cmilton

what sewing machines can you use with this frame? Is It easy to use?

fabric_fancy

you can use any short, mid arm, or long arm up to 18 inches.

short arms include

juki 2000, 2010, or the older 98 models

http://www.sewvacdirect.com/jukisew.html

janome 1600 series

http://www.sewvacdirect.com/janomehi...gmachines.html

brother 1500 series

http://www.sewvacdirect.com/janomehi...gmachines.html


mid arms and long arms - include Bailey, Handi Quilter, gammill, etc

http://www.baileyssewingcenter.com/homequilter.html

http://www.handiquilter.com/


if you buy a machine thru Sew Vac Direct i would totally call them first and ask if they can do some sort of package deal with the frame and machine.

fabric_fancy

as far as easy to use......

yes, setting up the frame and machine is very easy, loading a quilt is very easy, etc.

what is hard is to go from a beginner quilter to a master but that learning curve is always hard regardless of frame quilt or sit down quilting.

i do find frame quilting much easier then sit down quilting because you move the machine, very light weight due to mechanics of the carriage, compared to trying to slide a quilt around when you sit and quilt.

fabric_fancy

i know i posted a lot of links to Sew Vac Direct about the sewing machines.

i'm not saying thats the best prices, i really have no clue, i just posted them because you might be able to negotiate a package deal and they do price match any other companies.

i even had them price match a listing on Ebay.

you have to call to get price matching and to negotiate deals.

pjnesler

Thanks for all the information, there may be a quilting machine in my life afterall!

KarenBarnes

I have a frame very much like this and the biggest challenge I have is that my machine support doesn't roll evenly both directions. Smoother one way over another. It also has a small slider type lock for which way the rails roll. Mine doesn't unlock very easy and it is plastic which worries me about how long it will last. I like having the option to sew on the rails but still prefer handquilting when I have the time. I can't seem to go from beginner to even beginner plus!

cmilton

thanks ladies for all the information!

np3

Thanks!

quiltingmama1

Now I have a Next Generation and the Grace Company said it needs an upgrade tray for the 13 inch machine, but can not accommodate anything larger. Have you used an 18 on this frame?

KarenBarnes

Wasn't sure if you're asking me... I've only used the Pfaff Grandquilter machine that came with the frame. I'm not even sure what model frame I have as it's not posted anywhere! I have trouble with the tray/truck that holds the machine rolling evenly both directions. Maybe I need an upgrade as well? I've got an email in to the company but heard no response yet. I'd really like to figure this part out and then upgrade to a longer machine but don't know how big I can go. I think it would be really nice to have a deeper throat! Gotta solve the rolling issue first though!