Quilting has a long and colorful history throughout the world. The craft of quilting has had many purposes. Originally, it may have been used as a form of clothing repair. It was also a method to reinforce clothing or to add padding to protective or outer gear. The use of quilts for bedding began with the need for warm blankets and to utilize scraps of material left over from making clothing.
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Quilting has become a form of artwork that has an aesthetic as well as a utilitarian purpose. Quilters have chosen designs that have special meanings or have selected materials and patterns that are pleasing to the eye. During the days of the civil war, people would design special features into their quilts that would help to direct people on the Underground Railroad when the quilts were hung outside on the clothesline. People would also design quilts that told stories or showed geographic locations of importance. Today, people sell quilts to make a profit or display quilts for enjoyment purposes.
Quilt making can be done in a number of ways. Before sewing machines were invented, quilts tops were hand stitched. This method is still used today but it is very time consuming. Some quilting uses a method called appliqué, which places smaller pieces of material on top of larger pieces and sewing them down. Another quilting method sews many smaller pieces of material adjacent to each other using seams. No matter which method of quilting is used, the quilt face then gets layered with quilt padding and a back. Some quilts connect these layers by tying them together using strong thread or yarn. Other quilts connect these layers by sewing lines through all the layers. These lines can be straight or they can form a beautiful pattern of their own.
There have been vast improvements during recent years in sewing and quilting machines. A relatively new type of quilting machine is a long arm quilting machine designed to improve the support of the fabric while sewing. These machines come in various styles and include a number of features to enhance the quality of your quilts.
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Top 5 Long Arm Quilting Machines in 2023
JUKI TL-2000Qi Long Arm Quilting Machine Review
The JUKI TL-2000Qi Sewing and Quilting Machine is a very good quality machine produced with lightweight die-cast aluminum. One of the features of this machine is advanced thread trimming which allows for trimming the top and bottom threads with a foot control or a hand button. This machine is also designed with a microcomputer that controls the speed at which different thicknesses of fabric are stitched, allowing for more accuracy while sewing. The needle automatically threads so you can continue your work more quickly.
Special features:
- Lightweight, durable die-cast aluminum
- Advanced thread trimming
- Pressure adjusted presser foot
- Tension scale for thread
- Microcomputer thread control
- Knee lift lever
- Needle up/down control
- Automatic needle threading
- Feed dog controller
- Even feed foot and quilting foot included
SINGER 7469Q Confidence Quilter Review
The 7469Q Confidence Quilter is built by Singer for the beginner and the advanced quilter. This machine features a drop and sew bobbin feature that allows you to begin sewing without first raising the bobbin thread. This machine also comes with a twin needle option for enhanced detail work. The amazing 98 stitch patterns allow your creativity to flow.
Special features:
- Drop and sew bobbin threading
- 98 programmable stitches
- Electronic selection buttons
- Bright LED lights
- 6 automatic one-step button holes
- Programmable needle up/down control
- 13 needle positions
- Electronic twin needle adjuster
- Extra high presser foot lifter
- Automatic tie-off function
- Soft-sided storage cover
- 25 year limited warranty
Grace Q’Nique 15R Quilting Machine Review
The Grace Q’Nique 15R Quilting Machine has a wide range of useful functions for quilting. One of those features is a 15-inch throat space to accommodate large quilts. This adds more reliability while joining patchwork pieces together. This sewing machine also comes with an intuitive navigation system with the Sewing Consultant. It features online tutorials and onscreen support.
Special features:
- 15-inch throat space
- Compatible with Quilter’s Creative Touch Software
- Regulated Stitching
- Semi-automatic threading
- Automatic thread cutting
- Stitch regulator foot
- Adaptive thread tension
- Extra large bobbin
- Programmable stitch memory
Handi Quilter Sweet Sixteen Quilting Machine Review
The Handi Quilter Sweet Sixteen Long Arm Quilting Machine has a TruStitch regulation system to make accurate and even stitches. This machine features a unique colored touch screen to help you control your sewing speed.
This powerful machine handles free-motion quilting with easy set tension. The low-bobbin alarm lets you know when bobbin thread is getting low.
Special features:
- Touch screen controls
- Low-bobbin estimator and alarm
- Easy-set tension
- Handi Feet mount
- Bright LED light ring
- Project timer and quilting alarm
- Extra large bobbin
- Four language options
- Built-in diagnostics
- 10 year casting warranty
- 5 year electrical and mechanical warranty
- Intro DVD
Juki TL-2200QVP-S Sit Down Quilting Machine Review
The Juki TL-2200QVP-S Long Arm Quilting Machine is perfect for someone who cannot stand for long periods of time or are confined to a wheel chair. It is designed so you can use it while sitting down. It has a large, adjustable table that can reach up to 50 inches wide with the optional leafs. The laser point guide helps keep your stitching even while the automatic under-bed thread trimmers with foot control will help control your extra thread. Other sewing machines can be used on the frame that is included with this machine.
Special Features:
- Built-in basting
- Automatic under-bed thread trimmers with foot control
- Big M bobbins
- Laser point guide
- Direct drive motor
- Dry head limited oiling
- Auxiliary head wheel
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