Pros and Cons of a Long Arm Quilting Machine

Almost anyone who is seriously into quilting wishes they had a long arm quilting machine. These industrial sized machines allow quilting easier and faster. However, it comes at a very high price with some unit costing tens of thousands of dollars. For those who can afford, it is a worthy investment. Of course, most quilting businesses use this machine because of great efficiency. It allows a quilter to finish large quilts in a few weeks instead of months.

A long arm quilting machine has frames that can go up to 14 foot wide. This frame secures the sewing machine, which glides along a track as it quilts. The machine has three poles that hold the quilt stationary. Because of its size, a quilter can easily work on large projects with less the energy. As the machine quilts, the piece rolls up conveniently preventing it from bunching.

The reach provided by the machine’s long arm offer great support for the quilt and at the same time allows the quilter to move and rotate the quilt freely to create practically any pattern from simple to intricate designs.

However, one has to understand that a long arm quilting machine does not do all the work. The quilter must manually guide the machine as it quilts. Hence, if you are considering long arm quilting you need to prepare yourself to stand up for long hours in order to hand-guide the machine.

Because of the speed and ease that a long arm quilting machine offer, many quilters consider getting one. However, because they are quite expensive it makes sense to get one only if you do a lot of quilting, for instance, if you quilt not just for friends and family but also for charitable organizations. Usually, those who purchase a long arm quilting machine uses it for business or secondary source of income.

The good thing is if you are intent on buying one but your savings are not enough, many manufacturers offer financing. Other than the price, be sure to shop around before making your purchase. There are several brands available in the market with different features. Learn about each of these brands and compare them to find out if they meet your needs. In addition, look for those who offer set up and repair services and training classes on how to use a long arm quilting machine. Take your time and be willing to do some research first in order to make an informed decision in this big purchase.