Best Long Arm Quilting Machines Reviews
Handi Quilter Capri 18 with HQ InSight Stitch Regulation Table
- Easy free motion quilting
- A big machine but requires small space
- Patented HQ InSight Table and Stitch Regulation
- 2200 stitches per minute
- 18 inches throat space
- Precision and cruise stitch regulation
A long arm quilting machine requires ample space. However, Handi Quilter Capri 18, though, is a big machine but occupies comparatively less space. It is designed that way. The machine is connected on top of a patented 36-inch by 32-inch HQ InSight table.
When it comes to patented features, its stitch regulation is patented too. And it has two modes- precision and cruise. When you think you need specific speed and better control to sew a quilt, then use the precision mode. But if the quilting requires constant speed and in between slight deceleration, try the cruise mode.
The machine sews at a speed of 2200 SPM. Decide the number of stitches you want per inch as it offers a range between 4-22. All the motifs you can try with this machine on the quilt to make it as distinct as possible.
Free motion cannot get easier than doing it on this machine. It is not only an easy-to-use machine but also has an 18-inch throat space. You also get a vertical space of 8-inch. So, king-size quilting is right up your alley.
See all the beautiful stitches you are making on your quilt with the different lights the machine has on it. The LED light ring, throat lighting, and bobbin light help you see better while working.
NEW King Quilter II ELITE Long Arm Quilting Machine
- 2200 SPM and 4-22 SPI
- 18-inch throat space
- 7-inch touchscreen
- Front and rear handlebars with controls
- Two stitch regulation modes- Precision and cruise
- Four different options for basting stitch
For a top-quality performance at a price that you can afford, try this one. It’s sturdy and once bought lasts for decades. This sewing machine is full of useful features. Pretty similar to the previous one in terms of SPM and throat space, which is 2200 SPM and 18-inch, respectively. It offers the same 4-22 SPI and two stitch regulation modes.
The machine works at manual mode with two presets too. So, if you want, chuck the stitch regulation and let the machine take over with manual mode.
Other than that, this machine has two sets of handlebars. One set at the front and the other at the rear. Versatility is what this machine has in it that too ample amount.
You have four options when it comes to the basting stitch. The basting stitch is very crucial to hold all the layers together when you are working on a quilt. It helps you to have a better hold on the quilt. So, smooth stitching and then removing it after completing the quilt is only possible with these different options of basting stitch.
The 7-inch color touchscreen keeps the control of the machine at your fingertips. You see what you chose. It doesn’t come with a table. Rather, it has four wheels beneath. So, it is easy to move.
Q’nique Long Arm Quilting Machine
- 1800 stitches per minute
- Four stitching modes
- 15 inches of throat space
- 5 inches bright OLED screen
- Grip handles with quick access buttons
- Built-in LED lights
Keep the control of your sewing machine on your hand with Q’nique 15R. You also have 15M and 15 Pro, but here we will specifically talk about 15R. Perfect for sewing larger blocks and patterns, this machine lets your creativity flow. It sews at a speed of 1800 stitches per minute and allows you to have an uncluttered, free working area.
The 15-inch throat space keeps you at ease even if the quilt is too large to handle. It could have been a tremendous mid-arm quilting machine, but with all the advanced features, it turns out to be one of the top-rated long arm quilting machines.
You have four stitching modes. Start with the requisite precision and cruise stitch regulation. Then you have the baste stitch mode to sew the edges in three different lengths- long, medium and short. Lastly, use the manual mode for a free motion constant stitching and control the machine with the quick access buttons on the handlebars.
The bright 2.5 inch OLED screen allows you to set the needle position, stitching modes, stitch speed, or stitch length. Wind up the bobbin fast without running the machine with the motorized bobbin winder.
This one also has wheels beneath for easy transporting. Other than that, it has a pair of handle grips with a few quick access buttons at the front right beneath the OLED screen.
Q’nique 21 Long Arm Quilting Machine
- Powerful motor works at 1800 SPM
- Top-quality precision stitching
- 21-inch throat space
- Built-in LED lights
- Adjustable handlebars with comfort grip
- Quick access buttons and an OLED screen for easy controlling
We have another Q’nique long arm quilting machine, and this time it’s Q’nique 21. It has a pro version too. When it comes to precision stitching, there is hardly any sewing machine that can topple this one. The stitching quality is an absolute dream, totally unmatched.
The machine sews smoothly at a speed of 1800 SPM. It has a whopping 21 inches of throat space. The highest till now, so time for even larger blocks and patterns on the quilt.
The sewing machine has grip handles with quick access buttons at the front. The main functions can be set and controlled through the handlebars. You have a total of six quick access buttons on the two grip handles. Rotate the handles down and use them in a micro handle position. That way, you can get better control over the stippling and fine stitching.
Right at the front of the machine, you have the bright, full-colored OLED screen. All the functions, menus, and settings are shown on that small screen, and you can have easy navigating through it.
Give yourself a rest from bobbin winding with the auto bobbin winder. It is fast and hassle-free and stops winding the bobbin automatically when it’s full. Keep a hawkeye on your beautifully crafted quilts and the stitches you are making on it with all the built-in LED work lights.
Handi Quilter HQ 18″ Avante with 5ft Little Foot Frame
- 18-inch throat with 15-inch space
- 2200 stitches per minute
- 4-22 stitches per inch
- Two stitch regulation modes and four basting stitch options
- Manual mode with three presets
- Includes a 5 feet foot frame
From king size quilts to crib size, Handi Quilter HQ stitches quilts of every size with its 18-inch throat. The 18-inch throat provides a 15-inch space, which is perfect for versatile quilting. Large patterns and blocks to more precise work, the throat space works great in every which way.
The machine sews at a great speed of 2200 SPM and offers the option of 4-22 SPI. It comes with a 5 feet foot frame. Thus, no need to buy a separate frame for it. It’s a package.
You have two touch screens and two sets of handlebars both at the front and the back. All the quick access buttons to control the major functions of the sewing machine is right there on the handle grips. Thus under your fingertips. And the fully bright, colored touch screens allow you to navigate the rest of the settings and menus.
Other than that, you have all the basic stitching modes. The baste stitch, as well as the precision and cruise stitch regulation. You can use the manual mode and operate the machine and stitch a quilt at a constant speed. Even that has variation as the machine has three preset speeds in manual mode.
Check out what you are stitching without straining your eyes and keep track of your sewing activity, respectively, with the work lights and two stitch counters.
HQ Sweet Sixteen Long Arm w/ TruStitch Stitch Regulator
- 16-inch throat space and 8-inch vertical space
- 1800 stitches per minute
- 30”x36” table surface
- Color touchscreen for easy navigating
- Low-bobbin estimator with an alarm system
- Stitch regulation system and four basting stitch options
HQ Sweet Sixteen is a sit-down, long arm quilting machine. It comes with a 30” x36” table surface, and the machine is attached on top. You can comfortably sit in front of it and sew quilts for hours.
It has a 16 inches throat space and also an 8 inches vertical space. Sewing a king size quilt on this machine will be easier, no doubt. Control the speed, volume, stitch counters, and beyond with the color touchscreen.
The machine features a low-bobbin estimator. This estimator can measure the quantity of thread that is on the bobbin. There is an alarm system too. With the sound of the alarm, you automatically get to know that thread in the bobbin is about to run out.
It stitches at high-speed and about 1800 precision stitches per minute. You can try both precision and cruise mode to sew the quilt with its easy to use Trustitch Regulator. It ensures a choreographed stitch regulation by measuring the controller movements.
The machine offers you four basting stitch options too. Set your basting stitches to either every one or two seconds, even half or three-quarters of a second as well. You can continue sewing in the dark as it has a powerful light ring on it. The 28 LEDs in the ring keep the sewing surface bright and light.
Juki Kirei HZL-NX7 Computerized Long Arm Sewing and Quilting
- A sewing and quilting machine
- 12-inch space between the needle and body
- Allow free motion quilting
- 4×13.76 inches worktable
- Color touch panel
- No buttons, just touching the screen control settings
Juki Kirei HZL-NX7 has hardly any difference from a top-quality sewing and quilting machine. But its advanced functions have compelled us to include it in this eminent list of long arm quilting machines.
It is almost a regular sewing machine with a work table that does the quilting equally well. Perhaps better than any home sewing machine with a free arm. However, it is well equipped and full of advanced features.
The reason it is more of a home sewing machine is its space between the needle and the machine body. The 12-inch expanse is not even comparable to the famous long arm quilting machines with massive throat space between 18-24 inches. Yet, it slides inside this list with ease due to its vast functions.
The work table area has lights all over. So one can see the patterns, blocks, and stitches they are making on a quilt real clear. Handling the quilt also becomes easy. Though a king-size quilt might test your patience, even that is not impossible to sew with it.
Here you get decorative stitches, buttonhole styles, as well as alphanumeric fonts. Which confirms it’s a regular sewing machine. So, those of you who are still not ready to invest in pricey, heavy, bulky quilting machines, and want something less overpowering, then this is the best choice for you.
What We Need to Consider When Buying Long Arm Quilting Machines?
Buying a long arm quilting machine means a substantial investment. These are by characteristics, pricey. So following a buying guide becomes all the more important. But just blindly following a buying guide is not enough nor wise.
Make sure to do intensive research to determine what type of a long arm quilting machine you want and ask yourself whether you genuinely need the one you chose. Just like the review, we have tried to keep even the buying guide simple.
Here is a little tip from us. Do not judge a product with its complicated features. Treat those as bonuses. Judge and measure the standard features well, and you are not going to fail to choose the best.
Throat Space
The throat space is the prime aspect of a long arm quilting machine. The space between the needle and back decides whether it’s a mid-arm or a long arm machine. The long arm quilting machines we reviewed have a throat space between a minimum 15 to a maximum 26.
But the optimal range is 18 and above. Throat space less than 18 -inch might put it into a mid-arm quilting machine category. But those who are not ready to invest a huge amount or have a lack of space can definitely try the ones with less than 18-inch throat space we reviewed.
Some of these have features that even some typical long arm quilting machines don’t have. The lack of longer throat space is covered with those features, so it’s a win-win.
Stitches Per Minute
As we stated earlier, a long arm quilting machine saves time. Stitches per minute play a key role in completing a quilt within a couple of days. The motor power and the speed of the machine decide the number of stitches a machine is going to compose per minute. Try the long arm machines with a bigger figure when it comes to SPM. It will raise the price but will be worth it. 2500 to 3100 is your best bet.
Stitch Regulation
Stitch regulation is the most common and much-needed feature when it comes to a long arm quilting machine. Having manual mode is fine, but you do not use that mode much. A stitch regulator and its efficient control in the machine make the best of quilts. So, make sure the machine has stitch regulation and operates in both precision and cruise mode.
Sturdy
When it’s an investment and costs so much, it has to be sturdy and last for decades. Such machines are not something one buys every year. And the good news is that all the ones we reviewed are sturdy. Every part and frame is durable and made to last with high-quality materials. So, lasting for decades is guaranteed.
Size
Do not buy a quilting machine with a 26 inches throat space and a 12 feet Gallery2 frame just because you had the money and were impressed. You need proper space to set the machine up with the frame to use them to their true potential.
Quilting never happens in a congested space. Even if you easily could set up the quilt in your room, you need ample space around to move the quilt and yourself freely. An 18-inch throat space and 5ft frame can also work wonders if you do it correctly. So, first, measure the space you have and then choose the size of the machine.
Format
The long arm quilting machines are configured as two types of use- sit-down, and standing. If you are not comfortable standing and controlling the machine, then go with the quilting machines that are configured as sit-down use.
Also, they cost less than standing ones. But then to make quilts that are large and have intricate patterns, you will need standing types. These are much more efficient compared to the sit-down ones.
Easy Navigation And Control
A nice set of handlebars and touchscreen will make the navigation and control of the quilting machine easy. The best is to have handle grips both at the rear and back. Keeping the control under fingertips should be the prime motto of any high-quality long arm quilting machine. Otherwise, moving those and quilting will be hard.
Rich In Features And Accessories
Though we have emphasized SPM, throat space, frame, size, and suchlike, you need and get much more in a long arm quilting machine. Every feature and accessories matter when it comes to a quilting machine.
At the start of this buying guide, we asked to consider those as a bonus, but we also need to mention that they are the bonus features and accessories that you need just like you need a generous throat space. It can be the needle position, pack of needles, extra bobbin, software, anything. More features create the scope of vast creativity.
