Preparing Your Quilt For Long Arm Quilting with Brooklyn and Rhylee of Two Crazy Stitches. Tips and tricks for long arm preparation!
Amy's Top Tips for Quilting with rulers on a stationary machine.
Tips for sewing and quilting with 100 percent cotton thread on both domestic and long arm quilting machines.
Step-by-step instructions on how to prepare your quilt top, backing, and batting in order to get the best longarming results.
Are you overwhelmed with the simple elegance of a wholecloth quilt but are clueless on how make one yourself? Read for 5 tips on how to wholecloth quilt:
I'm finally going to pursue my dream to start a long arm quilting business! Read on to find out what spurred me into action, and what my goals are.
Today I am sharing a list of things I wish I'd known before purchasing a long arm. This list is based on my personal experience, conversations with others, classes with several nationally known teachers, reading forums, and research. 1. Before you go shopping, think about how you plan to use the machine. Are you looking for a sit down machine or one on a frame? Are you going to work from the front of the machine doing free hand quilting? Are you planning to use rulers? Do you want to work from the back of the machine doing pantographs? Do you want the machine to quilt for you (using a computer program). Do you plan to quilt for others or just for yourself? How much time do you realistically have to devote to learning your machine and actually using it? Will any of these things possibly change in the future? 2. How much space do you have? How much space does the machine and frame require? Remember that you need additional space to move around the machine beyond just the frame size. Is there a chance you may move in the future? Will the machine you select be easy to move? 3. Speaking of size, what size projects do you make? If you want to make a king size quilt, you are going to need a 12 foot frame. The actual available quilting space is less than the actual width of the frame. The width of the machine factors in to the available quilting space on the frame. 4. What is your budget? How are you paying for the machine? Does the company offer financing? What is the cost of the financing? Most people are not ready to quilt for others right off the bat, so do not plan on experimenting/practicing on other people's quilts in order to make your payments. Be realistic and do not spend more than you can afford to pay. 5. Look for online forums or groups (such as on Facebook) specific to the machines you might be interested in, request membership and do a lot of reading. Ask questions of those who already have the machines. 6. Once you have determined your space and budgetary needs, it's time to go try machines. The most important thing you can do is actually try all different brands of machines. What works for some will not work for others. Sometimes something looks great on paper or online, but you actually really dislike it when you try it. The easiest way to try lots of machines at once is to visit a large quilting show or convention. Keep in mind that often vendors will try to sell you lots of bells and whistles that you may not actually need. I find that many of them are trying hard to sell the computer software and that is what they will be demonstrating. Don't be afraid to ask them to try the machine without the computer. My strategy would be to do the exact same sample stitching on every machine brand at the show, evaluate the quality of the stitches, decide which ones looked and felt the best, then go back to your favorites and go through the rest of the steps below. Here are some things to look at when you are trying different machines: 7. How helpful and knowledgeable is the vendor? How long has the company been making long arm machines? 8. Examine the frame. How well is it built? Is it adjustable? Is everything smooth? Check the joins on the rails or bars--are they smooth? Ideally the bars and rails would be seam-free. If the vendor does not have a full-size set up, ask if the pieces are seamed or not when the frame is set up at a larger size. Does it change when going from 10' to 12' to larger? 9. Does the machine use encoders for stitch regulation? Ask to see how they work. Some are flimsier than others. 10. Does the machine have adjustable or customizable handlebars? Are rear handlebars included or is there an additional fee to have them included? 11. Check the machine for vibration while stitching. If you're planning to stitch pantographs from the back of the machine, ask to try the rear handlebars too. Look at how the table space is from the back. 12. Does the machine come with channel locks (for straight line stitching) or can they be added? Ask for more details if you're interested in this feature. 13. Is there a low bobbin indicator? 14. Is there a stitch count or time indicator? 15. Check the button placement on the handlebars to see if it is intuitive for you. Can the buttons be customized? 16. How do you load the quilt onto the frame? 17. Check the stitch quality by stitching a series of clamshells/half circles. Look for longer stitches coming out of the points. You don't want longer stitches. All stitches should be equal. 18. Ask to see how to thread the machine. Is the bobbin easy to get to? 19. What size bobbin does the machine use, L or M? M is larger. Is the bobbin winder built in or do you need a separate winder? Is it included in the cost of the machine? 20. How do you set the tension? (I would recommend buying a tension gauge; Towa is a common brand. Ask what the bobbin tension should be set at for optimal stitching.) 21. What needles does the machine use? How often do they need to be changed? 22. Does the ruler base come with the machine or is it a separate charge? 23. What feet come with the machine? How much do additional feet cost? At a minimum you will want a cup foot and a ruler foot. Check to see if the ruler actually fits under the ruler foot properly. (Juki's does not, the other machines I've used in classrooms do.) 24. How does the machine glide across the table? Is it heavy, smooth, does it drag? Can you easily move it and can you reach front to back (throat space) easily? You don't want a machine that goes back farther than you can reach. 25. How does the stitch look when sewing over bulky seams? Try hard to get a demo. Most of the time the vendors are stitching on a plain length of solid yardage with no seams. This makes everything look good. Try hard to see how it looks stitching over seams. Is there a way to adjust the foot in order to accommodate bulkier seams? 26. Some frames offer the option to flip up the top in order to inspect the batting. In hindsight, I would have looked hard for this feature. 27. What accessories come with the machine? What additional accessories are available and what is their cost? What about leaders? 28. Will the machine require upgrading in the future? What is included and what will incur additional cost? 29. If you're interested in computerizing the machine, does it have to be a certain software? Can you add it later? What is the cost difference of starting with it up front versus adding it later? It seems that the computer costs a minimum of $5000, with most being in the $10,000+ range. That's in addition to the cost of the machine. 30. What service and/or maintenance is required on the machine? How and where do you get said service? What are you expected to perform and what requires a trip to a service provider? 31. How often does the machine need to have the timing adjusted? 32. What is covered under warranty and for how long? 33. How easy is it to get help? Having a good dealer is important. Do they offer training? Is it included or does it incur additional cost? Where is the training located? How often is it offered? 34. How easy is it to get parts? Common parts are extra bobbins (generally need to be brand name ones), extra bobbin case, I've heard of people requiring new tension assemblies, needles specific to the machine, sometimes people need to have the entire screen and electronics or handles replaced. 35. Maybe purchasing a demo machine or a used machine is a good fit for you. If buying used, I'd consider going through a dealer so that there is some recourse available in case the machine isn't as described. That being said, don't be scared to buy used from an individual, especially if you can try out the machine. Buying used is a great way to try out long arm quilting without having to spend as much money up front. It's easy to get caught up in all the bells and whistles when they may not really be all that important to you once you are using the machine. All long arm machines have a steep learning curve. Many times new users (even 3-4 years in sometimes) are the cause of issues, not the actual machine. Do your research. Is this list helpful? What things would you add to this list? Comment below and let me know!
Did you know my Binding Boss Ruler Combo Set will help you get perfect binding? I have tons of reviews on my website from Quilty friends that love my technique, it’s probably different from the way...
Do you have a list of quilts that you'd love to make.....one day? Kind of like a quilting bucket list? Well, there has been one type of quilt on my quilting bucket list for the longest time...a wholecloth quilt. Just in case you don't know, a wholecloth quilt is made of a solid piece of fabric and
No More Getting Stuck in Corners or Having to Cross Over! Stipple quilting looks simple, and it actually is, yet many quilters have a hard time mastering it. It’s so easy to get stuck and have to cross over stitching lines, or to have your squiggles differ greatly in size. While you may have heard …
If you follow my Instagram you will know I'm obsessed with hummingbirds. These past two weeks I have been sharing videos of feeding them with a hand feeder and a few have landed on my hand. Pure joy! I fill my garden full of flowers that they love and I can spend all day just watching and taking photos of these tiny birds. Our summers are short and they will be migrating south soon so I'm enjoying my last couple of weeks with them. I have this glass feeder I put in the maple tree that they love and guard furiously. They also like to guard the feeders in the backyard by sitting on top of my metal hummingbird. Love this pose! I have two baskets of Hummingbirds Lunch that they love. They also love the Salvia in the garden. I have it in a few colours. I thought I was the biggest sucker for buying this 'hummingbird swing' but they love it! I also purchased a window feeder and was surprised at how much they use it. Its fun to watch them at the window from inside the house. If you want to see my videos of using the hand feeder just check out my Instagram reels. My account is tamarackshack2.0
Get tips on how to prepare a quilt binding. Tips that will help make this step in the quilting process less tricky.
Good morning, my lovelies! Before I share my custom quilting progress on my Spirit Song project, I'd love it if you'd take a second to give me feedback on an idea I've been kicking around for a new linky party. When I tried to link up my last quilting post with Karin's Ruler Work linky at The Quilt Yarn, I was disappointed to read that she has decided to discontinue hosting her link-up due to low participation levels. Like many of you, I already participate in quite a few linky parties (One Monthly Goal, Design Wall Monday, To Do Tuesday, to name a few). I love that these parties attract a wide variety of participants, from hand quilters to longarm quilters, modern to traditional, appliqué, paper piecing, and everything in between. I have discovered lots of creative quilt bloggers and inspiration through these link-ups. However, right now I'm making a concerted effort to develop my long arm quilting skills, and it would be really helpful to connect with a community of other machine quilters who are working through similar challenges. I'm always so excited when I stumble across another long arm quilter's blog, whether it's a seasoned professional quilter, a teacher, or a hobby quilter like me. I want to see and read about the different rulers, notions, and gadgets other quilters are experimenting with and finding useful for machine quilting, which threads and battings they are using and how they like them, and the challenges they are encountering and overcoming as they become more proficient with their machines, where they are finding the best online or in-person classes and workshops, etc. Also, although I'm quilting with a long arm machine mounted to a frame, I realize that there is a lot of crossover between machine quilting on a frame, sit down long arm machines like the Sweet 16 or the Q20, and quilting with a domestic sewing machine. This would be an all-inclusive linky party, open to anyone who wants to share their machine quilting, regardless of what kind of machine they're using. I understand that hosting a linky party is a big ongoing commitment, with even more time required in the beginning to get the word out to other quilters. I am willing to take this on, as long as there is interest out there from other quilters -- so please answer my poll (above) to let me know how YOU feel about it. Feel free to share any other suggestions about the linky party in the comments section, like if there's a particular day of the week you prefer, how long you think the link party should be open, etc. Thank you! ...And Now, Back to the Quilt On My Frame: Meanwhile, custom quilting on Spirit Song is progressing, slowly but surely. I've been pretty consistent about getting in an hour or two of quilting time most days. I finished the first long border a few days ago (my quilt is loaded on my frame sideways, so the "top" is really one of the long sides of the quilt). I know it's hard to see my quilting design against the large-scale floral print, so youmight think of all this time I'm spending quilting the borders with rulers as a wasted effort. But it's really good practice, and it's nice to know that if I DO get a minor bobble or "whoopsie!" here or there, it's not going to jump out at anyone because it's camouflaged by the fabric print. Chalk Stencil Marking for String of Pearls Border Since I opted to use blue quilting thread in my wide outer border, I moved right into the skinny blue inner border after that. And I'm being BRAVE -- I'm trying to quilt a "String of Pearls" in this border -- half inch circles! In order to bolster my courage, I am marking the circles with a Full Line stencil and Quilt Pounce Stencil Chalk as a guide to help me quilt pearls that are somewhat round, consistent in size, evenly spaced, and to ensure that I end with a full circle when I come to the corner. Interestingly (and thankfully!), the pounce chalk powder markings are lasting longer with this border design than the exact same chalk powder did for the swirly free motion designs that I was marking in the interior of the quilt. Several possiblilities for why that might be: I'm using a commercially made Full Line stencil for my String of Pearls border rather than a DIY vellum paper stencil perforated with a sewing machine needle. This stencil has a very fine mesh with very tiny holes that allow the chalk through the stencil in more controlled amounts. The pieced blocks in the interior of my quilt got a shot of starch after each and every seam was pieced and pressed open, and again as the blocks were joined together into a quilt top, whereas the blue border was only starched once after the border was attached to the quilt. The interior of the quilt, where the starch was applied in many layers, may have filled in the nooks and crannies of the fabric weave and created a Teflon-like nonstick finish that the chalk can't settle into as well as it does with the only slightly starched border fabric. I am quilting my pearl circles pretty slowly in an attempt to keep them round, and I feel like my quilting machine creates less vibration and bounce to the quilt top at this slower speed, and that may be contributing to the longevity of the chalked markings as well. For whatever reason, I'm very much relieved that I was able to mark the entire length of this pearl border first and then quilt it in one pass, from corner to corner, and still have clear, distinct circle marks to follow when I reached the end. Experimenting With a Smaller Needle One more thing I changed last night: I put in a new needle -- again! -- and this time, I went with a size 3.5 Groz Beckert industrial needle rather than the 4.0 needle I had been using previously with my So Fine #50 in the needle and Bottom Line #60 in the bobbin combination. Superior Threads has a handy reference chart on their web site that suggests optimal needle sizes for each of their threads, and size 4.0 is what they recommend for So Fine #50, but size 3.0 is recommended for the 60 weight Bottom Line thread that I'm using in the bottom, so I wanted to see what would happen if I split the difference and went down to a 3.5 needle. It's a subtle difference, but especially when I'm checking stitch quality on the back of my quilt, the stitches do look better to me when that tiny little Bottom Line bobbin thread isn't swimming in a gigantic hole from a size 4.0 needle. And I'm not seeing any shredding or thread breaks to my So Fine top thread, so the 3.5 needle eye seems to be plenty big enough for the So Fine thread diameter. Here's what my inner border of pearls looked like once I'd finished the quilting and wiped away the white chalk markings. Disappointing, right?! I was really nervous about trying to quilt half inch circles on a real quilt for the first time, and I thought a blending blue thread color would be my safest option. But now that I've quilted it and it didn't come out nearly as terrible as I thought it would, I'm bummed that I can't SEE the pearls I quilted! I wish I'd quilted them in silver metallic instead! Ah, well -- Live and learn! Perhaps the quilting texture will be more apparent after I wash the finished quilt. Next time, I'll make bolder thread choices where I want my quilting to be noticed! I've also started quilting the two different motifs that I selected for my blue half square triangles throughout the interior of my quilt, since I'm already threaded up with blue. One of the design is a free motion "lollipop flower" with swirly leaves (at least that's what I'm envisioning as I'm quilting it), and the other one is a simple straight line motif that has me reaching for a ruler once again. When I tried to quilt this little motif totally freehand, the results were not pretty. If I was a seasoned pro, any straight line ruler would have worked fine. I quickly realized that, as a newbie, I needed help gauging where my needle would end up in relation to the angle of my ruler edge, especially since I'm quilting lines that angle away from my seam lines. My HandiQuilter Versa Tool came to the rescue! This ruler has little quarter inch extension notches at either end of the straight edge, etched with a faint marking to indicate where the needle will end up if your hopping foot stitches along the straight edge of the ruler. I've added little pieces of pink OmniGrid Glow Line Tape to the back side of those ruler extensions for even greater visibility. The long strip of wide, clear tape that you see along the straight edge of my ruler is super cheap, but super effective, NexCare Clear First Aid Tape that reduces unwanted slipping and sliding when I'm quilting with rulers. You can find that at your local pharmacy, or order it on Amazon here. Well, that's all I have for you today. My To-Do for Tuesday goal is to keep plugging away at the borders and blue HSTs on my Spirit Song quilt, and hopefully progress to the final quilting stage of the off-white background fills. I'll wrap this up with a photo of a lovely gardenia in my front yard. I love how, when I take a picture of an all-white blossom and then blow it up BIG on my computer screen, I see so many different colors in the petals, from shades of white, cream, and gray, to ivories and butter yellows. It reminds me of Georgia O'Keefe's flower paintings! Please remember to vote in my linky party poll if you haven't already done so, and share any other thoughts you have about that in the blog comments. Have a great day, and I hope you get to do some quilting! I'm linking today's post up with my favorite linky parties: FRIDAY · Whoop Whoop Fridays at Confessions of a Fabric Addict · Finished Or Not Friday at Alycia Quilts · Off the Wall Friday at Nina Marie Sayre · Tips and Tutorials on the 22nd at: Kathleen McMusing SATURDAY · UFO Busting at Tish in Wonderland SUNDAY · Oh Scrap! at Quilting Is More Fun Than Housework MONDAY · Design Wall Monday at Small Quilts and Doll Quilts · Monday Making at Love Laugh Quilt · BOMs Away Katie Mae Quilts TUESDAY · Colour and Inspiration Tuesday at Clever Chameleon · To-Do Tuesday at Home Sewn By Us WEDNESDAY · Midweek Makers at Quilt Fabrication · Wednesday Wait Loss at The Inquiring Quilter THURSDAY · Needle and Thread Thursday at My Quilt Infatuation · Free Motion Mavericks at Quilting & Learning Combo OR at Lizzie Lenard Vintage Sewing
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Discussing 9 essential tools for effective long arm quilting and the longarm quilting industry. See why these are also important when quilting on a domestic sewing machine.
Eight Free Motion quilting Tips for Confident Beginners- for when you're sick of making place mats and hot pads!
