| Sewing machines have been transformed in recent | | | | Manual Tension Control |
| years. Manufacturers now offer electronic and | | | | Some quilting machines are equipped with a manual |
| computerized machines that are virtually trouble-free | | | | tension control. This control offers the quilter the ability |
| and much more reliable than previous versions. With | | | | to regulate the top thread tension quickly and |
| the addition of specialized features and functions, | | | | accurately. This offers an advantage over machines |
| users are now offered a selection of machines suited | | | | with automatic tension control. As quilters often use |
| to their sewing style. | | | | different weights of thread in the top and bobbin, |
| Quilting machines, in particular, are specifically designed | | | | proper tension control becomes critical. With a manual |
| to make the quilting experience easy and trouble-free, | | | | control a quilter can easily and incrementally fine tune |
| and also provide the quilter with a machine that can | | | | their top tension as they are stitching. With an |
| give a professional finish to any project. | | | | automatic control it is necessary to access the |
| A quilting machine has special features which include: | | | | settings within the control panel of the machine which |
| Extended Bed Space | | | | takes longer and can be less accurate. |
| The bedspace is the working area located between | | | | Manual Stitch Length/Width Control |
| the needle and the inside of the machine. An extended | | | | As with the manual tension control, a manual stitch |
| bed space offers an area of approximately 8-9" wide | | | | length/width control is also located on the front of the |
| by 5-6" high, which is larger than a standard sewing | | | | machine and similar benefits apply. |
| machine and provides more than ample space for a | | | | Needle Up/Down |
| quilter to maneuver bulky quilts or large pieces of | | | | A needle up/down setting allows the user to stop |
| fabric | | | | sewing with the needle in the down position. This is an |
| High Speed | | | | advantage when working with heavy quilts or when |
| Most top-of-the-line quilting machines offer high speed | | | | doing free motion quilting. When stopping with the |
| stitching which is usually around 1000 stitches per | | | | needle down, there is less chance of the quilt slipping |
| minute. The high speed rating is normally applied to the | | | | providing a continuous stitch line. |
| straight stitch only, with slightly reduced speed for | | | | Auto thread cutter |
| decorative stitches. This feature offers the quilter the | | | | An automatic thread cutter is a very useful feature on |
| ability to quickly piece and quilt their project. | | | | a quilting machine. Cutting both the top thread and the |
| Stitch Regulator | | | | bobbin thread in one simple action, it reduces both |
| Some manufacturers offer an optional attachment for | | | | thread wastage and the time taken to manually trim |
| their machines called a stitch regulator. The purpose of | | | | thread tails. |
| the stitch regulator is to provide a consistent stitch | | | | Feed Dogs Control |
| length when doing free motion quilting, regardless of | | | | Dropping the feed dogs allows your quilt to move |
| how slow or fast the fabric is being moved. | | | | easily when doing free motion quilting. |
| Quilting Stitches | | | | When deciding if a quilting machine is right for you, |
| Specialty quilting stitches, such as buttonhole | | | | shop around and visit your local sewing machine |
| appliqué and faux hand-quilting stitches, offer a | | | | dealers. Try out two or three models and then decide |
| quick and simple alternative to these traditional | | | | which one is for you. |
| hand-quilting techniques. | | | | |