10 Best Long Arm Quilting Machines

Best Long-Arm Quilting Machines

Here are our long arm quilting machine reviews.

Instructions for Needle Replacement for your Quilting Sewing Machine

Make sure all of the screws and components are tight.

A lot of screws and mechanical components in your sewing machine loosen up over time. While your equipment may appear to be well-built, some components will require tightening over time. I recommend inspecting the screws every few months or whenever you clean the machine.

Tightening all of the components will ensure that the machine stays together and will also reduce noise.

Keep Your Machine Clean Often

Your sewing machine should come with an instruction manual, and you should read it carefully and follow all of the instructions. There will be a section on maintenance, and it will be a significant portion because it will cover advice not covered in this text.

You’ll need to clean your sewing machine, which will also prevent dust from building in the machine’s interior components. This will ensure that the internal workings are in the greatest possible shape.

To clean your Quilting Sewing Machine, follow these steps:

• Remove the plug. You should never clean a sewing machine that is plugged in because you risk harming yourself. You’ll want to clean out all of the small parts and components with a small lint brush. The smaller components, such as the presser foot, sewing plate, and needle, may need to be removed.
• Remove any lint and old thread from the machine if it exists. If there is thread stuck inside after removing the presser foot and bobbin, use the lint brush to remove it, or a small pair of tweezers to get the bits out.

People who use their sewing machine seldom may only need to clean it once every 6–12 months or after a few sewing tasks. If you’re a frequent seamstress like me, you’ll need to clean your machine more frequently — at the very least once a month. It is recommended that you clean it AT LEAST once a year.

Also, don’t try to wipe out stuck particles by blowing them into your machine. Many people believe that by blowing into the machine, they are truly assisting, but this is not the case. You will be introducing moisture to the machine when you breathe into it.

Instead, you should use a can of pressurized air to accomplish it properly. This is the most effective method. Compressed air is available at most large retail chains and computer stores. Make maintaining a clean machine a hobby.

Lubricate the machine

Moving parts produce friction, which causes heat to build up and eventually wear on your internal components. Even the best sewing machine needs to be properly lubricated to keep the heat to a minimum and prevent damage to the internal components.

You can find out which components need to be oiled in the instructions.

Some of the components that will require lubrication include:

• Bobbin casing with presser foot spring
• beneath the stitching plate
• If you can’t find your manual, look for a tutorial online or a YouTube video to assist you.

Select High-Quality Thread and Needles

Low-quality needles and thread are prone to breaking frequently, and when they do, they might damage your machine. The lower-end thread is frequently coated with a wax substance, which is designed for hand sewing rather than sewing with a sewing machine. If you use inexpensive needles and thread, you will not get the most out of your machine.

Choose high-quality needles and thread instead. These fabrics are more durable, have no coating, and produce fewer fibers in your machine.

Apart from these fundamental guidelines, there isn’t much else you can do to care for your sewing machine. However, there is one more thing you should keep in mind: fix your gadget as necessary.

Many people will notice that their sewing machine is malfunctioning. Perhaps they can hear grinding or hear a loud noise coming from the motor. It will be in the best functioning condition if you take it to a technician.

Have it serviced on a regular basis

Even the best quilting sewing machine needs to be maintained once a year. If you own a business, this happens more frequently.

Quilting machines, like sewing machines, feature numerous moving parts. Lubrication is required for moving parts, but it is not an easy task to complete on your own. To keep computerized quilting machines in top operating order, technicians are trained to maintain and service them.

The technician will do the following when you bring your quilting sewing machine in for service:

• All major components’ covers should be removed.
• Remove any lint, dust, or oil.
• Take up the lever and remove the threads from the handwheel.
• Lint should be removed from the top tension disks.
• If it’s an older machine, check the motor brushes.
• Examine the machine’s timing or motor belt for tightness and regions of excessive wear.
• Look for evidence of wear and tear on the bearings.
• Check the shafts to make sure they’re secure.
• Loose gears should be tightened.
• Take a look at the bobbin winder.
• Feed dog alignment and height should be checked.
• Lubricate the machine’s working parts.
• Check to see if the needle is centered.
• Adjust the tension in the bobbin case.
• Time the feed dog and machine needle movements.
• Clean the bobbin case of lint.

Long Arm Quilting Machine Buyer’s Guide

When selecting a long arm sewing machine, budget must be considered.  Long arm sewing machines are available for under $1000, but they will not be as versatile for quilting as more expensive machines.  Some of the higher end machines include control handles for precise movement of the needle while free quilting.  This is especially helpful for techniques such as applique and finishing quilts. However, presser feet which are easy to pivot can also give a similar level of control for a lower price.  Machines with handles also often include control buttons on the handles to allow for even more flexibility when sewing.

The key feature to look for in a long arm quilting machine is the work space available.  The purpose of a longer arm is to provide more throat space to prevent bunching of fabric while working on quilting projects. Many long arm machines also include an extension table or can easily be attached to one. These features allow for smooth feeding of quilts for the most accurate results.

Most long arm quilting machines come with frames already included.  The quilter can often choose what size of frame would be appropriate for their project.  Many models, especially those from Brother, Singer, Juki, and Janome, can also attach to a variety of frames for added versatility when making different sizes of quilts. Most long arm sewing machines can be used from a seated position, but some are easier to use while standing.

Another feature to consider when selecting a long arm sewing machine is the type of presser foot included.  Some machines include more than one presser foot, which leads to more versatility. A walking presser foot can be a valuable feature because it allows the presser foot to work in coordination with the feed dog system to smoothly move even a thick quilt through the sewing machine without bunching or gathering.

Recommended Reading: Best Mid-Arm Quilting Machines and Best Quilting Books.