Quilting with Q-matic: Must-Have Tools

April 17, 2025 sugaridoo

A new sewing machine asks for new ways of doing things. I have now been quilting with the Q-matic Longarm Quilting Automation System for about a year. Now, it’s time to share my favorite tools for quilting with Q-matic!

Must-Have Tools for Quilting with Q-matic

Snipper

My BERNINA 770 QE comes with a built-in thread cutter. The Q series does not have this feature since it’s a very different machine. So I need to have scissors or something else to cut thread close at hand.

In last year’s Sugaridoo Advent calendar, these snippers were one of the gifts. I love them! I now have one at my Q 24, the Q 16 and even one at my B 770 for when I’m chain piecing.

On the Q 24, I have a magnetic bracelet wrapped around one of the handles. This is a perfect place to store the snipper. Such a convenient addition to the machine, and it’s officially a favorite tool for me.

Cup Foot

A mistake I made the first time I was running the Q-matic was not paying attention to the sides of the quilt. I had the ruler foot on the machine, I had not basted the edge of the quilt top. And the foot got caught under the quilt top. Whoops! I could quickly stop the machine and continue quilting. But that quickly taught me to use a different foot for edge to edge quilting.

I started using the Adjustable Gliding Cup Foot #74 and have not had any trouble since. When a quilt top has a lot of seams on the outer edges, I use a basting stitch (BSR3) to secure the edge. But when it’s just a straight border on the outside of the quilt, using the Adjustbale Gliding Cup Foot #74 is enough to prevent the machine from getting stuck under the quilt top.

This foot is also great for quilting over applique. Quilting around raised or dimensional elements of your quilt is easier than ever with the help of the Adjustable Gliding Cup Foot #74. Smoothly glide over lifted or uneven edges of embellishments and appliqués. The transparent cup allows for clear sight lines to the needle and fabric, giving you more control over the creative process.

Snapper Clamps

We already discussed snippers; now, let’s talk about the Red Snapper Clamps. I tried to use pins to secure my backing to the leaders on the long arm. I really did give pins a try. But I just keep pricking myself with them.

I tend to use pins as little as possible while quilting. Pins and me, we just aren’t the best of friends.

So when I discovered red snappers, I was really curious. And it turns out to be an awesome system! You place a rod inside the seam of the leader. Then, you snap the backing fabric right into place by placing a snapper over the rod. No pricking myself anymore!