Hi everyone!
Welcome to summer! This time of year is always so busy … warm weather, longer days and no school = outdoor activities, family/friend get-togethers, holiday celebrations, and vacations … fun, fun, fun!
Life has been a little crazy for me. APQS Quilt Path training, some vacation time and Handi Quilter Academy is keeping me on the road for a good part of June. I hope you’re finding a little quiet time to practice some self-care and enjoy a bit of quilting time!
Have you ever thought about why so many of us love longarm quilting? It’s not necessarily the ‘right’ fit for every quilter. But there are a lot of benefits, and that’s what we’re going to look at today.
The Benefits of Longarm Quilting
What I love about this topic is that it applies whether you own a longarm or rent time to use one. There are so many cool things about longarm quilting! Just consider the …
Increased Speed
Whether you free-motion quilt, follow pantograph patterns or do computerized quilting, quilting on the longarm is definitely faster than hand-quilting and probably faster than quilting on your domestic sewing machine … at least for larger quilts.
Improved Accuracy and Precision
This is the reason I hear most often as to why quilters want to do computerized quilting. You just can’t beat the precision!
Today’s longarm quilting machines provide improved stitch quality with stitch regulation and more consistent tension allowing for the meticulous, detailed quilting we appreciate and love.
Larger Workspace
Here’s another one of the main reasons so many quilters talk to me about longarm quilting.
The larger throat space (the open area between the needle and the neck of your machine) of a longarm gives you several benefits. These include allowing you to:
- work more easily with larger quilts,
- use larger quilt designs, and
- see more of the quilt top as you’re quilting.
Improved Fabric Management
And because you have more workspace, handling your quilt top, back and batting becomes so much easier! Why?
When you’re using a moveable longarm that sits on a frame system, you reduce the chances of your quilt shifting and ‘shrinking’ as you quilt. Your quilt back and top remain taut and smooth throughout the whole quilting process.
You also remove the need to pin or stitch baste throughout your whole quilt to hold the quilt sandwich together as you quilt it.
And … here’s another big plus to longarm quilting … you don’t have to roll, unroll and reroll your quilt as you move from area to area while quilting like you have to when using your domestic sewing machine.
Reduced Physical Strain on Your Body
Many quilters share this as another reason they truly appreciate longarm quilting. It reduces physical strain because:
- Your quilting system can be set up ergonomically, meeting your personal height specifications and any other physical needs.
- A longarm on a carriage system glides effortlessly over your fabric when doing free-motion and pantograph quilting. And computerized quilting is totally controlled by the machine.
- You don’t have to roll and push the quilt sandwich through the throat of your machine. Result? You can quilt longer and with increased stamina!
Choice of Quilting Styles
Another big plus … longarm quilting allows you to choose the style of quilting that fits your taste, needs, budget and skill level.
You can free-motion, ruler-based quilt, follow a pantograph or use the computer to quilt. Or maybe you prefer some mix of all four styles. Experiment! Play! I love the freedom of choice!
Custom, More Complex Designs
Show off your artistic creativity and personalize your work! Whether you prefer free-motion, ruler-based or custom computerized quilting, you have unlimited options!
Digitized computer designs also allow you to change design shape and size, combine designs and so much more. You can even create your own computerized designs!
Wide Range of Longarm Options
As the longarm quilting industry has grown, so have the available options! Depending on the style of quilting you prefer, your budget, available space, your physical capabilities and any other personal specifications, you can find a longarm system that meets your requirements.
Limited floor space is a common issue. You could consider a stationary longarm machine like the Amara ST. It’s even available with the lift table that is motorized so you can adjust the height with the press of a button! Sit or stand … what works best for you?
Then there are hoop-style frames for our smaller, moveable longarms like the APQS Ellie or Handi Quilter Moxie.
And don’t forget, you can always consider additions to your quilting system as well as machine and technology upgrades.
Potential Business Opportunities
Okay, this benefit applies to quilters who own their longarm machines. By chance is longarm quilting your favorite part of the quilting process? Have you considered going into business and quilting for others?
There are options here, too. Do you prefer free-motion or pantograph quilting? Or is computerized quilting your style? You could offer edge-to-edge quilting or customized quilting. Or, again, mix it up! Start by offering one or two types of services and grow into others.
Longarm quilting = professional looking, high quality results. With so many benefits … so many choices … it’s no wonder so many quilters either own or rent time on these amazing machines!
And make sure you maximize your longarm quilting benefits! You want access to quality support, extensive training and upgrade options.
You know The Quilting Connection is always there for you!
We want to help you take your longarm quilting to the next level!
Check out the latest information on our Handi Quilter and APQS machines, classes, YouTube videos, quilting accessories and more by visiting our website!
Also investigate other in-person and online communities of longarm quilters. Let’s connect, share and grow together!
If you’re just beginning your longarm quilting journey or would like to know more about our APQS longarm options, we’ve got a free, in-person opportunity coming up … just keep reading!
Upcoming Events
Check out our July calendar of special events!
Saturday, July 13th – 11 AM to 1 PM
The Quilting Connection 25th Anniversary Party!
Join us in Elkhorn!
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Tuesday, July 16th (Appleton)
Wednesday, July 17th (Elkhorn)
APQS Road Show Longarm Experience
Here’s your opportunity to learn more about longarm quilting and our APQS machines.
Registration is required for this free in-person event!
Click here for details and to register.
And one last reminder … if you’ve been having trouble connecting with us online …
The Quilting Connection’s Website Name Has Changed
Please use quiltingconnection.com
Update any saved web pages or bookmarks on your devices!
And as always, if you have ANY questions or want additional information about ANY of the products and services we offer, please call us at (262) 723-6775 or email us at info@QuiltingConnection.com.
You can also visit us online at QuiltingConnection.com or in person at 21 Adams Street in Elkhorn, WI (usually M-F 9-4, please call to confirm we’re open) or 1017 W. Northland in Appleton, WI (W, Th & F 10-4, S 10-3).
Finally, visit our blog at QuiltingConnection.com/blog and see our posts on Facebook.
Please share your thoughts and questions. I’d love to hear from you!
Angie