The world is moving in the forward direction, and everything is changing for good.
The technological advancements have made everything more time and energy-efficient.
The sewing industry is yet another industry that has been affected a great deal by automation.
Take an example of the new best longarm quilting machines, for the matter.
With these machines, quilting has become a lot easier. Now it won’t take you a whole day to complete a large product because of the advancements available in this new model.
Buyer’s Guide
Speaking of the long arm quilting machine, you might be thinking of having one back at home for the lady. Well, guess what?
We got you covered. But before you move on, what about some experts advice, shall we?
A buyer’s guide will tell you all the essential factors which need to be considered while looking for a product.
In the following text, we will recommend the characteristics which matter while going for a long arm quilting machine.
Stitching Speed
Time is money. You need to get a machine which will save you as much time as possible.
For that, you need to consider stitching speed as an important factor along with other regulations.
Quilting Table
The amount of comfort is as much as the length of the table. If the table is long, it will make it easy to feed the fabric in the machine.
Some new models come with frames too, which have large access and stability.
Compatibility
This is one of the most critical factors. You need to see if the machine is versatile or not and if it’s compatible with different types of frames so that you can improvise and amend if need be.
Accessories
Extra accessories prove to be very useful and should be a part of every product package.
These include oil, bobbins, needles, and screwdrivers, which help you through maintenance and other stuff.
Throat Size
Throat size refers to the amount of space between the machine needle and the arm.
Go big here if you can because it will save you more space as the quilt gets rolled up. It eases the process and makes it more efficient. A good 16-18” throat size will serve you well.
Needle Speed
This number tells whether you’re having a domestic or an industrial-grade machine.
It refers to the amount of cover-up the machine offers for changes in speed whence you make a change in the stitching direction.
Top 10 Long Arm Quilting Machines Reviews
To make things a little easy for you, we have gathered a list of the top 10 machines available in the market. This will help you make the right choice.
Without further ado, let’s start with our top-picks list.
1. Juki TL2000QI Long-Arm Sewing & Quilting Machine
With a high speed of 1500 stitches per minute, this long arm quilting machine of the Juki family offers a good throat size, which every quilter idealizes.
The device offers a foot controller with thread trimming, which makes the process easier and fun.
It also comes with an LED light to help with your eyes in dim areas. The machine can be connected to a system enabling you to print digitized images into the fabric.
The good quality frame provides you with extra stability. This is a quality product for domestic use and dress designers.
Pros
- Excellent stitching
- Sturdy and stable
- Speed Control
- Pedal operation
Cons
- Offers just one stitch
- Difficult to master
2. Juki TL-2010Q 9″ Long-arm Quilting Machine
Juki never ceases to amaze us.
This model is top of the marketing and has brought innovation with its Quilt Cad software, which allows you to use your creativity to design and print on the quilt.
The GQ frame is the best it gets and provides prime comfort and sturdiness.
The speed controls are robust and help you a lot in the process. It is a portable machine ideal for home use and is designed to provide the best experience.
Pros
- Powerful and durable
- Versatile
- Large throat size
- Fast stitch speed
- Low noise
Cons
- Heavy maintenance
- Only one LED
3. Grace Q’nique Long Arm Quilting Machine
This fantastic machine of the Grace family provides you with a great smooth quilting experience with its sleek look.
The throat size is a bit smaller, but the machine is outstanding regarding the speed of 1800 stitches/m and excellent stitching.
The stable and sturdy design helps in efficient quilting, and speed control is also great.
There is an OLED display that helps a great deal in navigation. This is an excellent design domestic machine with some serious features.
Pros
- Easy assembly
- Robust
- Easy use
- Strong stitches
Cons
- Expensive
- Fewer throat sizes
4. Juki TL-2200QVP-S Sit Down Long Arm Sewing Machine
This quilting machine from Juki works wonders.
The comfortable height switching features get you going! The broadened space this machine offers helps in optimization and comfort.
The foot control and thread trimming features are also very striking. The laser point guide also makes things a lot easy.
This one of the best and the most prolific design you can find if you’re looking for an excellent home-use piece.
Pros
- Bright Display
- High speed
- Excellent lighting
- Adjustable
- Durable
Cons
- Difficult assembly
- Upgrades required
5. Juki TL2200QVP Quilt Virtuoso Pro Longarm
This is a robust design and comes with a table having two adjustable sizes for your requirements.
The 18-inch throat size gives you all the extra size you need for large projects.
The handles can also be adjusted to smaller versions. The LCD is very complimenting and helps you through the process.
The thread holder feature also makes the process strong.
Pros
- Multiple stitching modes
- Quilt Motion programming
- Color LCD
- Efficient and strong design
- Auxiliary Handwheels
Cons
- Difficult to use
6. Tin Lizzie 18 Sit Down Long Arm Quilting Machine
This amazing machine from Tin Lizzie is well-celebrated in the market and is known for its efficient and comfortable functioning.
The specially designed table provides a rich experience with its auto needle positioner, which makes quilting a lot easier.
The independent bobbin winder can turn and help in the process. It has a good throat size and efficient speed control.
This is one of the top picks for normal designing, especially for beginners.
Pros
- Easy to use
- More sewing room
- Can tackle heavier fabrics
- Sturdy and robust
Cons
- Noisy
- Heavy
- Expensive
7. Juki HZL-NX7 Next Generation Long Arm Quilting Machine
This machine has made its name in the modern-day sewing machines with its innovative next-generation design and features.
This is high-quality stuff made for professionals and provides a durable experience.
It is equipped with several new features, including a touch panel guide, Juki dual field, Bobbi thread counter, electric feed dog control, and many more!
Pros
- Adjustable height
- Easy adjustment
- Professional Experience
- Compatibility
- WIFI enabled
Cons
- Difficult to learn
8. SINGER 8500Q Computerized Quilting Machine
This is a very eye-catching design with fashionable looks and efficient processing.
This machine comes with a load of extra features, which makes it even more appealing.
It has an automatic bobbin sewing feature, which helps in control. It has a large working diameter and can create patterns.
The six stay bright LEDs provide the necessary illumination.
There are built-in 215 stitches, which makes it very broad in options. There is an extra-large sewing table with propelling. This is easy to use and good for homes.
Pros
- A deluge of automatic features
- A large number of stitches to choose from
- Easy to use
- Solid frame
Cons
- The bobbin is of poor quality
- Heavier
9. Grace Q’nique 15R Midarm Quilting Machine
This is an ideal machine for you if you want something big and high quality. It has an ideal arm size that works well with the home.
The large throat space provides easy and efficient quilting. It has high stitching speed, controllable speed handles, three quick buttons, and an OLED display.
It also has a high stitching speed of 1800 stitches per minute to save your time. This is a complete package.
Pros
- High speed
- Several features
- Easy control
- Large throat size
- Adjustable frame
Cons
- Heavy
10. Grace Q’nique 21 Longarm Quilting Machine
The grace Q’nique 21 longarm is ideal for large projects and saves time as well. With its high stitching speed, it gives you an amazing and memorable quilting experience.
It has a user-friendly design with a load of features to help you through.
It has a built-in stitch regulator that offers a quality stitch. This is an ideal machine for home users!
Pros
- Convenient
- Stitch regulator
- High speed
Cons
- Not good for beginners
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Longarm quilting business profitable?
If you’re good at it, then yes. You can make a good amount of profit from the longarm quilting business.
There are plenty of ideas and a vast market out there.
You just need to bring about some good creativity, invest right, and find the right market for your product.
How much does a Longarm quilting machine cost?
Longarm quilting machines cost from 10000$ to 25000$. The cost increases with the quality and the number of features available.
Some other factors, such as table design and length, machine weight, and efficiency, also affect the cost.
How much space do you need for a long arm quilting machine?
To operate correctly and easily operate, you need a minimum space of around 10 to 14 feet long.
The size largely depends upon the size of the table you are using. Most tables are not very large, but some designs offer long tables for comfort.
Is cotton or polyester thread better for quilting?
A polyester thread is better as it holds up much better than cotton thread. It also helps if the quilt is going through a lot of washing or use.
What color thread should I use for quilting?
The thread color should be darker than the fabric to avoid any extra showing. The threads are used for linking the quilts and should be very visible.
The dark colors fit nicely and are closer in value to the fabric top.
What stitch length should I use?
For straight stitching, it is advised to use a stitch length of around 2.5 to 3 inches or 8-10 stitches per inch of fabric length.
However, there are always exceptions depending upon the type of materials you are using.
Can I use embroidery thread for quilting?
Yes, embroidery thread is often a good choice for quilting at home. They come in a vast range of colors and provide smooth stitching.
Can you hand sew a quilt?
Yes, you can. But it is a traditionally used method for quilting and requires a lot of time, practice, and efficiency. It also does not give as effective results as machine sewing.
Which is the strongest thread?
Nylon is the strongest thread available in the market. It has a high strength to size ratio and is also known for its flexibility and stretch.
What is the best fabric to quilt with?
It’s 100% cotton. It is considered the best choice for quilting.
Even though it can be difficult for beginners to quilt with even cotton. With time and experience, you become good enough to work fine with any fabric.
Conclusion
That’s it. Now you are good to go. We have provided you with an amazing range of choices of longarm quilting machines, and now it’s easy for you to make a choice.
Most of your queries are also answered in this article. Always refer to the buyer’s guide before choosing to make sure what it is that you require. We wish you good luck!
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