The Long Arm Quilting Machine - Simple Tips

The long arm quilting machine is a fantastic asset to today’s avid quilter.  When quilts were first made, there were no machines to stitch with.  The tradition of hand-stitching quilts was taken for granted only because that was all that quilters knew.  Today, in a world of fast-paced schedules where good quality is searched for despite time limits, the traditional hand quilter is losing ground.  While hand-stitching is precise and small, it takes time.  Using a traditional sewing machine could help, but the small arm-length will detain the quilter and could cause problems with mis-stitching while the quilt gets in its own way.  The time and labor of fixing and restitching can be avoided by maintaining a hand-stitch technique on a large table or frame, or else by getting a long arm sewing machine. 

       The answer to today’s quilt demands involves a long arm quilting machine.  While hand-stitched quilts could take months, with a quilting machine it is possible to make two or three quilts per day.  The longer the arm, the wider the quilt that can be easily produced by it.  This allows the quilt to be worked on without bunching as the creator tries to push it through a low-clearance sewing machine.  It also lets the creator sew without having to lift and shift the quilt when it’s time to move on to the next section.  The tension through the needle of a quilting machine can create the puffed seam that quilts are famous for while securing a perfect seam in place for intricate patterns or traditional shapes.  In addition to perfecting the stitching, the long arm quilting machine aids in keeping the batting of the quilt from tearing or bunching while it is being sewn, as the quilt is stretched-out rather than folded or rolled. 

	Tips & Techniques for Long Arm Machine Quilting Used From: $12.99
	Demonstrates a variety of machine quilting techniques from start to finish.

Quilter's Academy Longarm Basics: Using Rulers & Templates List Price: $17.00 Sale Price: $16.95

Use Rulers and Templates to quilt accurate shapes and lines on your quilt. Here are some simple techniques that will ensure success. Learn how to: Set up your machine and frame for ruler work; Use the 3-point pressure technique to maintain control; Combine rulers and templates with marking the quilt top for accuracy; Use rulers safely for stitch-in-the-ditch, crosshatching, piano keys, clamshells, 5-pointed stars, orange peel, Baptist fans and more; Use straight rulers to create curved quilting lines.

Quilter's Academy Longarm Basics: Groovy Boards List Price: $17.00 Sale Price: $16.99

Using Groovy Boards (also referred to as pattern boards) for quilting is an easy approach to finishing quilts FAST. Here are some simple techniques that will ensure success. Learn how to: Choose a Groovy Board to suit your quilt design; Work with single or multiple boards; Prepare your quilt top for edge-to-edge quilting (avoiding the dreaded flipped edges); Advance the quilt while keeping the second pass perfectly aligned; Quilt smoothly and accurately; Use partial Groovy Board designs to finish the bottom edge of the quilt.

	Ultimate Guide to Longarm Machine Quilti: How to Use ANY Longarm Machine Techniques, Patterns & Pantographs Starting a Business Hiring a Longarm Machine Quilter List Price: $29.95 Sale Price: $19.03 Used From: $15.20
	Learn the basics of longarm quilting and longarm machines, plus the business of quilting and great new quilting designs!

	Mastering the Art of McTavishing List Price: $24.95 Sale Price: $14.88 Used From: $14.99
	Showcases the author's signature stitch on multiple quilts and apparel. Contributing quilters are longarmers domestic machine quilters and hand quilters. Every aspect of using McTavishing is compiled in the book and in the accompanying accompanying DVD...

       When quilting with a quilting machine, it is found that one type of machine is needed for a hand-stitch while another machine will do a blanket stitch.  The size of spool used is also an issue as these machines have spool holders in different places depending on the type of quilting it is made for.  The market for quilting machines is wide and various with every interest of quilting in mind.  Some names of quilting machine manufacturers and sellers are:Brother, Janome, Shark, Jewel,andEspire.  There are lists of Quilting Machine Companies for easy research and contact for the interested quilting machine shopper.  A reputable place for finding the right long arm quilting machine is American Professional Quilting Systems, who stocks six different types of long arm quilting machines.  The prices of such machines ranges from $10,000 to $18,000 and there are accessories that can make it easier and quicker to make up the price of the machine by producing wonderful quilts in record time.  Accessories aren’t limited to levers and extensions, but include computer systems and software service to be sure the machine reaches its potential in helping to make quilts of high quality.  The best company for long arm quilting machines is Nolting Long Arm Quilting Machines.  Their machines can be bought online, and their customer service is as far as the nearest computer when there are questions about their long arm quilting machine.