Finding the Perfect Longarm: What to Know Before You Buy

So, you’re thinking about getting a longarm. That’s so fun! But, there are so many styles out there. Which one is right for you? The BERNINA Q Series has a broad range to fit all quilters’ preferences. Figuring out which style suits your needs can be fun, too, by answering a series of questions. Let’s get started!

Question 1: Have You Tried Free-motion Quilting on a Domestic Sewing Machine?

Free-motion on a domestic sewing machine can be challenging for many reasons; the first of which is trying to match the speed of pushing the fabric around to how much you accelerate the foot pedal. And if you are trying to draw at the same time, it can quickly turn into a study of coordination! And that’s where most people quit their free-motion journey. But with a BERNINA Longarm, you no longer need to worry about the speed because the BERNINA Stitch Regulators (BSR) will rev and slow the motor to match your movement. That frees you up to concentrate on drawing. So, have you tried it?

1. Yes, I have tried it and I like it, but having a Stitch Regulator would be helpful.
   • This means you’re still open to a table model or a frame.
2. Yes, I have tried it and I don’t like it, but having automation would be great.
   • This means you’re headed toward a frame.
3. No, I have not tried it.
   • This means you need to try both out to see which feels more intuitive to you.

Question 2: Would You Like to Move the Fabric or Push the Machine Around?

The cool thing is that the same muscles accomplish either task. So, even if you have practiced on a domestic machine or drawn on a piece of paper, you have already trained the correct muscles to create stitching designs. If you prefer to move the fabric, then we have narrowed your choice to one of the table models. If you prefer to move the machine, there are a number of frame models from which to choose.

1. I would like to move the fabric around like I do on my domestic sewing machine.
   • You are headed for a table model with a Q 16, Q 16 PLUS, or Q 20.
2. I would like to move the machine around.
   • You are headed for a Hoop Frame, a Studio Frame, or a Professional Frame.

Question 3: How Much Space Do You Have?

Many people will say that they don’t have room for a longarm. But look around. You might be surprised to see that a table model doesn’t take up that much room or that a little rearranging clears the way for a frame model. All three of the table models have a footprint of about 1 yard of fabric (approximately 44″ wide by 36″ deep). If you have a little extra room, the hydraulic tables (either the Horn Lift or BERNINA Lift table) have extra wings that fold up for even more table space. And because these tables can raise to standing height, they can double as a cutting table when not used for quilting.

1. I don’t have a lot of room; maybe 5 feet max.
   • You can choose from the table models or the Hoop Frame.
2. I don’t have a lot of room, but I definitely want to move the machine around.
   • Ding Ding! The Hoop Frame is your solution!
3. I don’t have a lot of room but maybe I can get rid of the cutting table and use a table model.
   • Hooray! You can get either the Horn Lift table or the BERNINA Lift table.

If you have a little more room, then there are frames that range from 5 feet to 13 feet. The new Hoop Frame has a smaller footprint (5 feet by 36″) and the ability to quilt on any size by pushing the machine around, which can be easier on your shoulders. It also accommodates rulerwork, pantographs, and quilting in a seated position.

Moving up the line, the Studio Frame is a 10-foot standing frame. A standing frame means that you will baste the quilt sandwich on the frame and do not need to pre-baste it on the floor or kitchen table. The Studio Frame accommodates quilts up to 104″ wide. Next is the Professional Frame, though you do not need to be a professional to use one. It simply means that the bars that make up the machine are solid lengths and very sturdy. The Pro Frame comes in three sizes from 9 feet to 13 feet, but the cost of each is the same. So, get the biggest frame that your space allows, and you won’t be limited by quilt sizes.

1. I don’t have a lot of space, but I like to make big quilts.
   • Looks like you’re getting the Hoop Frame!
2. I have a spare bedroom and do Twins and Queen sizes. Nothing Bigger.
   • You’re getting closer to your answer. You can do either the 10-foot Studio Frame or the 9-foot Professional Frame.
3. I have the room. I want to do this as a business and don’t want to turn anyone away.
   • Alrighty, then! Looks like you’re headed for a Professional Frame.

Question 4: How Big of a Machine Would You Like?

If you are looking at a table model, you can choose between a Q 16, Q 16 PLUS, or Q 20. The name of the machine indicates the depth of the throat space (a Q 16 is 16″ from needle to back of throat space and a Q 20 is 20″). While sitting at a table model, the difference is simply more room to move fabric around. The Hoop Frame will accommodate a Q 16 or Q 16 PLUS. The Studio Frame accommodates both Q 16 models and the Q 20. The Professional Frame suits either the Q 20 or Q 24. Keep in mind that on a frame model, one of the bars uses up some of the throat space. That means that a bigger machine will allow greater flexibility in the types of designs you can quilt.

1. I am budget-conscious, and I will never do automation.
   • That’s good to know! You can get a Q 16 and save some money. Just tell us if we are sending you a table, Hoop Frame, or Studio Frame.
2. I want a table model, but I want the most space possible to do the size of quilts I want to do.
   • Fantastic! You are set for a Q 20. Just tell us which table to send.
3. Go Big or go home!
   • Oh! Sounds like a Q 24 on a Professional Frame is where you’re headed. Great!

The Q 16 does not have the ability to perform automation or pantographs, but will easily do free-motion on any table, Hoop Frame, or Studio Frame. If you would like to have Q-matic (BERNINA’s automation software) or do Pantograph, then you will at least need a Q 16 PLUS, but a Q 20 and Q 24 also perform these functions.

1. Yes, I definitely want to do Pantographs or use Q-matic.
   • We know we can eliminate the Q 16 then. We just need to figure out which of the other options suit you best.
2. No, I do not want to do Pantographs or use Q-matic, but I want a deeper throat space.
   • The biggest machine is the Q 24, but a Q 20 still has a substantial depth.

Question 5: Where Are You Now and Where Will You Be in the Future?

Because the Q Series machines are essentially the same machine with different arm lengths, they can grow with you. Maybe you only have room for a sit-down model now, but eventually the dream is to have a frame. Then, purchase a Q 20 on a table and, in time, you will be able to move it to a frame. Or maybe you want a frame now, but will downsize in the future. You can easily move the Sewhead off the frame and onto a table. Here’s a hint: The Q 20 is the most flexible size because it will fit on any table and both the Studio and Professional frames.

1. Right now, I have room for a table, but my dream is to have a frame.
   • Then I recommend the Q 20. It’s the most flexible and will fit any apparatus except the Hoop Frame. It can grow with you.
2. I know I will downsize at some point, but I really don’t want to push the fabric around.
   • I hear ya! You can get a Q 16 on a Studio Frame and downsize to a Hoop Frame when the time comes.
3. I know I will downsize, and I don’t mind pushing the fabric around.
   • Good! You can get a Q 20 on a Studio or a Professional Frame and downsize to a table in the future.

Last Question: Would You Like to Have Automation (Q-matic)?

If you are leaning toward a frame, do you want to do the free-motion yourself or would you like automation to take over and stitch out the quilt for you? If automation is your dream, Q-matic can be added to the Studio Frame or the Professional Frame at any time. And, you can still have the freedom to do free-motion or rulerwork.

1. Yes! I definitely want to let the machine stitch out my quilts for me.
   • I would recommend either the Q 20 or the Q 24. A Q 16 PLUS will work also, but you will be limited by the designs you can stitch out.

Conclusion

I hope that these questions have helped you narrow down which longarm will help you accomplish all the wonderful projects that you would like to share with your loved ones. To learn more specifics about the BERNINA Q Series and to give each model a test drive, contact your local BERNINA Dealer today!