The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Long Arm Quilting Machine

If you’re thinking about investing in a long arm quilting machine, congratulations! This is a big and exciting step in your quilting journey. Whether you’re looking to start a quilting business or simply want to finish your own quilts with ease and precision, choosing the right long arm is key. But with so many options available, how do you decide which one is right for you? Here are the top 8 things to consider when buying a long arm quilting machine.

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1. Throat Size – How Much Space Do You Need?

The throat space (the distance between the needle and the back of the machine) determines how much quilting area you have to work with at one time. A larger throat space means you can quilt bigger sections without having to roll your quilt as frequently. Long arm machines can range from 16” to 30” in throat size, so think about the size of quilts you want to create when making your decision.

We recommend that the home quilter think about a throat between 16" and 21" to provide ample room for quilting projects. The 21" model, in particular, offers the best balance of quilting space and value, giving quilters the flexibility to work on larger quilts without exceeding a reasonable investment. 

2. Frame Sturdiness – The Backbone of Your Machine

A solid, sturdy frame is essential for smooth quilting. A wobbly or flimsy frame can cause uneven stitches and frustration. Look for high-quality steel or aluminum frames that provide stability. Grace Company frames, for example, are known for their durability and ability to handle large projects with ease.

When choosing a frame size, consider the size of quilts you plan to make:

• 5ft Frame: Suitable for crib-size or small lap quilts.
• 8ft Frame: Accommodates twin-size to queen-size quilts.
• 10ft Frame: Works well for queen-size quilts.
• 12ft Frame: Ideal for king-size and oversized quilts.

The Evolution Frame comes in a 5ft hoop version all the way to a 12ft rolling version, giving quilters flexibility to choose the perfect size for their needs.    us about how to get your FREE frame with the purchase of your 21X Elite machine! 

3. Manual vs. Computerized Quilting – How Much Automation Do You Want?

There are three primary types of quilting techniques to consider when choosing a long arm machine:

• Free-Motion Quilting – This is a fully hands-on approach where the quilter manually moves the machine to create unique, organic designs with no guides or restrictions.
• Ruler Work – A middle ground between free-motion and computerized quilting, ruler work allows quilters to use templates and guides to create structured yet creative designs.
• Computerized Quilting – This offers the highest level of control, precision, and design capability, allowing quilters to program intricate patterns with ease.

Consider how much creative control you want and whether you prefer a more hands-on experience or the efficiency of automation when selecting your machine.

4. Stitch Regulation – Consistency is Key

Stitch regulation ensures even, consistent stitches, no matter how fast or slow you move the machine. This feature is standard on most long arms and is crucial for beginners and experienced quilters alike. The Grace Company offers the Little Rebel and the Cutie frame (a tabletop option). The Little Rebel has a built-in stitch regulator, but if you are using your home quilting machine on a Cutie frame, you would need an external stitch regulator, such as Grace’s Sure Stitch Elite, to achieve consistent stitching.

5. Table vs. Frame – What Works Best for Your Space?

Long arm quilting machines can be mounted on a frame or used on a stationary table. A frame setup allows for larger quilting projects and easier movement, while a table setup is more compact and suited for smaller spaces. Consider the room you have available and your quilting goals when choosing between the two.

6. Ease of Maintenance – Keeping Your Machine Running Smoothly

Like any sewing machine, long arms require maintenance to keep them running efficiently. Look for machines that offer easy access for oiling, cleaning, and servicing. Grace Company machines, for instance, are designed with user-friendly maintenance in mind.

7. Budget – What’s Your Price Range?

Long arm machines vary widely in price, from a few thousand dollars to well over $20,000. Setting a budget before you start shopping can help narrow down your options. Keep in mind that additional accessories (such as frames, automation, and stitch regulators) can add to the overall cost.  Here is the deal - if you purchase your Grace Long Arm from The Quilted Cow RAYMORE you get a free membership into The Quilters Club.  This not only gives you access to exclusive training, but it also gives you a 25% discount off of all of your Grace accessories and MORE!

8. Customer Support & Warranty – Are You Covered?

A long arm quilting machine is a significant investment, so reliable customer support and a good warranty are essential. Look for brands that offer responsive customer service, easy-to-find replacement parts, and solid warranty coverage. Grace Company is well-known for its excellent support and long-lasting machines.  Their technical support is top-notch AND as members of the Quilters Club you will have access to our Grace hotline! 

Additionally, consider joining the Quilters Club, a vibrant community offering weekly training sessions, encouragement, and a dedicated Facebook group for support. Members also enjoy exclusive retreats and quilting events, making the journey even more enjoyable and enriching.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Long Arm Quilting Machine

Buying a long arm quilting machine is a big decision, but with careful consideration of these factors, you’ll find the perfect fit for your quilting needs. Whether you’re going for a high-tech computerized model or a sturdy manual machine, taking the time to evaluate your options will ensure you invest in a machine that brings you years of quilting joy.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Automatic Quilting Machine. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

Ready to explore long arm quilting machines? Check out our selection of Grace Company machines and frames to find the perfect match for you!

Are you a quilt top maker who sends their tops off to a longarm quilter to get quilted? Are you someone who at one point (probably right after paying your longarm quilter for their work) starts to think…hmm…I wonder if I should buy a longarm quilting machine and quilt my own quilts or maybe start a longarm quilting business? 

Besides the price of a machine (because you must really consider that!), there are many other factors to investigate before buying a longarm quilting machine. Here are a few things to consider as you start the process of figuring out if you should buy a machine and whether you should buy a hand-guided or computer-driven longarm.

Ten Things to Consider When Buying a Longarm Quilting Machine

1. What are your longarm quilting goals?  Do you want to become a quilt artist and enter your work in shows? Do you want to just quilt on your own quilts and maybe a few for friends? Or do you want to run a longarm business quilting either custom or edge-to-edge designs for customers? 

2. Do you want a hand-guided or a computerized machine? Becoming a hand-guided longarm quilter takes some skill, patience, and lots of practice. Whether you are quilting following a pantograph or edge-to-edge pattern or doing free motion quilting, it just takes time to get the feel of the machine and for your eye-hand coordination to get in sync to quilt smoothly. The learning curve to becoming a long-arm quilter on a computer-driver machine is faster because the computer moves the machine head, not your hands. If you programmed the computer correctly, the quilting could be pretty perfect, pretty quick. 

3. What kind of space do you have available to set up a machine? The most common size of a longarm machine table is 10 to 12 feet in length–long enough to quilt large quilts. However, many longarm companies do offer custom-sized or adjustable-sized tables. For example, BERNINA offers the BERNINA Studio Frame which is a modular frame and can be mounted as small as 5 feet or to its full size of 10 feet. Having a stable and level table is a must. 

4.  Can you stand at the quilting machine for long periods? Although it doesn’t necessarily require strength, it may require stamina. Another option to a standing longarm machine may be a sit-down model. Adding a hydraulic lift system to a standing longarm allows you to adjust the height of the machine if your arms get tired of being in the same position for a long time. On a computer-driver machine, you are not necessarily standing in front of the machine for long periods (although it is fascinating to watch). You can set up the machine, hit start, and let the machine do its quilting.

5. Does your longarm dealer offer training and support?  Can you call and ask questions? Are you curious and willing to learn about your machine, how it works, how it sounds, and general maintenance?  Today, there is so much support online available with chat groups and forums with other machine owners, YouTube videos, etc. 

6. Are you willing to practice AND make mistakes? Take time to practice on some dog quilts that you can donate to a local chapter because those pups are not going to care if your quilting isn’t perfect! When you make a mistake, take the time to figure out what happened, fix the problem, and start playing again.  It is best to experiment with your longarm quilting techniques on different types of battings, thread weights, and fabrics.  Don’t be afraid to adjust the tension on your machine!  Not comfortable moving that tension knob? Ask for help from your dealer until you are! 

7. Racking up a quilt with the quilt top, batting, and backing, and putting it on the frame takes some time. But with practice, you can get very efficient at it.  

8.  Longarm machines need regular cleaning and de-linting and some oiling. Each time you use your machine, you must clean and oil it. The process takes just a minute to two but must become part of your routine.

9. Play before you pay. Go to a dealer and ask to spend some time quilting on the machine you consider buying. Learn how to rack up a quilt, thread the machine, pick a design, and quilt something. You are making a significant investment; make sure the decision is the right one.

10. Choosing a good dealer is as important as choosing the right machine. Besides price, consider the machine’s warranties, the ease of operation, and threading the machine. Buy a machine from an authorized dealer with a staff who can answer questions, offer training and support, carry longarm-specific supplies and parts, and have trained technicians available to help.

Have fun playing and exploring longarm and midarm quilting machines.  And don’t forget to stop by your local BERNINA dealer to test drive their sit-down and stand-up models, and both the hand-driven and computer-driver machines– you might never want to leave the dealership!

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