Frequently Asked Questions
Will I need special wiring for this machine?
All of the machines we sell, use 110 standard outlets. Can be used in any home.
A good quality surge protector is recommended.
How much floor space do I need for the machine and frame?
Length.
You can put one end of your frame up against the wall, and you can easily get to both sides, via the other open
end. Consider your girth, and decide if 2 feet is a comfortable space for you to get around your machine.
A 10 foot frame, will need about 12 feet or so for easy access.
A 12 foot frame, will need about 14 feet or so for easy access.
Width.
You will need the width of the machine/frame, and perhaps 2 feet on each side, to stand, walk and comfortably
quilt freehand in the front, and pantos in the back. Consider your girth, and decide what is a good space for you.
8 feet for the width of the frame and space to move comfortably on both sides, is a good size for most quilters.
A 10 foot frame, for the average size quilter, will need 12 feet by 8 feet
A 12 foot frame, for the average size quilter, will need 14 feet by 8 feet.
Note: There is a lot of room, under the frame. This is not wasted space.
You can store tubs of fabric. Those 3 drawer systems by Rubber Maid, fit nicely under the frame.
How much space will I have to quilt?
Quilt Machine.
A 17 inch machine has 17 inches of throat space.
You will loose 1 ½ - 2 inches of space, for the poles or rollers, depending on the frame.
As the quilt is rolled onto the take up roller, through the throat of the machine, and depending on the fabric and
batting you use, you will continue to loose space as the quilt sandwich is rolled and advanced.
You can expect to loose about 5 inches of space, at the end of an average Queen size quilt.
Consider this space, when planning your quilting and purchasing pantographs.
Consider the “Fudge Factor” and plan for 11” of space for the entire quilt process.
An 18 inch machine has 18 inches of throat space.
You will loose 1 ½ - 2 inches of space, for the poles or rollers, depending on the frame.
As the quilt is rolled onto the take up roller, through the throat of the machine, and depending on the fabric and
batting you use, you will continue to loose space as the quilt sandwich is rolled and advanced.
You can expect to loose about 5 inches of space, at the end of an average Queen size quilt.
Consider this space, when planning your quilting and purchasing pantographs.
Consider the “Fudge Factor” and plan for 12” of space for the entire quilt process.
A 26 inch machine has 26 inches of throat space.
You will loose 1 ½ - 2 inches of space, for the poles or rollers, depending on the frame.
As the quilt is rolled onto the take up roller, through the throat of the machine, and depending on the fabric and
batting you use, you will continue to loose space as the quilt sandwich is rolled and advanced.
You can expect to loose about 5 inches of space, at the end of an average Queen size quilt.
Consider this space, when planning your quilting and purchasing pantographs.
Consider the “Fudge Factor” and plan for 20” of space for the entire quilt process.
Quilt Frame.
As you know, the needle is stationary, and it will always be in the center of the machine.
You will never be able to sew all the way, to the right or all the way to the left of the needle.
Please give careful consideration to this, when deciding on a frame and length.
Consider the width of the base of the machine, and the width of the carriage.
You will loose about 6 inches on each side of the machine, with most frames and carriages.
A 10 foot frame = 120 “ minus 12 inches for the carriage = 108 inches of quilting space.
You do not have 10 feet of quilting space, on a 10 foot frame.
A 12 foot frame = 144” minus 12 inches for the carriage = 132 inches of quilting space.
You do not have 12 feet of quilting space, on a 12 foot frame.
Can I quilt a King size quilt, on this frame?
Questions.
What dimensions, do you consider a King size quilt?
Different books and authors give different dimensions for a King size quilt. Some list 105" to 120".
Is this quilt for a Pillow Top Mattress? They are thicker and need more quilting space.
Will this king size quilt , only cover the top?
Will this king size quilt, need to go all the way down and cover the box spring?
You need to decide what size quilts you do, and determine what length frame you need.
What size frame is best for a new longarm quilter?
You need to decide what your needs are and what your goals are, for the future, when you are picking a machine
size and frame size.
What is your end goal and your long term plans for this longarm quilting system.
1) I plan to only do my own quilts for now. Maybe down the road, I will go into business.
2) Sounds like you are planning a business.
3) You really need to consider a 12 foot frame.
Laser Light.
Is there a laser light available, to do pantograph quilting with this machine?
Yes, all of the machines we sell, have the laser light included.
Do I get training with the machine and frame?
Yes, we offer a beginner training class with each machine sold.
Many of our Machine and Frame Packages, offer a FREE, 2 day Beginner Longarm Training Retreat,
Check out the Beginner Longarm Training Retreat page.
See all of the things you will learn.
Will I be able to set the machine and frame up, on my own?
Yes, all of the machines and frames we sell, have good pictures and clear directions for set up.
We do offer delivery and set up. Call for more info and pricing, on this.
Some want our expertise in setting up their machine and frame.
They want to know their machine and frame is 100%, and ready to quilt.
Call for our set up fees. 281-793-1777.
Who do I call when I have trouble?
Please call us, 281-793-1777 or toll free 1-877-8-Carrie
Tom and I know these machines, and can walk you through any problems you are facing.
We don't want you to struggle, we can help you. We look forward to your call.
Your problem is usually a very quick fix over the phone.
Please feel free to call us, with all of your questions, prior to purchasing and after purchasing.
Tom and I will help you. We look forward to helping you.
Tom loves to talk to, and help the husbands!! He says, he knows the value, of a "Happy Wife".
Tom and Carrie Dugan
281-793-1777
1-877-8-Carrie (Toll Free)
CarrieDugan@QuiltFrog.com
Things to consider when chosing a longarm quilting machine and frame.
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