Whether you're just getting started in quilting or are ready to move on to more advanced work, it's important to have a quilting machine that fits your situation.Unless, of course, you want to do time-intensive traditional all-hand quilting.With quality machines costing everywhere from $100 to nearly $10,000, choosing can be a daunting task.This article provides some introductory guidance to help you narrow your focus and pick a machine that's best for you.The Basics.Here's some things you need to consider in choosing your quilting machine.If you're just starting and don't have a machine, you may not want something exclusively for quilting.There's a chance you won't be into quilting enough to justify a more expensive machine, plus you'll probably want a more general sewing machine so you can do general sewing and mending as well.You might even want to give machine embroidery a try as well.If you already own a sewing machine, you may already have what you need, so read on to see!First, your machine needs to be able to do quilting stitches.Older and inexpensive machines may not have this, but most recent machines have at least one or two.You'll probably want several different quilting stitches, so the more the better.Those that do usually have lots of other stitch patterns as well, making them more versatile and more useful for other projects.Don't be afraid of newer computerized machines.Now days this usually means they're even easier to use than "regular" machines.Many include elaborate built-in embroidery patters that are great for lots of sewing and craft projects, including embroidery.You'll also need one or more quilting feet.A foot is the U-shaped contraption that goes around the needle and holds the fabric down.Some sewing machines come with one or more quilting feet, others don't include any.If that's the case for a machine you're interested in, be sure they're available as options or accessories and include their cost in your price comparisons.Some machines designed with quilting in mind include some sort of bed extension accessories.This provides a larger flat surface that's level with the sewing making it easier to maneuver the material around - especially important when you're doing the quilting final.So they're nice to have, but not essential.Also watch out; some of these are a bit flimsy and may be more trouble than they're worth.Finally, be sure the machine you're getting has plenty of power.This is particularly important if you plan on doing your own finish work where you'll be sewing several layers of material plus the batting.On the other hand, many people just pay to have someone with an advanced machine to the final quilting for them.When in doubt, go for more power.This is helpful for various other sewing purposes, and usually also indicates a more rugged machine.Advanced Quilting Machines.A smaller number of sewing machines are designed specifically for quilting.These are typically called "long arm quilting machines" and are much more expensive.Including a table also specialized for quilting you total cost can easily be $1,000 or more.In fact, one of the most popular models sells for $6,000.So you can see why most people just pay to have the final quilting done for them.But if you do a lot of quilting these machines are a good investment and can even become a source of income.So what's a long arm quilting machine? It's a sewing machine designed specifically for quilting.It's defining characteristic is the long spacing between the needle and any vertical part of the machine.This gives you a lot more leeway in working with larger quilts.Many such quilters are on wheels so that you can roll them around a table to sew your laid-out quilt.An even better arrangement is a quilting frame.This is a table with guide rails, machine attachment, and other mechanisms to move the sewing machine and quilt around.Some include rolls for rolling and unrolling the quilt as you work on it.These are expensive, but the best arrangement if you do lots of finish work.They can be very large, sometimes as big as 12 to 14 feet long.In Summary.If you're moving up and are pretty confident you'll continue doing lots of quilting, you could look for a specialized long-arm machine that has a compatible table you can add later.If you're just starting out you'll probably want a more general sewing machine that includes the features needed for quilting.
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