Home Machine Quilting Systems
If you are trying to research home machine quilting
systems, the alternative to an expensive long arm machine
that allows you to use a home sewing machine and a
carriage-rail system, here are several resources to help
you. This information is based on personal research, and
reflects my own knowledge and opinions based on that
research. I would like to add my appreciation to
Laura Starr of the UFO-Orphanage
for compiling much of this information. If you would
like to add a comment to this page, please E-mail
me.
MACHINE OPTIONS:
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Your standard home sewing machine with drop
feed dog capability and without a slant needle. Click
here for an article on quilting with your home
sewing machine.
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The Brother PQ-1500 or Juki TL98-E, which
have larger throat areas and high speed stitching.
(see our comments on the Juki below)
-
The Quilting Solution - Another stretched machine. I
don't personally care for the design ergonomics, but
it is another option out there.
-
The WOW Quilter Machine, a long throat
machine, modified for use with home systems, with its
own rail system. for details go to WOW
Quilter. REMINDER: Be sure to mention Discount
One for a 10% (ten percent) discount on your
purchase. There is also an owners list at yahoo groups
if you are interested.
HOME QUILTING SYSTEMS:
There are many systems out there to choose from, and each
has its own strengths and weaknesses. As these systems
catch on, there seem to be more and more variations each
week, and it is hard to know which is best without
spending some time doing research. I have spent months on
user groups, reading reviews, and questioning other
quilters about their experiences. I have no financial
interest in any of the products listed.
Before choosing a home quilting system, determine your
own needs for a system that is permanent, or portable;
will be used often or occasionally; will do larger or
smaller projects; will be easier or harder to load your
quilt onto; will be used by a group or guild, or just one
owner; will be used with more than one sewing machine; and
the amount of time you have to dedicate to learning the
quirks of the system you choose will all influence your
choice.
One important consideration is whether you can quilt from
both sides of the frame/both ends of the machine. I
personally prefer to work from the nose or needle end of
the machine rather than the flywheel end as it makes it
easier to see your work.
The list below is in alphabetical order.
-
B-Line
Home Quilting System has a support group on Yahoo.
E-mails I have received indicate that this system does
vibrate quite a bit. Other E-mails say
vibrations are not a problem if the recommended sewing
machines are used.
-
Easy-Build
Machine Quilt Frame by Hinterberg. A sit down
to quilt version that works from either side of the
frame.
-
Easy
Quilter - This is an interesting idea. Sort of
a flynn frame on wheels. No long poles or big setup
space is needed for this one, and it's inexpensive.
While it rolls very easily, it's hard to tell where
the frame is when you have the quilt on it which makes
it easy to bump into your machine without notice. The
actual area to quilt is very small.
-
Flynn
Maximizer MultiFrame Adapter. The "Maximizer"
adapter kit is inexpensive upgrade to your Flynn
system. The Flynn MultiFrame system now
has an adapter kit to allow you to use electrical
conduit poles rather than the solid wood 2x2, giving
you more room to hold the finished quilt.
-
Grace
Machine Quilter. Already built version for
machines with up to a ten inch throat. (An
adapter is available to expand the frame.) The Grace
Machine Quilter has limited width of the throat of the
machine, but the poles do not require leaders, and it
is designed to be used from either side without any
additional handles or modifications. Some quilters
have told me they find the method of controlling the
foot pedal awkward with this system.
The Grace Pro is a slightly sturdier machine
with more extra features which you may or may not find
worth the extra cost.
-
HandiQuilter
(HQ). If you are looking for info other than
the company page, you can read the HQ
FAQ at yahoo groups. (You have to join the group
to access the FAQ, but you can then unjoin if you
prefer.) Research this one carefully by
interviewing users. Users tell me that
information provided by company representatives tends
to be incomplete.
The company continues to upgrade the quality of their
product in response to quilters needs, but I consider
this a 'light duty' option. If you are a quilter who
intends to do a lot of quilts, I would consider other
options . The Handi-Quilter
16 with its 16 inch throat space is ONLY able to do
free motion as there are no feed dogs on it, plus it
vibrates a great deal. It can be used with the
Handi-Quilter frame or you can also get the model that
sits on the table like a regular sewing machine. This
is called a push through model.
-
Hinterberg's
Easy-Build Machine Quilt Frame. A sit down to
quilt version that works from either side of the
frame. (Also listed under Easy Build).
-
Homesteader
Quilting Solutions
Sturdy, economical variable length floor frame base.
You provide the "long" parts of the frame
from components available at your local home
improvement center. This allows you to customize the
frame to fit your space and gives you the option of
adjustable height support legs. About $2400.
-
Juki
We've had a number of complaints about this
machine. One customer said, "I have a Juki TL-98E
and they should have named it JUNKY. I have had
nothing but trouble with it." I would recommend
joining the user group on yahoo and/or talking to
someone who owns and uses the machine before making
the investment.
-
New
Joy Quilting Products Inc - seems very user
friendly with a substantial Brother with large
throat space, but definitely a beginner option.
Height may need adjustment. The frame system folds up for
storage and comes complete - crib to king size for
about $1500.00.
-
Nolting
Hobby Quilter 16" throat depth, with
8" of inside height. Weighs only 31 pounds. Front
handles for custom quilting. Rear handles and metal
pointer for pantograph quilting. Adjustable speed
control, up to 2000 stitches per minute. See website
for details.
-
Pennywinkle
Valley Ranch Quilting System. Reports
are that this machine is quiet and easy to move.
You can easily fit a wheelchair under it without any
trouble. It also has a nice overhead light built
in which gave lots of light.
-
QE3 by Quilt
Easy. The QE3 will handle from a small home sewing
machine to a large 16” throat machine like a hobby
quilter
-
Quilter's
Cruise Control has stitch length regulator for
sewing machines used on quilting frames.
-
SuperQuilter (SQ). Nicely built, but is very
pricey compared to other options. Customer E-mails
indicate this is a great system if you don't have any
problems with it. Written instructions tend to
be confusing and sparse. If you have problems
with your dealer, the company requests you call them
directly at 1-877-837-5557 x111, Toll Free, Eastern
Standard Time. You may also wish to join the users
group on Yahoo.
-
Swift
quilter A new Zealand Company.
RELATED PRODUCTS:
There are many other related products,
including handles to attach to your machine so you can use
it from either side, stylus-es, speed controls and foot
pedal bypass devices, and a host of other gizmos and
gadgets.
USER GROUPS:
There are several user groups on Yahoo's
Groups area, including a kind of all-inclusive group
called The Home Machine Quilters (THMQ), as well as user
groups for the Brother, Juki and WOW machines. To find the
group that interests you, go to Yahoo
Groups and do a search on the product or group name,
or on the word 'quilting'.
HELP KEEP THIS PAGE CURRENT
If you have know of a product not listed
here, or have comments or information to add to this page,
please click
here to contact Kris directly via e-mail or send a
note to krisdriessen@yahoo.com
. I hope you've found some helpful information in your own
search for the perfect home quilting system for your
particular needs.
Good luck in your quest for the right
system for you!
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