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Tracing VS Pantograph
administrator
Joined: Aug. 26, 2008
Posted: March 16, 2008, 10:34 AM
Hi - Im going to rent time on a HQ HandiQuilter from a local store to finish my first big quilt top. I would like to use the laser light to reproduce a simple pattern I've drawn on paper to my quilt top. Since I am new to long arm quilting I am unsure of my free motion quilting abilities and wanted to make a consistent pattern. Does the laser pointer copy the pattern in the exact size or does it enlarge the pattern as it goes? What is the difference between a pantograph and tracing a design? Should I stand behind the HandiQuilter and use the back handles or stand in front and look over the quilt to follow the pattern? If I draw out my pattern on paper the width of my quilt can I just trace over it, roll the quilt up one section, and then reproduce the same design the full length of my quilt top?
Thanks!
Jennifer
Tracing VS Pantograph
administrator
Joined: Aug. 26, 2008
Posted: March 18, 2008, 2:14 PM
A pantograph is a continuous line pattern that runs the width (or length) of the quilt. It is placed on the table at the back of the machine. You have to stand behind the machine and trace the pattern using the laser light. The pattern is stitched on the quilt top the same size as the pattern you are tracing. Yes, after you finish one row, you would roll up the quilt and then quilt another row. Make sure you start each row the same distance apart. I can't help you with how to line it up because I'm not very good at it!! A couple of tips when following a pantograph: trace the pattern out with the machine a couple of times before you start stitching, it helps you get in a "flow" and when you are tracing the pattern, look ahead to where you are going, don't watch where you are tracing.

If you want to quilt from the front, you would need to mark the pattern on the quilt and trace over it using the front handles (where you can see the quilt because it is in front of you).

Hope this helps.
Tracing VS Pantograph
administrator
Joined: Aug. 26, 2008
Posted: April 5, 2008, 11:55 AM
Pantographs are done from the back of the machine and the size of the design is the same size as the pantograph pattern you are following. Many of the new pantos are beautiful, detailed and interlock so you can't see where one row ends and the next begins. It takes a bit of practice to get it down but if you can master the pantos there are so many beautiful patterns available. It all adds up to make you a more well rounded quilter and offers you more options on the quilts you are quilting.
Good Luck
Deb