Many traditional hand quilters may disagree with the intrusion of Long Arm Quilting Machine into the realms of quilting and that it is considered a necessary tool in creating a quilt.
This is partly based on the assumption that quilting machines would distract from the enjoyment and the uniqueness of quilting.
But it cannot be denied that Machine quilting is becoming more and more popular by the day.
This trend from the traditional hand sewn quilt to machine made quilting can be attributed to several factors such as the change in lifestyles, the advancement of quilting machines, intricacy of design and the time factor of completing a quilt.
Quilting machines have to some extent reduced what was once a lengthy and painstaking procedure and in doing so has made the quilting process more manageable and realisable hobby for a greater range of people that would be otherwise constrained by the traditional hand sewing methods.
What cannot be denied is that machine quilting does match and even surpasses the output, quality and intricacy of traditional methods.
Other advantages of quilting machines can offer over hand sewn quilts, are the finished article will have a more professional appearance due to the inherent capabilities of the machine to create straighter edges which is reflected throughout the design pattern.
Machine quilting also ensures that the final product is much sturdier than a hand sewn quilt.
Quilting machines actually enhance the quality of the finished quilt through the mechanical action when it draws the material through the stitching action.
This action holds the material in such a way that material is held tauter than if one was individually holding the material.
This action also contributes to the strength and quality of the stitching operation.
This overall improvement is that one has a quilt which has added superiority both in quality and durability.
Time seems to be driving factor behind many peoples decision to purchase a quilting machine.
Previously, when using the hand sewn methods you may well have to wait several weeks before you could add the finishing touches to one quilt.
With machine quilting, however, you can easily create beautiful quilts in just a few days.
A machine can power a needle quite easily through several layers of fabric which gives you the freedom to choose the type of stitching, which enhances the design and finish of the quilt.
Quilting machines can basically be classified into regular quilting machines or arm length machines.
The regular quilting type includes the machines with an approximately 7 inches arm.
They allow you to combine work on different parts of the quilt.
The long arm-quilting machine has an approximately 16 inch arm and replicate the actions of the shorter 7 inches arm but allows you to work without having to change your position so much as when using the shorter 7 inch arm.
Overall the longer arm reach machine is more efficient to use and saves labour time in movement and checking.
With advancement of modern technology being applied to quilting machines it will enable quilters to incorporate both the more modern intricate designs and the older traditional designs.
Having the availability of a quilting machine will enable one to take the next step to starting a part or full time business, as the Long Arm Quilting Machine provides the capability to produce more professional, artistic and high quality quilts in a shorter time span.
Having these capabilities should put you in a position to offer your customers a highly customised quality product at competitive price.