Introduction to the World of Longarming

Have you ever heard the term longarming thrown around without knowing fully what all the fuss was about?  Allow me and Buster to introduce you to the marvelous world of longarming, where you can conquer mountains of quilt tops with ease and precision. Longarming is like flying through the sewing galaxy with a trusty sidekick by your side, and in this case, that sidekick is none other than the BERNINA Q Series longarm machine. Let’s unravel this sewing superhero’s powers and why it’s the ultimate choice for your stitching adventures!

Hello Everyone! I’m Justin and the Pup is Buster from Keaton Quilts. You can connect with us on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook where I share sewing tips, projects, reviews, and quilting ideas.

What Is Longarming?

So, what exactly is longarming? Well, imagine a sewing machine on steroids, ready to tackle those extra-large projects like a superhero tackling a towering pile of laundry. Longarming involves using a specialized machine with an extended arm – usually with on average about 16 inches to 24 inches of throat space. It allows you to effortlessly stitch and quilt large fabric & batting sandwiches without wrestling them through the limited space of a regular sewing machine. There are 2 main types of longarms: sit-down and on-frame. The machine is pretty much the same for both, but it’s what you choose to place it on that makes the difference. 

For sit down, the machine stays stationary while sitting in a table. You move the fabric through the large throat space to quilt. You can tackle any size quilt without worrying you won’t have room. It’s great for small spaces or people who prefer not to stand for long periods. 

For on-frame, the machine sits on a carriage attached to a large frame that you (or a computer) moves while the fabric stays steady.  It’s like having a magic wand that effortlessly glides over a quilt sandwich, bringing your creations to life! It’s great for tackling ANY size project. This is my preferred setup.

Now, why should you choose the BERNINA Q Series for your longarming escapades? Picture this: you’re on a quest to quilt the most incredible quilt top known to mankind. The Q Series, with its BERNINA finesse and charm, will be your trusty companion throughout this journey. It offers a plethora of features that make longarming a breeze.

First and foremost, the Q Series brings you the power of speed. Just like the Flash racing through the city, the BERNINA Q Series will have you stitching at lightning-fast speeds, making short work of those large projects. Who said sewing had to be slow and tedious? With the Q Series, you’ll be zipping through fabric faster than a sewing machine on espresso!

But wait, there’s more! The Q Series is equipped with stitch regulation, a magical feature that ensures your stitches remain consistent and beautiful, no matter how fast or slow you sew. It also has digitally controlled top thread tension that allows you to make adjustments with the touch of a button. No manually adjusting knobs and hoping for the best. With its ease of use, you almost feel like an invisible sewing fairy is sitting on your shoulder, guiding your every stitch with precision and grace. It also uses regular machine needles which makes things so easy! You can share needles with its standard domestic friend that you use to piece your quilt tops.

Now, let’s talk about the size of the Q Series. With its spacious 16 to 24 inches of throat space, you’ll have room to maneuver and spread out your fabric like a boss. It’s like having your very own sewing universe, where you can let your creativity run wild without any limitations. Who needs a tiny sewing space when you can have an entire galaxy at your fingertips?

The Q Series also offers a variety of quilting accessories that will make your longarming experience even more enjoyable. From handy rulers that help you achieve intricate designs to cleverly designed feet that make quilting a breeze, these accessories will be your sewing sidekicks, always there to save the day when you need them most. My favorite accessory is the BERNINA Q-matic Longarm Quilting Automation System computer with its ability to stitch out designs for you. If you can dream it, Q-matic can stitch it.

So, my dear sewing superheroes, if you’re ready to soar through the sewing skies and conquer the world of longarming, the BERNINA Q Series is your ultimate sewing sidekick. With its superpowers of speed, stitch regulation, spaciousness, standard needle compatibility, digital tension adjustment and so many more – it’s the perfect choice to bring your quilting dreams to life. Just look at my first try at a custom longarmed quilt below!