9 questions to ask before buying a longarm!

9 questions to ask before buying a longarm!

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Welcome back!

June has come to a close, and I hope everyone is enjoying the summer months! As we reflect on warmer days, soon enough we’ll shift our focus to activities like quilting during the cooler months.

I've had many discussions with those of you contemplating the purchase of a longarm quilting machine. It's a significant investment, no doubt. I trust the previous article on the advantages of longarm quilting was useful. In this entry, we will dive deeper into the essential aspects to weigh before making your purchase. Make sure to stick around for the special offers and floor model sales at the end!

Key Considerations When Choosing a Longarm Quilting Machine

1. What is your motivation for purchasing a longarm?

This might not be the question that immediately comes to mind, but it's crucial to reflect on this as it will guide your buying choices.

Contemplate:

• Are you intending to keep your quilting projects to personal use, or do you plan to take on projects for friends or family?
• Are you looking to start a longarm quilting business? What kind of services do you envision offering?

For those who enjoy the full quilting process from start to finish, a high-end machine might not be necessary if the quilt volume is low. However, if your emphasis is on the actual quilting, investing in a more robust machine could be wise.

2. What is your financial plan?

This is undoubtedly a sizable investment. Are you clear about your spending limit?

To assist with budget constraints, consider starting with:

• A pre-owned machine to lessen upfront costs and gain experience before upgrading. (The Quilting Connection offers a selection of used machines!)
• A more compact machine, upgrading in a few years when you're ready. (We accept trade-ins!)
• Beginning as a free-motion or pantograph quilter and adding a computerized system later!

Be sure to factor in any financing fees into your total budget, and inquire about available financing options!

3. How much space do you have for the machine?

Longarm quilting setups commonly occupy frames that are 8, 10, or 12 feet in length. It's not just about the frame—room for movement around the machine is also essential.

For those with space limitations, consider stationary longarm options like the Handi Quilter Amara 20 ST, which features a 20-inch throat but can be accommodated on a table where you manipulate the fabric.

Additionally, you can also look into machines on hoop-style frames, such as the APQS Ellie, which measures under six feet in length!

4. What quilt sizes will you be working with?

Longarm machines come with an array of throat sizes. If you are focusing mainly on small quilts—like baby quilts or wall hangings—a smaller model with a 15-20 inch throat could suffice.

Options in this smaller category include the Handi Quilter’s Moxie XL and the APQS Larry.

For larger projects, like queen and king-sized quilts, a throat space of 24 to 30 inches will likely be necessary.

Consider machines like the Handi Quilter Amara 24 or the APQS Lucey for these sizes.

5. What quilting styles do you enjoy, or wish to explore?

Your preferred quilting style will influence the features and attachments you need to consider for your longarm machine.

Ask yourself:

• Are you interested in free-motion quilting? If so, you’ll require extra accessories like a ruler base and suitable feet.
• Do you prefer pantograph patterns? Then you’ll need the capability to quilt from the back along with specific extras like back handlebars, a laser guide, and a pattern overlay.
• Are you excited about computerized quilting? This will necessitate adding hardware and software for a computer setup with a tracking system.

Bear in mind that you may require a machine that accommodates all your styles, and you might need to add accessories over time.

6. Can you stand for long periods during quilting sessions?

Depending on your quilting style, you may need the endurance to stand for longer durations. Free motion and ruler-guided quilting can be done sitting at a stationary model or standing at a moving longarm.

Pantograph quilting requires standing at the back of the frame while observing the laser to follow your pattern. Computerized quilting gives you breaks from standing but you still need to prepare and troubleshoot your projects.

7. Are you prepared for the regular maintenance that comes with owning a longarm machine?

Longarm maintenance is necessary after every use. For example, with our Handi Quilter, we adhere to the following routine:

• Oil the bobbin hook assembly at the start of every quilting session, repeating every two bobbins.
• Change needles after each project or after every two smaller quilts.
• Brush the bobbin hook assembly after each quilt, especially for lint-heavy projects.
• Clean the wheels of the longarm and wipe down the tracks.
• Dust the back table to prevent tangles.

This routine doesn’t take long but is crucial for maintaining your machine’s performance.

8. Have you had the opportunity to try different machines?

As you evaluate options, take the time to test various machines. Think about the following:

• Which models feel most comfortable for you?
• Which machines have the features and accessories that you currently need or aim to add later?
• Are these machines easy to operate?

Gather as much information as you can before committing to your purchase!

9. Can you access a reliable, authorized dealer?

When acquiring your longarm, consider what is included with the purchase.

Be sure to evaluate:

• Will a knowledgeable technician set up your machine?
• What warranty coverage is offered?
• Will you receive training and are there options for further training as needed?
• What service options are provided? Is it possible to visit a local dealer for repairs?
• Can you easily access parts and necessary supplies?

Owning a longarm is not just about the machine; it’s about the support you can count on throughout your quilting journey.

If you're considering diving into longarm quilting, we at The Quilting Connection are eager to assist you!

For those already part of our quilting community, we truly value your support. Feel free to reach out for any assistance.

Our doors are always open for you to come in and test drive our APQS and Handi Quilter machines. Don't hesitate to ask questions about the training resources we provide—it's vital to us. Explore the various supplies and accessories available, both online and in-person!

For locals who are curious about ownership or upgrading, consider joining me at an upcoming APQS Road Show. Read on for event details.

Upcoming Quilting Events

We have some exciting dates scheduled for July, and I would love to see you there!

Saturday, July 13th - 11 AM to 1 PM

The Quilting Connection 25th Anniversary Celebration!

Join us at our Elkhorn location for the festivities!

Check our website for all the details.

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Tuesday, July 16th (Appleton)

Wednesday, July 17th (Elkhorn)

APQS Road Show Longarm Experience

This is your chance to learn more about our APQS machines.

Discover quilting resources, receive a sample business plan, maintenance tips, and find out which accessories can expedite your quilting work!

Registration is required for this FREE event!

Visit our website for details and to register.

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Saturday, July 20th

With competitive pricing and prompt service, Nekon is excited to be your partner and supplier.

Cranberry Country Quilters Show, Eagle River, WI

Northland Pines High School, Pleasure Island Road

10 AM to 4 PM

Entry fee is $5.00 (free for kids under 12).

Check our website for more details.

And don’t miss out on the July specials from Handi Quilter, where you can choose what to spend your store credit on!

Also, we have a significant summer blowout sale on floor models! Click here for our current inventory.

Capri on Insight $4,995 - only 2 left!

Amara ST $6,995

Moxie (15) with Pro Lite $8,490

Moxie XL (18) with Pro Lite $10,990

Amara 24 with Pro-Stitcher $22,090

Infinity with Pro-Stitcher $26,490

If you have any inquiries or require more information regarding any of the products or services we provide, don't hesitate to contact us at (262) 723- or email us.

Visit our website at QuiltingConnection.com, or meet us in person at 21 Adams Street, Elkhorn, WI (typically open M-F 9-4) or W. Northland in Appleton, WI (W, Th & F 10-4, S 10-3).

Finally, feel free to explore our blog at QuiltingConnection.com/blog and connect with us on Facebook.

Your thoughts and questions are welcomed. I look forward to hearing from you!

Angie