FAQ on Long Arm Quilting
Quilting is a favorite pasttime of many Americans, but can also be time consuming. Individuals often find that designing the quilt is the most satisfying part of the process, while the actual sewing can be tedious. There are other options, such as the practice of long arm quilting.
Q: What is long arm quilting?
A: Long arm quilting is the process of using a long arm machine to sew together the layers of a quilt. It is a much faster way of manufacturing quilts than attaching the layers by hand.
Q: What is a long arm machine?
A: Typically used for industrial purposes, a long arm machine is a table of about 14 feet to which a large sewing machine is attached. Rolls to hold the fabric are also attached to the machine.
Q: Can individuals use a long arm quilting machine?
A: Individuals can take their quilts to a quilting business that uses long arm machines and pay to have the machine do the sewing for them. Fees vary, but are usually very reasonable.
Q: Is long arm quilting completely automated?
A: Long arm machines can either be computer controlled, eliminating the need for personnel operating the machine, or controlled by hand. A long arm machine that is operated by hand has handles and levers that a person can use to guide the sewing machine head.
Q: Can designs be done using long arm quilting?
A: Designs are placed under a clear plastic top on the table, which is then traced by the person operating the long arm machine. Most hand controlled machines come equipped with a laser so that the person can accurately follow the design.
Q: How many layers can a long arm quilting machine do?
A: Typically, long arm quilting involves sewing together the top of the quilt, the batting in the middle, and the back of the quilt.
Q: Are needle sizes the same as traditional sewing machines?
A: The sewing needles used in long arm quilting are different sizes because they are on an industrial size sewing machine.
Q: Can a long arm machine do custom work?
A: Yes, for a higher fee a custom design can be sewed. For example, a common custom design practice involves using different designs for each block in the quilt, giving a more personal look.
Q: Does long arm quilting allow for custom stitching?
A: Yes, long arm machines can do a number of different stitching patterns, such as stipple, meandering and outline.