Need a bigger throat!

[Cellomom]

I'm quilting my newest project and it keeps getting stuck in the machine's throat area. I have rolled and clamped the ends, but it's so hard to turn it. Any suggestions to help with this problem??? I've looked at the HQ16 tutorials and it looks so awesome, but it's so expensive. Has anyone here used one? Is it worth the $$$?

[Denis]

Are you referring to the stand up HQ16 or the sit down model? Other versions of a sit down machine can be found at Nolting or APQS too.

[Jean Sewing Machine]

I tried out a Tin Lizzie 18"'sit down and the stand up version. I liked the sit down one which would work if you don't have space for the quilt frame. I could do the sit down FMQ. I have a machine with an 11" throat, but these long arms are also taller, so you have more room to move your quilt. I'm shopping the idea, been thinking about it for over a year, still undecided which way to go.

[SummerK]

My machine has a small throat on it as well, and I quilt all my own quilts (there's currently a queen sized one under my needle). I've found that I have way more issues in the throat area if I roll it versus bunching it. When I bunch it and force it in there, I have more control over the movement.

[quilter.martha]

I bunch up the quilt in the throat as well, and all I have is a standard home machine. Rolling doesn't seem to work for me. Are you working your quilt in "quarters"? That way only 1/2 the quilt is to the right of the needle at any given time.

[Cellomom]

Hey thanks for the info, I'll check it out. I was interested in the sit down model. Have a great day!

[Cellomom]

Thanks for the info. I'd want a sit down machine as well. There's a quilting shop by my mountain house and I may go to see it. Good luck with your search and decision.

[Cellomom]

Queen size!! I'm impressed! I'll try bunching. Thanks for the tips!

[Cellomom]

Another suggestion to bunch on a standard machine. Yes, I'm trying to work from the center of the quilt out to I don't have so much bulk. Some of the fabric is manipulated so much that I'm afraid I'll stretch it out. I'm encouraged that others can do this on their machines. Think of all the fabric you can get for the price of a long arm! (It still would be a wonderful machine to have!) Thanks!

[Jean Sewing Machine]

I keep trying to rationalize the purchase of a long arm. Others have expensive hobbies, if I were a photographer, i could buy a $5000 camera. If I keep making quilts, it cost $200 to have a pro longarm a quilt. I could put that money toward my own mchine. There is a Plain Jane Tin Lizzie with frame at my local shop for $5000, with 36 months free finanching. It is a tempting offer. That's how I got my last Janome, 12 mo. Same as cash. I just have to decide if I want to make that kind of commitment to the hobby.