Improve your quilting confidence with Handi Quilter
There’s a key point in every quilter's journey where a decision needs to be made – is it time to buy a longarm quilting machine?
It’s a question with lots to consider: Do you have enough space? Is it worth the investment? Do you need a computerized machine? And will you use it enough?
However, investing in a longarm quilting machine can be a total game-changer, especially when it comes to finishing your quilts (particularly when finishing a large quilt).
So if you want to stop struggling and squeezing your quilts into a conventional sewing machine, discover how a top-quality longarm quilting machine from Handi Quilter could help you finish more quilts!
How to choose the best quilting machines for you.
It can be a bit bamboozling when you first start looking into quilting machines, but you can separate them into three main types:
Straight stitch sewing machines
Also called a ‘domestic machine’, this is a conventional sewing machine that most people will encounter at the start of their sewing journey. Not every sewing machine is equal, and you will get some machines that have specialist features such as the ability to do free-motion stitching.
Stationary longarm quilting machines
These machines are a serious step up from conventional machines used to piece quilt tops and are perfect for those who are passionate about quilting but limited by space.
Stationary machines are better suited to people who prefer to sit down while stitching, and the long arm gives you a big advantage over a conventional sewing machine. This makes them particularly popular with free motion quilters and art quilters.
A key difference between a stationary quilting machine and a domestic machine is stitch regulation, a feature often found on stationary quilting machines.
Stitch regulation is a technological tool that keeps your stitches even, no matter how fast or slow you move your fabric. It enables your machine to work with you for more dependable stitches!
Long arm quilting machines
The main type of long arm quilting machine turns the approach to stitching on its head. Rather than moving your fabric as you stitch, like with conventional machines, a long arm quilting machine has the fabric placed in a static frame and then the machine is moved instead.
This means you can create king-size quilts with ease, as well as making use of computerized systems to plot and automate your stitching.
Which machine is right for you?
Choosing the best quilting machine for you comes down to what you want to quilt. If you’re just starting out, you might prefer to stick with a domestic machine for making your quilt tops and send to a professional longarmer for quilting.
If you’re looking to finish your own quilts, then space and size are important factors when choosing your machine. Longarm machines have a larger throat than domestic machines - this is the amount of room behind the needle mechanism. Your quilt frame goes through the throat of the machine, and as you progress your completed quilt will roll onto the frame within this throat section.
You’ll also need room to move your frame (and walk around it too), so you will need to allow a certain amount of ‘walking space’ around your machine in every direction.
Stationary long arm quilting machines don’t commonly use frames so are perfect for those who are short on space but want to try more technical makes, such as quilted wall hangings or art quilting.
But if you want to quilt quilts that your loved ones can snuggle with, then you’ll want to invest in a suitable long arm quilting machine.
Decisions decisions…
We’re here to help you make informed decisions, but sometimes you need to get hands-on before you’re ready to commit. Fortunately, Handi Quilter runs a range of hands-on and in-person classes and demonstrations at shops and events across North America. Just head to their events page to find out where they’ll be heading next.
HQ Stitch 610 domestic sewing machine
Before we take a look at Handi Quilter’s range of long arm quilting machines, we wanted to highlight one of their straight stitch/domestic sewing machines, too.
Perhaps you’re not quite ready for a longarm machine yet, or maybe you need to be able to easily move and transport your machine. If this sounds like you, then a straight stitch machine like the HQ Stitch 610 is a great option to consider.
The HQ Stitch 610 has plenty of features that make it stand out from conventional sewing machines. An impressive feature is its 10″ all-metal seamless flatbed, meaning you can assemble those quilt blocks with ease. The 1000 stitch per minute speed, foot pressure adjustment dial and speed control slider mean you can whizz through your quilts quickly and confidently.
It also comes with an accessory kit including 12 feet, a one-push needle plate conversion with two plates, and a favourite stitch setting – meaning that when you turn the machine on, your favourite settings are ready to go.
Explore the range of quilting machines from Handi Quilter
Moxie longarm quilting machine
The Moxie range from Handi Quilter is an ideal introductory machine for those looking to take their first steps into the world of longarm quilting.
The original Moxie features a 15-inch throat space and the Moxie XL has 18 inches, giving you plenty of space for making throw-size quilts. It comes with an 8 foot HQ loft frame, but you can choose to opt for a 10 foot frame or the HQ Little Foot Frame if you prefer.
With a speed of 1,800 stitches per minute and a capability of 4-18 stitches per inch, it also includes advanced features like cruise or precision stitch regulation modes as well as manual mode.
Fancy going digital with your stitches? The Moxie longarm quilting machine is also compatible with Pro-Stitcher Lite digital software and technology, which guides your machine to quilt any design you want!
P.S. Want to upgrade? Then check out the Moxie XL
Moxie ST longarm quilting machine
If you’re not fussed about automated digital stitching and prefer free motion stitching over creating large frame quilts, the Moxie ST model might be a better fit for you.
This stationary machine features 18 inches of throat space, providing you with 38×38″ of smooth quilting surface (three times more than the average home sewing machine!).
The ST model also features a speed of 2,100 stitches per minute and built-in stitch regulation, as well as an LED lighting system, color touchscreen and easy software updates.
Amara 20 longarm quilting machine
If you’ve been longing to stop ‘quilting by check’ and go pro with your quilting, you can’t go wrong with the Amara 20 quilting machine.
This 20-inch longarm quilting machine comes with a HQ Studio3 Frame (choose from 10-foot or 12-foot), a 7-inch color touchscreen, programmable handlebar buttons and a pinpoint needle laser. It’s also super-precise thanks to its Easy-Set Tension™️ feature and consistent stitch quality, and is capable of an impressive 2,500 stitches per minute.
It’s the perfect machine for those who aren’t quite sure if they’re ready for digital quilting, as the Amara 20 is Pro-stitcher ready. All cables and hardware are preinstalled, so whether you choose to include the Pro-Stitcher computerized quilting system when buying your machine or add it at a later date, it’s easy to install.
More room for making
If you’re all about that extra space, you might prefer the Amara 24 longarm quilting machine – all the same features as the Amara 20, but with an extra 4 inches of throat space.
Amara ST longarm quilting machine
For those of you who don’t quite have the space for a full-size frame and longarm quilting machine setup, the Amara ST might be the machine for you.
It includes all of the features of the amazing Amara 20 longarm quilting machine, but instead is a stationary machine that uses an automatic lift table rather than frames (or alternatively, you can choose their inSight table).
The Amara ST still features that generous 20″ of brightly-lit throat space, giving you plenty of room for all your projects, from baby quilts to king size. As it’s a stationary machine, it’s not compatible with the Pro stitcher digital quilting function.
Infinity longarm quilting machine
Looking for a machine that can grow with you on your journey to going pro? The Handi Quilter Infinity longarm quilting machine is the perfect choice thanks to its wide range of features.
This innovative machine is capable of speeds of up to 3,100 precision stitches per minute and features a generous 26″ of throat space. It can be used with the 10 foot or 12 foot HQ Gallery2 frames, and, of course, is Pro-Stitcher compatible.
But that’s not all, it’s also packed full of special features to bring out the best in your quilting. Its impressive lighting system (consisting of Total Light System LED handlebar lights, LED light ring, LED throat lights and UV lighting), Easy-Touch Tension™ and Synergy Stitch™ regulation with Precision and Cruise modes, and large front and rear touchscreens are just a few of the expert design features that make this machine stand out from the crowd.
Handi Quilter - By Quilters, for Quilters®️.
When you’re investing your money in a serious bit of kit, you want to know you’re buying from a brand that you can trust.
Handi Quilter isn’t just another machine company, they’re the world leader in longarm education and quilters’ choice for longarm machines for both stand-up and sit-down quilting. Their company motto says it all – By Quilters, For Quilters®️ – so they know exactly what’s important to you! At Handi Quilter, quilters work in nearly every department -- from production, to finance, to engineering, etc!
The company was born out of founder Laurel Barrus’ desire for a portable yet adjustable quilting frame, and upon finding none available, she created her own bespoke product. From there, the company has developed and grown and now have 900 worldwide independent retail locations across 55 countries.
In 2010, Handi Quilter also became the only longarm quilting machine company to achieve worldwide safety and electrical certificates.
Their passion goes far beyond just providing you with a product. though. As well as their leading Customer Relations and Technical Solutions teams who are always there to help with quilters’ needs, they also provide a range of learning and education services. You can also build your quilting company on social media, in Handi Quilter's various social media communities.
There are thousands of videos in their YouTube archive for you to use at home, and you can get hands-on with their numerous local events and classes across the USA, or you can even attend their 3-day academy if you really want to go pro!
Want more guidance on picking your perfect machine?
If you’re still undecided on which is the right choice for you, check out these handy comparison articles from Handi Quilter
