With so many different types of innovative sewing machines available on the market these days, it might get difficult to choose the right machine for the right purpose.
We understand the reasons and therefore, have always tried to give you the detailed information about each of the sewing machines and its types.
Best Long Arm Sewing Machines Known To the Market
In the blog below, we talk about some of the best long arm sewing machines available on the market. Right from its perks, drawbacks, to what are these machines and how they function at first place, we discuss each and every aspect that will give you the insights of long arm sewing machines.
We also talk in brief about each of the sewing machines along with its specifications. Our detailed review will help you choose the right sewing machine that suits the needs of the quilters.
So before we jump on to conclusions, let us understand what are these machines exactly and for what purpose they are used.
What is a Long Arm Sewing Machine?
A massively-sized sewing machine used to stitch a quilt top or other few quilting processes to acquire a finished quilt is called a long-arm sewing machine.
In most cases, the size of the long arm quilting machine can be found anywhere around 10 feet high and 14 feet long.
This kind of machines is generally used in the industries where one desires to get lightning-quick results.
Long arm sewing machines are faster than any other traditional regular-sized sewing machines when it comes to getting the quilting jobs done in a jiffy.
However, their massive size and weight restrict the home users and small-scale industrialists to install them for personal use.
Its time-saving properties are what makes it a popular kind of long arm quilting machines, at least amongst the heavy and serious quilters.
Pros of Working on a Long Arm Quilting Machine
Every machine has its own set of pros and cons. These machines are no different. The fact that these type of machines are not popular amongst regular seamstresses is because of the lesser use in the general household projects.
However, it does boast a lot of positive factors that attract serious quilters towards it.
- Fast & Efficient
- Ability to Deal With Any Quilting Process With Ease
- Ultimate Workhorse
- Can Handle Almost All Fabrics Thrown At It
Cons of Working on a Long Arm Sewing Machine
These type of machines are only made to work efficiently in the industries. That is more than understandable by looking at the size and the weight of the machine.
Therefore, it is strictly not advisable to get a long arm machine for the home user.
Here are some of the drawbacks of working on this kind of quilting machines.
- Can Burn A Huge Hole In The Wallet
- Heavyweight & Not Portable
- Huge & Lengthy in Size
- Not at all Versatile
Best Long Arm Sewing Machine Detailed Reviews
In the space below, we discuss some of the best long arm machines found on the market. We shed light on how each of them is different from each other.
Apart from that, we focus on the price at which they are offered and how true they stand for their price.
This detailed information will let you review the pros and cons, and help you to choose the best machine that suits your needs.
1. Juki TL-2010 Q 9’’ Long Arm Quilting Machine
It is one of those machines that are efficient and garner praises from whoever that gets a hand on it. The best trait of Juki TL-2010 Q is its ability to deal with intricate and stubborn fabrics with utmost ease.
The end results are above par and are said to give one of the best stitch quality in its class.
Any project thrown at it is completed effortlessly. It is one of the fastest quilting machines on the market.
It is safe to call it a complete workhorse with the ability to deal with the thickest fabrics with utmost ease.
Technical Traits
TL-2010 Q is built using an aluminum-dye casting. The only difference in TL-2010 Q and its previous model, 2000Qi is the variable speed control.
2010 Q boasts a speed controller while its former model doesn’t. Therefore, it depends upon your needs that which machine would be most suitable for you.
2010 Q is a single needle sewing machine with the ability to deliver the lock stitch.
Many consider it as a portable sewing machine because of the carrying handle that is given on the machine.
However, considering the weight of the machine, it is far from feasible to carry the machine from one place to another on a regular basis.
Detailed Specifications
It boasts a single needle for one to carry out all sorts of quilting assignments. The inclusion of automatic thread trimmer eases out the workload while one is sewing or quilting.
The users are sure of attaining an optimal quilting experience with the help of SR2 Frame.
A dial named Sure Stitch helps you to not only acts as a stitch regulator but also lets you control the sewing speed of the machine.
Because it is a computerized sewing machine, it comes with a QuiltCad, a software that allows you to print borders and designs by customizing it on the computer.
It gives you the option of creating wonderful designs in order to give a unique look to your quilt. You will always have the liberty of turning your imaginations into realities.
Specifications Recap
- Straight Stitch
- Automatic Thread Trimmer
- Needle Position Control
- Adjustable Sewing Speeds
- 1500 Stitches per minute: Maximum sewing speed
- 200 Stitches Per Minute: Minimum sewing speed
- Automatic Needle Threader
- Adjustable Stitch Length up to 6mm.
- Drawn-out Flat Bed
- LED light illuminated workspace
Pros & Cons of Juki TL 2010Q
If at all detailed specifications of the machine didn’t help you to figure out the traits of the machine, we made a genuine attempt to figure out the pros and cons of using this machine on a daily basis.
We are sure that these points will have a positive effect while you browse the market to choose a machine for regular use.
Advantages of using Juki TL-2010Q
As we said earlier, it is an absolute workhorse. The reason we say it again is to emphasize the efficiency of the machine.
The stitch quality is above par and the ease of use is considerable. It is an effective sewing machine for free motion quilting.
The machine is easy to assemble and easier to use. The end results are satisfying, to say the least.
It oozes power, strength, and sturdiness right from the word go. The variable speed control lets you deal with stubborn fabrics at your own pace.
This helps the users to cut down on their mistakes and create wonderful designs.
- Fast, Efficient, and Sturdy
- Top-notch Stitch Quality
- Ability to deal with Stubborn Fabrics
- Speed Control
- Best for Free motion quilting
- Easy to use
Cons of using Juki TL-2010Q
Although the needle threader is automated, it turns out to be messy. Its fussiness can create confusion for a lot of users.
Also, its ability to deliver straight stitches only can be considered as a drawback, especially for the ones who seek versatility in their projects.
Another glitch we found out in the machine was the activation of thread cutter in the middle of a project.
- Confusing Needle Threader
- Lesser Light on the Workspace
- Straight Stitches Only
- Activation of Thread Cutter Unintentionally
The Final Word
It is one of the best sewing machines that one can buy in the category. It is not only strong, sturdy, and powerful, but also lets you deal with a wide variety of projects. At around the 25-pound mark, we don’t consider it to be portable.
However, just because of the presence of the carrying handle on the sewing machine, Juki likes to classify it as a portable quilting machine.
Serious quilters will have their heart and jaws dropped after looking at the efficiency of the machine.
2. Grace Q’nique Long Arm Sewing & Quilting Machine
This machine is apt for someone who loves to stand and quilt. It is a full-sized sewing machine that is fitted with a frame which allows you to hang your entire workpiece while working on a machine.
The best part of the machine is its automatic features. It lets you work on each of the projects with more precision and care.
Also, the computerized features allow the users to get done with their work in a limited space of time.
One of the standout features of the machine is its expansive arm space.
It boasts a counter that keeps a track on the stitches made and the amount of work carried out on the machine. This statistics cannot be reset at any given point in time.
Technical Traits
It boasts a 15-inch throat space that allows you to undertake larger projects with utmost ease.
There’s a feature inherited on the machine that lets you regulate the length of your stitch. Along with the stitch length, stitch speed can be regulated too.
The stitch speed adjusts automatically to your sewing speed. The blue OLED screen allows you to view all the settings on the face of the machine.
The machine is believed to sew at the top speed of 1800 stitches per minute.
Grace Q’nique offers you as many as 4 different stitch modes to deal with an extensive range of fabrics with ease.
First of these stitches is the precise stitch. This stitch allows you to stitch per inch. Cruise mode is the second of these 4 options.
This stitch gives you the liberty to sew at the lowest of speeds. The speed is said to maintain even when the operator leaves the control of the machine.
Baste mode as the name suggests gives you the basting stitches of all types, viz. short, long, and mid-length.
The last but also one of the most important modes is the manual mode. It gives you the total control over the speed of the machine.
Detailed Specifications
The machine offers dual thread towers to accommodate your spools. The bobbin is easy to access and also bigger in size.
The electronic display on the face of the machine allows you to have a look at the settings being used on the assignment that is undertaken.
Apart from that, there are a lot of accessories that accompany the machine.
These machines are also compatible with the grace frames which make quilting larger projects fairly easy.
SR2 Frame is one of the best quilting frames widely used by the seamstresses. The frame made if the metal can accommodate almost all sewing machines that have a throat space up to 15 inches.
It is a sturdy frame guaranteed to stand the test of the time. Setting up doesn’t consume a lot of time.
Overall, this machine has all the features that a seamstress desires from a full-fledged long arm quilting machine
Specification Recap
- 15-inch Throat Space
- Strong, Sturdy, & Efficient
- Top Speed of 1800 stitches per minute
- Adjustable Sewing Speed
- Stitch Length Regulator for Uniform Stitches
- Quick Access Buttons
- SR 2 Metal Frame
- Extra Accessories Included
Pros & Cons of Grace Q’nique Long Arm Quilting Machine
In this space, we discuss all the advantages and disadvantages of owning the Grace Q’nique quilting machine.
All machines have their own set of perks and drawbacks. We feel it is important for one to understand them before he or she decides to buy a particular sewing machine.
Pros of Grace Q’nique Long Arm Sewing Machine
One of the many pros of the machine is its speed. It is exceedingly fast at 1800 stitches per minute.
It is safe to call it one of the fastest sewing machines in the category. Apart from the speed, the machine boasts a lot of features that many of its kind lack.
Therefore, it is safe to call this machine a perfect value for every penny spent on it.
Unlike most of the long arm sewing machines, Grace’s model gives you the liberty of viewing your setting with the help of the OLED screen.
It is nicely light and easy to view. Also, the different settings are well-laid making it extremely easy to use.
Change the speeds as much as you want to while you dealing with a project, the stitch length won’t vary at all.
This is because of the stitch length regulator inherited in the machine. This keeps you from worrying and stressing about your skill levels to maintain the stitch length.
Every time you carry out a project on the sewing machine, you can guarantee a neat and precise finish.
The stitch quality is commendable. One of the best traits of the machine is its settings that are nicely laid on the front side of the machine.
This makes it easier for the user to view and browse through all the settings with ease.
- Bright & Easy to Use OLED screen
- Fast & Sturdy
- Neat & Precise Finish
- Regulates Stitch Length
- Value To Money
- Abundance of features
- A Lot of Accessories
Cons of Grace Q’nique Long Arm Quilting Machine
Like all the machine in its category, it can be termed as costly. However, when compared to other machines on the list, the price is still not an issue.
Actually, when the frame and the table are added, the price hikes making you wonder a little about it. But it is a must for you to purchase the frame so as to deal with large quilting projects.
The throat of the machine can leave a few serious quilters on the not-so-happier side. The throat measures around 14 inches which is still small compared to its other counterparts.
Another feature that might refrain the seamstresses from buying this machine is the absence of the automatic thread cutter.
It is too big for the liking. It is an undeniable fact that one cannot use the machine without the frame.
However, when the frame is being set up, the machine can measure up to 126 inches at its full length.
Therefore, if you are planning to buy this machine for the home use, make sure you measure the space in your house.
It can still consume a lot of space. So until you have a dedicated crafting room for the machine, you can find ways to snub it for other options.
Although it boasts a lot of features, the quality that an industrialist desires from the machine is missing.
It could be perfect for the home user. However, it lacks the quality of a heavy-duty long arm quilting machine.
- Smaller Throat Size at 14 inches
- Very Big S2 Frame
- Not at all Portable
- The absence of Automatic Thread Cutter
- Cannot be Compared to the industrial sewing machines
The Final Word
After going through the machine thoroughly, we are up to a conclusion that it is a decent long arm quilting machine with an abundance of features.
It does lack a lot of important traits. However, it can be a decent choice for domestic use. It is one of those machines that require a lot of space.
Therefore, consider buying this machine only when you have a lot of room in your house.
One can trust the machine when it comes to its sturdiness and the durability. The quilting machine is made to last. Also, the sewing machine is said to give out excellent results.
Each and every stitch made on the machine is neat and crisp. The machine’s ability to deal with a wide range of fabrics makes it one of the most sort long arm sewing machines on the market.
3. Tin Lizzie 18 Sit Down Long Arm Sewing Machine
This is certainly one of the best, if not the best long arm sewing machines on the market. Tin Lizzie 18 would have the answers to all the questions related to the quilting assignments.
Whether you are simply bored with your regular sewing machine or want to undertake a large sewing assignment, this could be the perfect choice for you.
It stands true to its price and allows the users to sit down while undertaking sewing assignments.
It is a very important feature because it may take hours for one to complete a large quilting assignment.
Therefore, having a machine that allows you to sit is a very important trait, especially for seamstresses approaching their old age.
Another feature that makes this machine stand out is its easy-to-access features. You can have all the features at your fingertips while sitting on the sewing table.
Technical Traits
One of the best traits of the machine is the collapsible table that comes along with the machine. Therefore, one can always have the freedom to store the machine once it is done using.
The table also comes with a hinged leaf that allows the users to spread the table when in need and can collapse when not in use.
The adjustable table sizes and the hinged leaf modifications give the users the liberty to undertake all sizes of sewing assignments, whether it is too small or very big.
The speed of the machine can be adjusted using the foot controller. This lets you maneuver the design the way you want to on the most stubborn of fabrics. Also, it controls the stitch length giving you uniform stitches every time you sew on it.
The bobbin winder is inherited in the machine itself. It is huge in size and allows the users to wind the machine while working on a project.
The bobbin is constructed in the M size which makes it easy for the users to wind the machine.
Therefore, you can save a lot of time and invest the same amount in beautifying the project at hand.
Detailed Specifications
The machine is inherited with an automatic needle positioner. You can use the foot control to determine the position of the needle. Also, there are soft-touch needles that keep you from dealing with broken or bent needles.
It can prove as a time as well as the money saver. Professional seamstresses are very particular about their needles breaking as it may spoil the fabric under the needle.
One thing that stands out in the machine is the flexible lamp. It allows the users to turn the attention of the light on the space they are working on.
Usually, quilting projects are bigger in size. Therefore, this becomes a very important feature of the machine.
This machine boasts the widest of the throat space at 18*6 inches long. It is safe to say that this machine can be fitted on any given frame available on the market.
Apart from the walking foot, it also consists of open toe stippling foot and height hopping foot.
It is believed that the standard foot restricts the fabrics from bunching. The walking foot allows you to deal with more intricate sewing processes with extreme ease. The hopping foot lets you work on the edges of an intricate project.
The toe stippling foot allows the users to keep the fabrics flat while the sewing process has been undertaken. Therefore, it could be used especially when you are dealing with lighter weight fabrics.
Specification Recap
- Throat Space 18 inches * 6 inches
- Unique Collapsible Table
- Dimensions of the table: 30 inches high* 47 inches wide* 30 inches deep
- Automatic Needle Positioner
- Large M-shaped Bobbin Winder
- 3 Variable Feet
Pros & Cons of Tin Lizzie 18 Sit Down Long Arm Quilting Machine
Although it is safe to call it one of the best long arm quilting machines known to the sewing world, it does have some drawbacks.
In this space below, we talk about its important features and specifications that have scope for improvement.
This will give you a complete insight of the sewing machine giving you more reasons to purchase the sewing machine.
Advantages of Tin Lizzie 18 Sewing Machine
One of the best traits of the machines is it gives you the freedom to work on the quilting machine while sitting on it.
Many of the high-end long arm quilting machines do not give you that advantage. The table is wide enough to undertake the biggest of quilting assignments.
Apart from the 35 inches table, it has a collapsible leaf that adds an extra 2 feet to the width of the table.
The company lets you decide the table height ranging from 30 inches to 34 inches. Therefore, depending on the height of the user, one can easily change the height of the table being used.
It will help you save a lot of money as you wouldn’t have to buy a different stand that allows you to work while you are seated.
Another reason that forces seamstresses to go for the machine is its sturdiness. It is strong, durable, and efficient to the core. For a folding model, its sturdiness is too good for a liking of the seamstress.
It folding part of the table is easy to use and doesn’t create any fuss. The table top has a very smooth surface that allows the fabric to glide in smoothly. This restricts the fabrics from clogging.
It will give you enough space to deal with the largest quilting projects. Even then, its foldable properties let you store the table in a very compact space. One doesn’t need a different crafts room in order to use this machine along with the frame.
The throat of the machine is measured at 18 inches. It is safe to say that it is the widest vertical clearance of 6 inches.
The performance of the machine is beyond par. It works relentlessly hard and never tires off. Therefore, one can term it as an ultimate workhorse.
Even though it is not a computerized sewing machine, it has a very strong construction to add to the sturdiness of the machine.
Tin Lizzie is completely made of cast aluminum apart from the cover that protects the gears.
All the other parts are made of heavy-duty materials adding to the longevity of the machine. All the hooks are lubricated without you having to oil each part differently.
When one talks about oils, one thinks of all things getting messy and sticky. However, the makers have made it a point that they cover the machine properly. This allows the users to save the machine from staining your undertaken projects.
This machine has no bells and rings that is the case in most of the computerized sewing machines.
It is a simple yet sturdy machine and can handle all sorts of quilting assignments with utmost ease.
- 18 inches Throat
- Heavy Duty Performance
- Auto-lubrication
- Fast & Less Fussy
- Adjustable & Collapsible Table
- Height Adjustment for Tables
- Made of Heavy-duty materials
- Well-Covered
- Plain, Simple, Yet Effective
Cons of Tin Lizzie 18 Quilting Machine
If you are not serious about quilting, we do not recommend anyone to splurge $3000 on a quilting sewing machine.
Therefore, if you are not someone who indulges in quilting day in and day out, this machine is not at all suitable for you.
It could prove too much of an investment for seamstresses who indulge in quilting on a scarce basis.
Well, many professional seamstresses are particular about having a very simple sewing machine to use.
However, not all tend to agree with the statement. Some seamstresses love to have a machine which has a lot of frills and features at their disposal. This lets them express and add a creative edge to their projects.
This isn’t one of those machines that will suffice the needs of a seamstress who demands a lot of features from a sewing machine.
This machine is made for the seamstresses who have attained that particular set of skills with their quilting assignments. Also, this is an apt machine for users who do not like complicated machines at their disposal.
For the newcomer, this machine may give him a good run for the money. It may take some time and efforts in order to get acquainted with all the dynamics of the machine.
The bobbin tray is yet another feature which can be improved. The machine boasts an old-fashioned sideways loading mechanism which can be a little tricky and obstruct the free-flowing procedure. But by no means, it can prove to be a game changer.
This negative trait can be overlooked for so many positive features that this machine has to offer.
There is no button or lever that will keep the machine going. One has to keep pressing the pedal in order to keep the machine working.
It can be an intriguing affair for some of the seamstresses who are used to working on the automatic or computerized sewing machines.
The last but the most noticeable of all traits is the lack of automatic thread cutter or manual thread cutter. One has to use a pair of scissors or blades to keep them off the bay.
- Pricey
- The absence of Thread Cutter
- No Needle Threader
- Old Styled Bobbin Tray
- Fully Mechanical
- Basic Sewing machine with limited features
- Less amount of features
The Final Word
Whether you are a heavy quilter or someone who wants to become a professional quilter, this machine is apt. It lets you quilt without any fuss or hassles.
One of the best features that are loved by most of the seamstresses is the self-lubrication spill-proof oil system.
Therefore, it not only keeps all its spare parts well-oiled but also doesn’t leak further causing any damage to the assignment undertaken.
The best part of the machine has to be its collapsible table. You can extend or collapse the table according to your needs.
Therefore, it gives you the liberty to use the table the way you want. It can be resized to a normal size in order to save a lot of space in the room. With the foldable table and other such prominent features, we suggest this quilting machine for the home users as well.
Things to Consider before Buying a Long Arm Quilting Machine
We just finished reviewing 3 of the best-selling quilting machines in the category. You can choose either of the three to suffice all your quilting needs.
However, if you pay a keen attention to the following points, it might get easier for the seamstresses to pick out the best quilting machine.
Here are few points that one should consider before he or she buys a long arm quilting machine:-
The first and foremost trait that one must look forward to is the sturdiness of the machine. Imagine the work you will be carrying out on the machine and then decide if the machine is sturdy enough to deal with projects that you will be throwing in the near future.
It should be a well-lubricated machine which does not allow any sort of oil spills.
The noise level of the machine can be integral for some seamstresses. Therefore, throw in a variety of fabrics and check if you are still comfortable the raucous caused by the machine.
You will automatically know if the motor of the machine is trying too hard while sewing through a stubborn fabric.
The Throat size of the machine should be looked after because that is where you will get an idea of what table can be apt for the quilting machine.
The last but not the least trait that one should seek in any sort of sewing machine is its ease of use. If the machine seems too complicated for you at the first look, you may consider buying other options.
A Quick Recap for Those Who Don’t Like to Read Paragraphs
- Check the Sturdiness of the Machine
- A Machine should be well-oiled
- Leak-proof
- The Noise Level Shouldn’t Disturb You
- The Throat Size Should fit the table you intend to use
- Ease of Use
The Final Verdict
Long arm sewing machines are best for the heavy quilters. We did not find any reason why a regular seamstress should purchase a long arm machine. It is meant for the professionals who indulge in heavy duty quilting work.
Now that you are acquainted with three of the best long arm quilting machines on the market, we would like to conclude our article. It is safe to say that Tin Lizzie is the best of the lot.
We hope that we were able to give you enough reasons to purchase a machine and enough why no to. Apart from that, we hope that we helped our readers curb their confusion.
One has to also decide which type of sewing machine to choose from. There are two types of long arm machines. One which allows you to sit while you work while the other forces you to stand while undertaking a sewing assignment.
Therefore, choose a machine that suits your needs. Now that you have a plenty of information, you can feel free to choose one of the three options.
For more sewing machine reviews, you can log onto our website that is www.sewcare.com. Our website is an amalgamation of honest sewing machine reviews categorized into different categories. Also, we put a lot of tips and tricks that will help you add to the skill of sewing. Right from sewing machines for kids to industrial sewing machines, you get a detailed review of almost all sorts of categories known to the sewing world.
