Machine quilting is quilting made with a sewing machine to sew rows or patterns using selected techniques to sew layers of fabric and wadding in the manner of old-style hand quilting. Some machines even replicate hand stitching, for example, Sashiko or quilting ordinary stitches. Keep in mind that while high-end machines are fantastic, you can machine quilts with just about any sewing machine. Generic moving feet are available for most sewing machines, as are their free-moving counterparts.
As the name suggests, long-arm quilting uses a long-arm quilting machine. These machines load the top, wadding and back into a metal frame, and sew all three layers at once. The machine head rolls up vertically and horizontally, allowing you to quilt while the fabric stays in place. Depending on the machine, the operation can be manual or executed by a computer, which can make designs automatically.
Demand for sewing machines that facilitate quilt machining has increased in recent years, so manufacturers have introduced new models to meet sewing wants and needs. I have used rubber fingertips for secretaries purchased from a local stationery store to gain grip before quilter gloves became popular, but I have also done without them. If quilting is what you do for a living, then you should sew the quilting machine and stop using other sewing machines. She would put her quilt on a large wooden frame in the front bedroom and women in her small area would come and hand quilt for months.
If you're going to do quilting on a regular basis, there are some features you should pay attention to that differentiate quilting from stitching. Decorative stitch quilting is a great way to add flavor and style to your quilt, especially when it comes to borders. The quilt ends up so beautiful and my husband and I have his award-winning quilt, Butterflies, gave it to us as a wedding gift. I have received a few requests or questions about using your standard sewing machine to quilt your quilt and thought I would help you by offering some links to get some useful tips and some quick tips on my own.
There are two basic types of machine quilting that can be easily achieved on most straight-line and free-moving sewing machines. All it takes is a little practice and a lot of curses muttering as you adjust the volume of the quilt on a small kitchen table. The machine has handles that allow the sewer to move the machine over the layers of the quilt with the wheels and “scribble any design under the sun”. This means that it is possible to use a sewing machine to make quilts, but there are quilting machines that are made specifically for that purpose.
This foot option works great for quilting, especially in straight lines, unlike normal stitching where it's not necessary or important. While a quilting machine is nothing more than a huge straight sewing machine on wheels, don't think for a moment that your creative possibilities are limited in any way. That giant opening allows quilters to easily handle even huge king-size quilts through the machine with ease.
