Long Arm Quilting Machine - The Quilting Room with Mel

Are you on the hunt for the perfect long arm quilting machine to take your quilting game to the next level? With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to know where to begin. Fear not! In this article, we’ll provide you with tips to help you choose the best long arm quilting machine for you based on your unique needs and budget. So grab your cup of coffee, and your favorite quilt, settle in. Get ready to learn how to make an informed and confident decision when it comes to selecting your dream long arm quilting machine.

Find out what you need to know before purchasing a long arm quilt machine

When I did my ultimate quilters’ gift guide I included long arm quilting machines. In my opinion, that is the ultimate gift you could give a quilter. I had a few people reach out and say the person they wanted to buy for didn’t know the answer to some of the questions. Hopefully, this will help you narrow down exactly what you want or if you want one at all.

Determine your budget for a long arm quilting machine

When it comes to making any big purchase, it’s important to determine your budget beforehand. A long arm quilting machine can be a significant investment. That means it is essential to have an idea of how much you’re willing to spend before you begin your search.

Consider what features and capabilities you’re looking for in a machine. You can check prices at SewingMachinesPlus.com and PrimerStitching.com to get an idea of what those features will cost you. Keep in mind that a higher price tag doesn’t always mean better quality, so do your due diligence and look for machines that offer the features and functionality you need within your budget.

Next, let’s discuss whether you should consider purchasing a new or used machine.

New or Used Long Arm Quilt Machine

Knowing your budget is crucial when choosing a long arm quilting machine. Once you have a budget in mind, you may be wondering whether you should purchase a new or used machine. There are pros and cons to each option.

Purchasing a new machine can be appealing because you will have the latest technology and features. Additionally, new machines often come with warranties and customer support to help you if you encounter any issues. However, new machines can come with a higher price tag.

On the other hand, purchasing a used machine can be more budget-friendly. There could be a great machine that needs a new home. You will also want to consider any potential maintenance or repair costs that may arise from purchasing a used machine.

No matter whether you decide to purchase a new or used machine, be sure it has what you need.

Evaluate the machine’s throat space

Throat space is an important factor to consider when selecting a long arm quilting machine. The throat space refers to the distance between the needle and the machine’s body, and it determines how much room you have to work with as you quilt. If you plan to create large, complex quilts, you will need a machine with a larger throat space. A larger throat space will give you more room to maneuver your quilt and make more intricate designs.

When evaluating the throat space of a machine, look for a measurement in inches. This is also where you will run into the term mid-arm quilt machine. My Babylock Jazz II is a sewing machine with a 12-inch throat space and can go on a quilt frame. That doesn’t mean it is a long arm or mid arm machine. Mid-arm machines typically have 12 -15 inches of throat space and can be used as a sit down or walk behind machine. A long arm machine will have a throat space between 16 inches and 26 inches. Long arm machines are typically walk behind machine.

Once you have evaluated the throat space and body shape of a machine, you can move on to researching other important features.

Research machine features

When choosing a long arm quilting machine, it’s important to consider all of the features that will impact your quilting experience. Beyond the throat space and body shape, there are several other factors to take into account.

Most new long arm quilting machines will have stitch regulation built in. This help ensures all of your stitches are the same length. The stitch length automatically changes as the motor speed changes.

Other features to research include handle types, robotics, and frames. Some machines will come as a package deal with the frame included and some won’t. You’ll also want to make sure that the frame will fit into your space. You might also be interested in the frame height being adjustable. The same goes for handles, the ability to adjust the handles might be something you need or want. Robotics let you program the machine to stitch for you. Robotics are fairly expensive but most are able to be added on a later date.

By thoroughly researching all of the available features, you’ll be able to make a well-informed decision. Once you’ve narrowed down your options based on these factors, it’s time to test drive machines and get a feel for how they work in person.

Test drive machines

Once you have narrowed down your list of potential long arm quilting machines based on research and feature comparisons, it’s important to test-drive machines in person to make sure they are the right fit for you. Pay attention to how the machine feels when you move the fabric through it and how easy it is to navigate around corners and curves.

Some shops will allow you to take a class and then rent time on their machine. This will let you do a complete project. There might also be a dealer in your area or a show that will allow you to test drive the machines. If all else fails see if a friend will let you try theirs.

Testing machines in person also allows you to get a sense of the noise level and overall comfort of using the machine. You need to know if you can handle the noise and walking behind it.

Once you’ve had a chance to test drive several machines, it’s a good idea to read customer reviews to see how other quilters feel about the machines you are considering. Customer reviews can provide valuable insights into potential issues or concerns with a machine that you may not have encountered during your test drive. Use these reviews to help make your final decision on which long arm quilting machine is the best fit for you and your quilting needs.

Read customer reviews

You’ll want to weigh the credibility of the review. I would ignore reviews outside of the manufacturer’s or seller’s hands. For instance, I have seen people claim about packages being left at the wrong door, front vs back. That is super frustrating but Babylock and/or Premier Stitching don’t have control over where the delivery company leaves a package and it doesn’t effect the machine.

Many customer reviews will also include information on maintenance and repair experiences. This can be helpful in understanding the long-term costs and upkeep needed for the machine. Consider these factors alongside the initial purchase price when making your decision.

By taking the time to read customer reviews, you can gather valuable information from other quilters who have already gone through the process of purchasing a long arm quilting machine. This can help guide you towards the best machine for your needs and set you up for success in your quilting endeavors. Next, let’s consider maintenance and repair options.

Consider maintenance and repair options

Many customer reviews will also include information on maintenance and repair experiences, which can be a critical factor to consider when purchasing a long arm quilting machine. Ensuring that there are readily available repair options and maintenance services can save you time and money in the long run. Additionally, researching the manufacturer’s customer service can also give insight into how they handle maintenance and repairs.

Some companies will have their own service techs and some will contract with people in the area. We have one brand of machines that the nearest service tech is 500 miles away. Thankfully, I’ve not known of any of those long arm machines to need much hands-on service. You’ll want to know how they bill for service too.

Once you’ve done your research and have a good understanding of the manufacturer’s customer service, it’s time to compare warranties. By looking at the warranty options available, you can further protect your investment and ensure that you’re getting the best long arm quilting machine for your money.

Compare warranties

In addition to considering customer reviews and the quality of the manufacturer’s customer service, it’s important to compare warranties when choosing a long arm quilting machine. By doing so, you can ensure that your investment is protected and that you have access to the necessary support if any issues arise with your machine.

When comparing warranties, look for information on what is covered and for how long. Some warranties only cover parts, while others cover both parts and labor. It’s important to know if there are any restrictions or exclusions in the warranty, such as only covering certain types of repairs or only being valid if the machine is used a certain way.

Here are some examples of warranties. Q’nique quilting machines are covered for the original owner with a 1-year limited electrical parts warranty, 2 years on mechanical parts, and 5 years on the cast body. Handi Quilter, Inc. warrants this Product for a period of ten (10) years against defective materials and/or workmanship, five (5) years on electrical components and mechanical failure, and ninety (90) days FREE parts and labor. Babylock offers 10-year casting parts, 5-year circuit boards, 5-year parts, 90-day labor on their long arm quilting machines. Juki quilting machine has 5 Years Against Mechanical Defects 2 Years Against Electrical Defect 90 Days of Adjustments on Defects in Material or Workmanship. It’s also possible that dealers will offer additional warranties.

Ultimately, comparing warranties can help you make an informed decision and choose the best long arm quilting machine for your needs. By investing in a machine with a solid warranty, you can feel confident that you’ll be able to enjoy quilting for years to come.

Decide if you really want one

This was a lot of information, so take time to let it soak in. No one but you can decide if getting a long arm quilting machine is right for you but you. It is a completely valid option to get to this point and say “it’s not for me”. It makes you no less of a quilter if you opt to have someone else do the final quilting. Elenor Burns is a famous quilter and she isn’t shy about letting people know she quilts her final quilts with her credit card.

In conclusion, finding the perfect long arm quilting machine is all about balancing your budget, preferences, and project needs. If you decide that a long arm machine isn’t for you, that’s completely OK. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating beautiful quilts that will last a lifetime.

If you decide that you don’t want one that’s fine. If you decide you do want one be sure to go look at my recommendations in my ultimate gift guide.

Long Arm Quilting Machine – Tips To Get The Right One