New and Used Longarm Quilting Machines FAQ's
Aug. 04, 2025
New and Used Longarm Quilting Machines FAQ's
New and Used Longarm Quilting Machines FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions... and Answers
How big does my room need to be?We would recommend having a minimum of about 8 feet in width for most models. We recommend as a minimum to have two feet longer than the stand length. This will allow a person to be able to access the back of the stand from one end if placed close to a wall on the other end. We would recommend having a minimum of about 8 feet in width for most models. As for width, since long-arm models can be operated from both the front and back of the machine, your room should be wide enough to allow you to comfortably work from either side of the stand. If your room is not wide enough, you could add our optional castors to the stand legs, allowing you to re-position the stand closer to one wall or the other, depending on which side of the machine you're using. Can you make a custom size frame to fit my room?
Yes, stands may be ordered in any increment from 6' to 12' at no additional charge. Longer stands up to 14' may be ordered at an additional charge. Of course, the shorter the stand, the smaller the maximum size of the quilt you can complete on it. We would not suggest going any shorter than 10' in length, unless you plan to do only baby quilts or wall-hangings. How do I know which model best suits my needs?
Our experienced sales team will help you determine what is the right machine for your style and business needs. We consider the throat space on each model to determine the capacity for piece size, batting thickness, and pattern width. Since Innova offers four long-arm sizes, there's a machine to fit every need and budget. If you're planning to machine quilt as a business or for computerized quilting, we would recommend either the 26-10 or 30-12 throat space machine. The 26" by 10" throat space is large enough to handle any quilt a client might ask you to do. The larger 30" by 12" throat would be better suited to the quilter who also does bedspreads (which are larger than quilts and use thicker batting), the quilter who prefers wider patterns and a larger work area, or the quilter who simply wants to roll up the fabric less often.
The smallest long-arm, the 18' by 10", is generally sufficient for the person who's just quilting for family and friends, or doing limited business. (A king-size quilt can be done on the 18-10 if thin batting is used.) However, if quilting as a business, you would encounter some limitations with this model with regard to pattern width, piece size and batting thickness, due to its smaller 18" by 10" throat space.
The largest long-arm model the 36' by 14" is designed for the large decorator workroom doing mass production bedspreads (channel, outline or simple pantograph) or computerized quilting. The extra large 36-14 throat is larger than someone making quilts would need or want for doing the intricate hand guided patterns usually desired on quilts. Do you have a trade-in program?
Yes. If a customer purchases a new machine and is ready to trade up to a larger model within or at one year of ownership, we will offer 75% of the purchase price back as a trade-in allowance (assuming the machine and stand are in good condition). The percentage we can offer as a trade-in allowance will decrease with additional years of ownership. We are also happy to take trade-ins on machines that are not Innovas. Please call for an estimate. If you would like to tell us more about your machine, and request a trade-in value, click here. Do you sell used machines?
We have used machines available of various ages. We also accept trade-ins on used machines that we offer for sale. We often times have a waiting list for specific brands and models. Contact us with the make and model of used machine that you are interested in and we very well might have one available to you at a good price and in a reasonable time frame. Click here to see used machines.
Do you offer financing?
We offer in-house financing through an equipment leasing company called Red Thread Financial Group that works closely with us. We also work with Green Sky Financial Group, and ADIA Capital, LLC. To read more about these companies, click here.
Our customers often also obtain financing through their bank or credit union. To facilitate financing, we can provide you a proforma invoice or proposal listing what charges would be if you were to purchase a specific model. With one of these proposals there is no obligation to purchase. You will need to activate the proforma to place an actual order. You or your bank might wish to see this type of official document from us listing model, options and pricing for the machine you're interested in purchasing. We can also sell through a leasing company of your choice, if you prefer.
We accept Visa and Master Card for charges up to $1,000. This will allow you to make a deposit on any machine while you arrange the balance of your financing. Does the Innova machine have any patented features?
Innova is constantly improving their machines and many of the features are patented, such as the Lightning Stitch regulator and the Auto Pilot software. Here are a few of the latest patents: Method, apparatus, and computer-readable medium for stitching; Quilted pattern input digitizing frame; System and capturing thread from an entraining air flow; Method and visualizing the position of an operating head relative to a workpiece. How can you offer personal delivery, set-up and training, instead of just shipping by truck line like most other manufacturers?
We offer these personal services because you will benefit from our worry free delivery, trouble-free set-up, and the convenience of personalized on-site training. We set up the machine and stand for you and provide instruction on the basic operation of the machine. To supplement the training we provide upon delivery, we invite you to come to our studio for BASIC Training either before or shortly after your set-up is complete. We also offer an Intermediate longarm quilting class. Although INNOVA offers excellent instructional tutorials for reference, we find that nothing beats hands-on training when first getting started. How much money can I make machine quilting?
The amount of money a person can make machine quilting will vary due to their location, the type of work clients are willing to pay for, and how many hours a machine quilter can devote to their business.
Our customers tell us consistently they are booked ahead weeks or even months with orders. Quilting in general has steadily increased in popularity over the years -- and continues to do so as more folks decorate with quilts and pursue quilting as a hobby. So, the more pieced tops done, the more there are to be machine quilted! In addition, machine quilters are not restricted to just their own geographic area for their client base. Many people are willing to send their quilt tops great distances to be quilted due to a certain machine quilter's reputation for creative work, the lack of machine quilters in their area or too long a waiting period.
With regard to how much to charge, overall pantograph patterns take less time to complete than custom work so should cost less to have done. Clients are expected to pay considerably more for custom work because it demands more skill, employs various techniques and requires a greater number of stitches for intricate patterns and complex designs. Other factors, such as who provides materials (batting, lining, thread, patterns) are important to consider when setting prices.
Many machine quilters rely on machine quilting as their primary source of income. We have numerous customers who've left professions to stay at home for one reason or another, yet still needed to generate some degree of income. As a cottage industry, machine quilting is an ideal pursuit to allow someone to "be their own boss", and take on as much or as little workload as they want to stay busy. If another brand machine is more expensive than yours, does that mean it is better quality?
We believe that our machine is the best quality and value on the market. There are other brand machines priced higher than ours that do not match ours in quality of materials, workmanship and features. Because our Quilting System is familiar with almost every brand available, we can state with confidence that higher price does not equate to better quality. We would strongly encourage anyone shopping for a quilting machine to try out the various brands before making a decision. If my machine ever needs service, where do I take it?
We offer toll-free technical support seven days a week, twenty four hours a day. Part of the training we provide with personal delivery is on the maintenance of the machine, and our machines come with an easy-to-follow Technician's Service Manual. If you were ever to encounter a service issue we can’t address by , we would ask you to bring or ship the head to our service center or to an Authorized INNOVA service center. There are very few occasions when the head would need to be removed from the stand, with the patented rotating head it is easy to remove the head from the stand. The Michigan Store Our primary service area is the Midwestern states of Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Michigan, and in the south, Alabama and Mississippi. Due to our outstanding service we are often called upon by people in lots of other locations. Our techs are on the road all week long servicing those customers.
Call us toll free to find out where best to have your machine serviced Call 866-556-. We have three locations: St. Joseph, Michigan, Indianapolis, Indiana and Goodlettsville, Tennessee -- just outside of Nashville.
Depending upon what type of service you need, we may have to send a tech out, have you meet us in one of our stores or even walk you through simple repairs right in your home. We have numerous tech tutorials that will help you as you work with a technician on the . Again, call 866-556- to see where best to have service done. Is the weight of the machine an issue I should care about?
Not in our estimation. Our best-selling long-arm heads weigh from 45 to 68 pounds. Although there are machines on the market that weigh less than ours, we consider our machines the proper weight to give the operator the stability needed when the machine is moved to the widest point on the carriage -- without having to use an awkwardly designed track system in an effort to provide more stability. With incomparably smooth INNOVA’s wheel and track system, an operator can guide an INNOVA machine with only two fingers. What is a stitch regulator and how is the Innova different than others on the market?
A stitch regulator is a device that gives the operator a consistently even stitch length regardless of his or her skill level -- essentially reducing the learning curve for someone who is brand new to machine quilting. On a conventional hand-guided machine, the operator must learn to move the machine in a fluid, consistent motion to get even stitch length. While this is something anyone can achieve with varying degrees of practice, a stitch regulator allows more professional work to be done with less experience. Even seasoned machine quilters find a stitch regulator beneficial, particularly for handling patterns and designs with points and for quickly stitching in the ditch.
A stitch regulator is a built-in feature on the Innova line of machines. Why would I want a 14' stand instead of a 12'?
A king-size quilt can be completed on a 12' stand. A 14' stand would be needed to complete a king-size bedspread, due to its larger size.
Why do machine manufacturers' warranties seem to vary so greatly?
We encourage you to request a written copy of the manufacturer's warranty before making any purchase. Our warranty is five years against mechanical or electrical defect, with five years free in-shop service (when you return your machine to us).
Why is our web site stocked full of articles and not just sales pitches to buy our machines and service?
Longarm Quilting Machine Maintenance Tips
Tips for Keeping Your Machine in Top Working Order
You have invested in your longarm quilter, it's set up and ready to go. You've watched the You tube videos maybe taking a few classes... what next. While you launch yourself into quilting that backlog of tops you have set aside there is a very very important step to not skip... regular care and maintenance!
Glory Tang Machinery supply professional and honest service.
Longarm quilting machines are invaluable and large investment tools for quilters, enabling the creation of intricate designs and beautiful patterns with precision and speed. However, like any piece of machinery, they require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Neglecting maintenance can lead to decreased stitching quality, mechanical issues, and costly repairs. In this guide, we'll explore essential tips for maintaining your longarm quilting machine to keep it running smoothly and efficiently.
- Clean and Oil Regularly: One of the most crucial aspects of longarm quilting machine maintenance is regular cleaning and oiling. Dust, lint, and thread residue can accumulate in various parts of the machine, leading to jamming and decreased performance. After each quilting session, take the time to clean the bobbin area, tension discs, and thread path with a small brush or lint roller. Additionally, oiling the moving parts of the machine according to the manufacturer's recommendations will ensure smooth operation and prevent excessive wear and tear. Check with your local longarm retailer or where you purchased your machine on cleaning and oiling details for your specific machine. We work specifically with handiquilter so an overall clean is suggested every 2 years or 10 million stitches (whichever comes first). Set up a reminder and ensure you book your beloved longarm in for that spa treatment. Either bring to your local retailer or make an appointment with them. This required maintenance is needed to clean, de-lint and lubicate the inner parts of your machine.
- Check Tension and Alignment: Proper tension and alignment are essential for achieving even and consistent stitches. Periodically check the tension settings on your longarm quilting machine, including both the upper and lower tension mechanisms. Make adjustments as needed to achieve balanced tension for different types of fabrics and threads. Additionally, ensure that the needle and bobbin are aligned correctly to prevent skipped stitches and thread breakage.
- Inspect Needles and Bobbins: Faulty needles and worn-out bobbins can cause stitching problems and damage to your quilt top. Inspect the needles regularly for signs of dullness, bending, or burrs, and replace them as needed. Similarly, monitor the condition of your bobbins, ensuring they are free from nicks and scratches that could affect thread tension and stitch quality. Using high-quality needles and bobbins specifically designed for longarm quilting machines can help prevent issues and prolong the life of your machine. Change that needle regularly – I personally start every new project with a new needle!
- Maintain Proper Thread Tension: Achieving the correct thread tension is critical for producing professional-quality quilts. Experiment with different tension settings to find the optimal balance for your machine, thread, and fabric combination. Keep in mind that tension may need to be adjusted periodically, especially when switching between different thread weights or fabric types. Additionally, be mindful of thread path obstructions or snags that could affect tension and adjust accordingly. At the Studio we train that you check the bobbin tension every time you change the bobbin. Ensure that the thread is embedding in the middle of your quilt sandwich!
Quick tip: I use bottled air and give my bobbin holder and area a quick clean up each time I change my bobbin during a quilt session. Lint builds up even with quality threads!
- Keep Track of Wear and Tear: As with any mechanical device, longarm quilting machines will inevitably experience wear and tear over time. Keep a close eye on the condition of key components such as belts, gears, and pulleys, and replace them if signs of wear or damage are present. Regularly inspecting and servicing your machine can help identify potential issues early on and prevent costly repairs down the line.
- Follow Manufacturer's Guidelines: Finally, always refer to the manufacturer's guidelines and recommendations for maintenance and troubleshooting. Every longarm quilting machine is unique, and following the manufacturer's instructions will help ensure proper care and operation. Additionally, consider attending training workshops or seeking guidance from experienced quilters to learn best practices for maintaining your specific machine model. Check with your local retailer for there classes and workshops… at the Studio we offer “Ask the Expert” sessions for quilters to receive specific answers to their specific needs.
Another valuable tip: Use a qualified technician on your longarm machine! Don’t be shy ensure that your technician has serviced many machines successfully with a solid track record. Inspect what you expect … taking a weekend course does not make a certified technician – years of experience and training is what you are looking for. Reach out to an official retailer of your machine brand for recommendations on a service technician in your area.
Are you interested in learning more about High Efficiency Quilting Machine? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!
By following these essential maintenance tips, you can keep your longarm quilting machine in top working order and enjoy years of trouble-free quilting. Regular cleaning, oiling, and inspection, along with proper tension adjustment and component replacement, will help ensure smooth operation and high-quality stitching. Remember to consult your machine's manual and seek assistance when needed to address any issues promptly. With proper care and maintenance, your longarm quilting machine will continue to be a reliable tool for bringing your creative quilting projects to life.
Happy Quilting!
Thread the Needle Quilt Studio is an official retailer of Handi Quilter and we provided certified and qualified technician support to all Handi Quilter Machines. Give us a shout or drop line if you have any questions!
For more information, please visit Continuous Quilting Machine.
37
0
0
Comments
All Comments (0)