck. Any ideas or suggestions? |
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Older Handi Quilter
Posted: Aug. 29, 2007, 11:06 AM
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Have you measured the throat space? It should be a full 16 inches. By the time you load the quilt and allow for the frame you have about 13 inches or so actual quilting space. I've been doing everything on my HQ. I don't know what you mean by "stuck" I love doing individual block designs. I do try to adjust the designs so that I can go from one corner of a block right into the next block so that I don't have a lot of stops and starts. What frame are you using? Maybe the frame is not large enough to accomodate the throat space of the HQ? I've not done very many pantographs on my machine because I like working from the front of the machine. You might want to order the HQ videos by Suzanne Hyland. THEY ARE WONDERFUL. I watch mine all the time. And in one of her videos she is using an older HQ16. She has some wonderful ideas and fantastic tips. I bought all three of her videos and still say it's the best money I've spent on anything regarding quilting. (Besides buying the machine) Hope this helps and keep us posted on how you are doing. |
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Older Handi Quilter
Posted: Aug. 29, 2007, 9:18 PM
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I think I had the same set up your mother bought--a first generation Handiquilter frame and the Brother machine they show in the old video-- a PQ1500. It's nothing like the HQ 16 really. You're right, the sewing area is pretty limited; especially when compared to the HQ 16. You only have about 9 inches of sewing space (throat) but it is possible to do a queen sized quilt. I ended up turning the poles around to do the last pass on the quilt. The frame is a little different, because the HQ 16 has four poles instead of three and the throat area is taller as well as wider so when the quilt rolls up it doesn't "eat up the space." I found that doing smaller quilts like lap, twin, and baby size worked nicely but when I tried queen's it was a little more involved. My best advice would be to get the video that comes with the frame and watch it several times. She gives some good hints there. I LOVE the Brother machine. I use it almost exclusively to piece tops. It only does a straight stitch, but it is a real work horse. Be sure to keep it oiled and an annual cleaning and check up keeps the timing in good shape. |
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Older Handi Quilter
Posted: Aug. 31, 2007, 10:18 AM
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Yes Jean, you are talking about the same dilemmas I have. I noticed the extra bar in the pictures of the new HQ16. I have done 2 queens and they are a pill but i really like the results when all is said and done. I just keep thinking there has to be a better way! Baby and smaller quilts are a breeze. I make people quilts when they get married and I was tired of just tying them, so I like the results of the quilted quilt in the end. I work from the back of the machine and I believe that's the only way to use the particular set up. I've watched her video that came with the set up, but I didn't realize there are more. I will have to look into that!\ Jean, what did you do when you upgraded? Did you have to buy the new frame? What did you do with your old one? |
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Older Handi Quilter
Posted: Aug. 31, 2007, 10:15 PM
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I agree that working from the back of the machine is the only way to go on the regular HQ frame. I did get the new frame and the expandable table (or whatever they call it. It's the cheaper one.) I made a connection through my dealer with someone who wants the original frame. Someone else on here sold hers on ebay for more $ than she thought she could get for it. I, too, was pleasantly surprised. I hear what you mean about quilted quilts giving better results than the tied ones. It's so much fun!!! |
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Older Handi Quilter
Posted: Sept. 16, 2007, 6:27 PM
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| Is there anyone here in the southest MA area that owns one? I know I can go to a dealer and get some demos, but I'd rather get together with someone who owns one locally and has mastered theirs. I had planned to go to a show this weekend where there would be a demo but I didn't make it there. |
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Older Handi Quilter
Posted: Oct. 12, 2007, 8:52 PM
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| I'm new to the forum also, been really enjoying what I have learned. I have the old style handi-quilter and was told that the HQ 16 would not work with it, the old style was designed for the Juki, Brother etc..I have a Pfaff and have quilted two king size, one queen and two full size quilts. When space became tight on the king size, I figured out a way to quilt half of the design each pass. Also have unloaded and re-loaded from other end, that kind-of worked, be carefully for wrinkles in the backing. I have even basted a quilt completely together and loaded it on and quilted it. I want to purchase an HQ 16 but have quite the distance to drive for a dealer and have to find new place for husband to work on his stuff so I can have a corner of the garage! |
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Older Handi Quilter
Posted: Oct. 16, 2007, 11:12 AM
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I live in Hamilton MA not the southeast, I am new to the HQ. I started with the B-line frame and the Brother PQ 1500. I did queen size and one king pushing the quilt around and went to the B-line frame, where I did one baby quilt; was so frustrated with one pass and having to roll the quilt etc. LOL. I bought the HQ 16 package that included the portable frame, never even took that out of the box. I love the HQ 16, it works beautiful on my existing B-line frame. My advice to my friends, save yourself time (and money), if interested go for the HQ 16, will worth the investment, compared to trying to work with the shorted throats. AnnC |
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Older Handi Quilter
Posted: Oct. 22, 2007, 7:20 PM
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Not sure I am in the right place. I purchased a Handi Quilter 6-7 years ago as well. I have never had it out of the box. Quilting was something I had always been interested in and I had and insurance settlement and purchased the handi quilter the same time as my broher embroider machine. I must have removed the VCR tape that came with it telling you how to set it up, etc. I now am interested in quilting and have no clue how to get started setting up my handi quilter frame. Does anyone know how I can get a copy of that VCR. If so, please email me at ipleaths@sbcglobal.net use Handi Quilter as the subject Frances Iowa Park, TX |
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Older Handi Quilter
Posted: Oct. 22, 2007, 9:29 PM
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| I would suggest you call Handiquilter. Their number is on this website. They seem really willing to help customers even if it has been a while. |
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