
Selecting a Quilting Machine – What to Look for
Sewing machines have been transformed in recent years. Manufacturers now offer electronic and computerized machines that are virtually trouble-free and much more reliable than previous versions. With the addition of specialized features and functions, users are now offered a selection of machines suited to their sewing style.
Quilting machines, in particular, are specifically designed to make the quilting experience easy and trouble-free, and also provide the quilter with a machine that can give a professional finish to any project.
A quilting machine has special features which include:
Extended Bed Space
The bedspace is the working area located between the needle and the inside of the machine. An extended bed space offers an area of approximately 8-9” wide by 5-6” high, which is larger than a standard sewing machine and provides more than ample space for a quilter to maneuver bulky quilts or large pieces of fabric
High Speed
Most top-of-the-line quilting machines offer high speed stitching which is usually around 1000 stitches per minute. The high speed rating is normally applied to the straight stitch only, with slightly reduced speed for decorative stitches. This feature offers the quilter the ability to quickly piece and quilt their project.
Stitch Regulator
Some manufacturers offer an optional attachment for their machines called a stitch regulator. The purpose of the stitch regulator is to provide a consistent stitch length when doing free motion quilting, regardless of how slow or fast the fabric is being moved.
Quilting Stitches
Specialty quilting stitches, such as buttonhole appliqué and faux hand-quilting stitches, offer a quick and simple alternative to these traditional hand-quilting techniques.
Manual Tension Control
Some quilting machines are equipped with a manual tension control. This control offers the quilter the ability to regulate the top thread tension quickly and accurately. This offers an advantage over machines with automatic tension control. As quilters often use different weights of thread in the top and bobbin, proper tension control becomes critical. With a manual control a quilter can easily and incrementally fine tune their top tension as they are stitching. With an automatic control it is necessary to access the settings within the control panel of the machine which takes longer and can be less accurate.
Manual Stitch Length/Width Control
As with the manual tension control, a manual stitch length/width control is also located on the front of the machine and similar benefits apply.
Needle Up/Down
A needle up/down setting allows the user to stop sewing with the needle in the down position. This is an advantage when working with heavy quilts or when doing free motion quilting. When stopping with the needle down, there is less chance of the quilt slipping providing a continuous stitch line.
Auto thread cutter
An automatic thread cutter is a very useful feature on a quilting machine. Cutting both the top thread and the bobbin thread in one simple action, it reduces both thread wastage and the time taken to manually trim thread tails.
Feed Dogs Control
Dropping the feed dogs allows your quilt to move easily when doing free motion quilting.
When deciding if a quilting machine is right for you, shop around and visit your local sewing machine dealers. Try out two or three models and then decide which one is for you.
About the Author
Linda Matthews is a textile artist, designer and teacher, and her website CreativeTextileAndQuiltingArts.com offers an abundance of inspiration, education and motivation in the creative aspects of textile and quilt art.
Hannework.dk – Free Style Quilting
|
|
Sachi Fashion Insulated Lunch Bag Fully insulated lunch tote with a sophisticated quilted exterior…. |
|
|
Berries Jubilee Vintage Style Towel Set $21.95 Spectacular set of 4 vintage berry themed kitchen towels! Crochet edging make them even more charming. Made of 100% cotton. Wash in cold water, dry on low or smooth out wet towels and hang to dry…. |
|
|
Sliced Bread Vintage Tablecloth Moda Home has created another wonderful retro tablecloth. You’ll enjoy this while having a barbecue, camping or on a picnic. It measures 52″ x 52″ and is made of 100% cotton…. |
|
|
Indigo Child $6.65 … |
|
|
Quilting Caveman Style Do you think instructional quilting videos are boring? Not this one! Quilting Caveman Style and Fishin’ (Workshop #1), is the first in a series of entertaining video workshops produced by Ricky Tims. This VHS features one of his most requested classes and demonstrates how easy and enjoyable “Caveman Quilting” can be. The video opens with Ricky taking a leisurely fishing trip at Echo Lake in Colora… |
|
|
Great American Quilt #109 Quilt Style Antique Double Wedding Ring, Attic Windows/Spools, and Nancy Crow … |
|
|
Decko #38190 Swing Arm Kitchen Towel Rack, Chrome $2.63 3 Chrome Arm All Purpose Rack, Wall Mount, Arms Spread For Rapid Drying, 2-1/2″ x 11″…. |
|
|
Fiskars Softouch Scissors, Left/Right Hand, 8 Inches, 3.25-Inch Cut (99117097) $10.75 Softouch spring action scissors with adjustable pivot screw have oversized cushion grip handles, which are specially designed to reduce discomfort in the thumb and fingers by absorbing pressure caused by squeezing. A spring gently opens the scissors after each cut, making these scissors ideal for heavy users and for people experiencing weakness in their hands. A slide-lock keeps the blade closed f… |
|
|
Oil Rubbed Bronze Hotel Towel Shelf or Train Rack with Double Bar $89.99 Bronze towel rack in the Hotel Spa or Train Rack style with 2 towel rods. Perfect for your bathroom, pool area, or laundry room. All metal with a Burnished Bronze finish. * This type of Bronze finish is a dark brown color with speckled copper highlights showing through. Overall measures: 22″ wide and 10″ high. Shelf is 20 1/2″ wide. Projects out from the wall 9″ . Easy to assemble and moun… |
|
|
Quilting Caveman Style By Ricky Tims $29.95 Do you think instructional quilting videos are boring? Not this one! Quilting Caveman Style and Fishin’ (Workshop #1), is the first in a series of entertaining video workshops produced by Ricky Tims. This DVD/VHS features one of his most requested classes and demonstrates how easy and enjoyable “Caveman Quilting” can be. The video opens with Ricky taking a leisurely fishing trip at Echo Lake in… |
|
|
Easy Japanese Quilt Style (Paperback) $16.33 Offers step-by-step instructions, patterns, and illustrations for patchwork and quilting projects that showcase Japanese fabrics. |
|
|
Free-Style Quilts $17.66 Description not available. |
|
|
Lark Books ‘Signature Styles’ Book $19.99 This book reveals how 20 bestselling authors, popular bloggers and savvy entrepreneurs are influenced by the world around them to develop a distinctive look. Each crafter takes you on a tour of her home or studio and talks about her style and more. |
|
|
Jouy Toile Blue 3-piece Quilt Set $59.99 A white background with light blue toile print, allover quilting and tiny gingham edging give a classic style to this soft cotton quilt set. For a great contrast, this bedding set features sections of quilted solid white. |
