Long Arm Machine

Singer 30" Walking Foot Long Arm 144W302 

Industrial Leather Sewing Machine

In 1872, Mrs. Augusta Hoover received the first U.S. patent for a machine quilting frame. Its description as an "improvement" suggests that it was not the first of its kind. Like most of the systems that followed, it consisted of a two-bar, ratchet-geared roller frame that held the quilt taut. (A comparable modern example would be the John Flynn system.) The frame then slid along tracks attached to the bed of the sewing machine like the carriage of a typewriter. As the user operated the sewing machine, the frame would move along the track, allowing perfectly straight, parallel lines to be quilted. Just six months later, W.H. Heffley introduced a simplified system. He removed the tracks and added a template that allowed a pattern to be stitched that looked a lot like the "wavy diamond" design often seen on late 1960s machine-quilted yard goods.

By 1877 J.J. Crall decided it should be the machine, not the frame, that moved; his system will be recognized by modern quilters as the precursor to today's longarm quilting system. Just as today, the machine sits on a platform which moves along a track underneath the quilt. But only parallel lines could be quilted, and since the electric sewing machine was still decades in the future, a hand crank on the platform operated the sewing machine and moved the machine along the quilt in its frame. During the following 30 years more than 100 other frames for machine quilting were patented.

The first real innovation was Frank Palmer's 1895 system, which produced one large, central medallion by revolving the quilt on its frame under the sewing machine - in the same way that the arm of a record player traces the path of a record. Because of its limited capabilities and the huge space it required, it's doubtful Palmer's frame was intended for home use. But from the patents and advertisements of the period, it's clear many other frames were aimed at the home quilter. And at least one (Clayton's 1897 design, which hung from a ceiling track) allowed free-motion work. I have yet to find a photo or documentation of either of these machines.

It's notable that most quilting machine patents date from the last decade before the 20th century, when quilts were falling out of fashion and were considered more functional than decorative. This (and short money in the Depression) may explain why no patents for such machines were issued after the mid-1930s, when quilting as an art form again became popular.

Why, then, don't we see more machine-quilted 19th century quilts? Here are a few possibilities:

Modern notions to the contrary, quilting was as much a creative outlet for our foremothers as it is for us. In an era when nearly every woman did needlework and elaborate hand quilting designs were still the norm, machine quilting would have robbed them of the opportunity to show off their handiwork. Quilting systems were advertised as timesavers. Machined quilts were intended for daily use, most of them may simply have worn out long before we got a chance to see them.

Just as few 21st century quilters have the room or money for a long arm system, it's possible many quilters found the elaborate machine quilting systems too big and too expensive to justify. When Pa could clamp four poles together and hang them from the ceiling for Ma to quilt on, why buy some fancy gadget?

So can today's quilter feel "authentic" in machine-quilting a top she's made of turn-of-the-century reproduction fabrics? I would say, No! Not with a long arm system. Even though we have patent records and advertisements, there is no historic documentation of a woman owning one and no surviving example of a quilt made with one. The only exception is the scroll frame invented by Mrs. Augusta Hoover pictured above.

Ken Gammil designed the Statler long arm quilting machine in 1980. Never before had anyone set out to develop a large-throat sewing machine on tracks which could be operated from both sides, moved in any direction, on a specially-designed stand that enabled pantograph patterns to be traced directly onto fabric – making it possible to complete a quilt or bedspread in a matter of hours rather than days. A used Statler machine costs $9,000.

Short Arm Quilting Machines

Singer Model 27, 8-1/4" throat space; 5-1/2" arm height

Singer Model 66, 8" throat space; 5-1/2" arm height

Singer Model 191, 7" throat space; 5-1/2" arm height

Brother PQ1500SL with 9" throat space for $599-1,205.06 is an industrial home sewing machine. It has a feed dog height setting for sewing different thicknesses, drop feed and an automatic thread cutter. It's the smallest machine that can be used on a frame.

When you're ready for robotic quilting, go with the QBOT for $5,000, the QBOT v3 app and an Android tablet with Bluetooth. QBOT stands for 'Quilting Based on Technology." It is a new, totally computerized quilting system. Simply put, the QBOT does everything for you. Automatic hands-free movement creates the perfect design. With more than 18 quilting designs included, you can start creating beautiful designs immediately. If you prefer, you can “record” your very own one-of-a-kind pattern and repeat it the same way, or shrink it, anywhere you want on the quilt. All you need is a quilting frame and external cruise control or a stitch regulated machine. It is compatible with the Brother PQ1500, Sweet Sixteen, Hinterberg and Grace frames. Compatible machines and frames (PDF).

QBOT $5,000

Cruise Control, wiring harness and hand switch $499

Laser stylus $75

Mid Arm Quilting Machines

Handi Quilter Sweet Sixteen, 16"  $6,695

The HQ Sweet 16 is a sit down manual free motion machine that can be used on a frame. The LCD screen only displays and adjusts the stitch speed.

Handi Quilter Simply Sixteen, 16" $7,000

The HQ Simply Sixteen is a manual machine that can be used with a frame.

Grace Q'nique 15M $2,299

The Grace Q'nique 15M is also a manual only machine. A stitch regulator is available separately. The LCD screen only displays and adjusts the stitch speed.

Grace Q'nique 15R $3,299.95

The Grace Q'nique 15R is a great quilting machine for the home hobbyist. It has a 15" throat space making it a mid-arm. It includes a stitch regulator and a laser stylus for pantographs. I've read a lot of good reviews on this machine.

Quilter's Touch Creative software on a Windows tablet makes the Grace Q'nique 15R fully automated.

Brother DQLT15 "Dream Quilter" $3,299.95

The Dream Quilter is identical to the Grace Q'nique. I've read some bad reviews on this machine posted by hobbyists and "advanced amateurs". It's obviously not a machine for people who are new to free motion or mid-long arm quilting.

Add a Windows 10 tablet with the Dream Motion Automation software and the Dream Quilter becomes a fully robotic computerized machine.

Long Arm Quilting Machines

King Quilter Elite, 18" $7,999.95

The King Quilter can only be purchased with a carriage, frame, laser light, bobbin wonder and accessory kit.

Homesteader, 19" $1,300

The Homesteader is designed to resemble an old Singer. It is sold by The Quilting Solution through their Facebook page. The owner began building these machines around 2008 in North Carolina.

It comes with optional open source quilting software called Side Saddle.

Babylock Regalia, 20" $15,499.95--24,499.95

The Babylock Regalia can only be purchased with a carriage, frame and/or pro stitcher.

Grace Q'nique21, 21" $6,199

The Grace Qnique21 offers all of the bells and whistles of more expensive machines at a fraction of the price. It can be purchased with an optional frame.

Handi Quilter Forte 24, 24" $13,995

The Handi Quilter Forte can only be purchased with a carriage and frame.

Janome Artistic Quilter 26DX, 26" $8,999

The Janome Artistic Quilter can only be purchased with a carriage and frame.

Gammil Statler Vision 2.0, 30" $19,999

The Gammil Statler can only be purchased with a carriage and frame.

Consew 206RBL-30 30" $6,499

The Consew is a sit down machine that comes with a table and external motor. It is designed for stitching such products as auto, boat and furniture upholstery, tarpaulins, covers, sails, tents, camping trailer covers, awnings, umbrellas, tops, bags, luggage, handbags, travelware accessories, sports and camping equipment, wearing apparel, outdoor clothing, canvas shoes, slippers, orthopedic appliances etc. This thing is a beast!

Frames

The most practical and cost-effective hand guided long arm system available is the Hinterberg Original Machine Quilting Frame that will turn your own home sewing machine into a quilting system. The frame can accommodate most home sewing machines with an 8-11" throat. The frame includes reversible handles, 2 end tension clamps. The optional extender legs with levelers give you the ability to stand and quilt as well as sit. The frame comes with a complete binder full of instructions, photos and helpful tips for assembling and using your frame. Overall depth of frame is 28". You determine the length of your frame by purchasing 1-1/4" conduit rollers from your local hardware store. $799

Grace-Brother Dream Quilter Little Foot Frame $1,295

Either the PQ1500, HQ16 or the DQLT15 will work with this frame which is expandable.

Grace Contiuum Frame for $1,500 saves time by eliminating the ordeal of basting. All the quilt layers are attached to their own rails, and then come together on the take–up rail as you quilt. Grace frames use locking ratchet ends on the rails to give you precise control over the tension of your fabric layers. An optional carriage and hand control is available.

Tools for Free Motion Quilting

Open Toe Foot (if one didn't come with your machine) $24.49

Sewer's Aide Lube (for lubricating thread on the spool or bobbin) $6.39
I've read nothing but good reviews about this silicone lubricant.
Bobbin Washers Size L $10.95
These prevent the backlash when using cotton thread.

Coats & Clark 30 weight Machine Quilting Thread $7.97

Size 14 Quilting Needles $5.99
Freezer Paper (can be fed through a printer) $7.29
Or, mark your quilt the same as for hand quilting.
Machinger's Gloves $10.64