Courtenay, BC
Canada

What is Long Arm Machine Quilting

A long arm quilting machine is a really large sewing machine that has 360 degree movement. It is guided by handles with controls and moves across the quilt top. It has a 26” reach and a 10” throat which makes it possible to handle thick quilting batts. The machine sits on wheels which move along rails embedded in a 14 ft. table. The quilt top, batting and backing are attached to a series of rollers and clamps which ensure a smooth quilt “sandwich”.

Two types of quilting can be accomplished on the long arm- pantograph and custom. A pantograph is a pattern on a roll or individual design, which when placed on the table at the back of the machine can be followed with a laser light . The operator moves the laser across the pattern and the needle sews across the fabric. The controls on the front of the machine are mainly for free motion custom quilting.

Pantograph quilting is usually the least expensive, and can be accomplished in a shorter time period. Custom quilting involves more skill on the part of the operator and can involve the use of their own designs and artistic expression.

Machine quilting is not intended to replace hand quilting. There is a place for both. Machine quilting, however  can be more durable, and in many cases totally unique. Quilting by use of a long arm machine gives the creator of the top more time to spend doing the part of the quilting process they enjoy most - designing and piecing and of course shopping for more fabric so you can do more designing and piecing.

Marilyn Wickes
The Quilting Loft

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