| If you've done some quilting using large pieces of | | | | Most major manufacturers have their own website, |
| fabric, then you know how difficult it can be to try and | | | | which makes it much easier to research long arm |
| feed the fabric evenly through your sewing machine. | | | | quilting machines. You can either choose the type you |
| That's where a long arm quilting machine can be a | | | | want and then try and locate a second-hand one, or |
| great help. They're designed to handle large pieces of | | | | else use the websites to check up on a machine |
| fabric, which allows you, the quilter, to do a quicker and | | | | you've been offered. Many manufacturers will send |
| better job. | | | | you further information about a particular model if you |
| Long arm quilting machines vary, but usually they have | | | | request it. |
| a throat depth range of around 32" to 40". They're | | | | Whether you're buying a new or used model, it's |
| designed to avoid friction or sliding of the material. You | | | | always a good idea to take a look at the machine |
| hold the quilt in place with three poles, and as you work | | | | before buying it. The manufacturer may have dealers |
| on the quilt it gradually rolls up, rather than sitting in a | | | | in your area that you can visit. Or visit a store which |
| heap on the floor. The sewing machine part of the | | | | stocks a range of models so that you can test a |
| machine runs smoothly along a track for quilting. | | | | variety of long arm quilting machines and find one that |
| Unfortunately, though, a long arm quilting machine is a | | | | suits you. Sometimes there are trade shows where |
| fairly expensive piece of equipment, which makes it | | | | many manufacturers bring their machines, which is a |
| out of reach for anyone but a professional quilter. | | | | great chance to find them all in one place and ask lots |
| They cost upwards of US $7,000, with many costing | | | | of questions. |
| well over $20,000. So a quilting business can justify the | | | | Some other things to consider include: |
| expense as it can be spread out over multiple quilts. | | | | - Does it have all the features you need? |
| For home quilters, however, it's often a good idea to | | | | - Will it fit in the space you have available? |
| look around for a used long arm quilting machine. They | | | | - Is it easy to set up or will you need to pay for help? |
| still tend to be pricey, but it's often possible to pick one | | | | - Is there a repair service available locally? |
| up for under $5,000. The important thing is to make | | | | - Can you get training if you need it? |
| sure you know what you're buying. Do some research | | | | Buying a long arm quilting machine is a bit financial |
| first so that you can pick whether the machine you're | | | | decision, even if you buy a used machine, so make |
| considering is a well-known brand with parts or repair | | | | sure you've done all your research before making your |
| services readily available. The last thing you need is to | | | | final decision. If you do, you will make the right choice |
| buy a cheap machine, only to find you can't get it fixed | | | | and buy a machine that will be of great benefit to your |
| if there are any problems. | | | | quilting efforts for many years to come. |