sewingpup

I had a midarm....which actually was a machine (Viking megaquilter) that was designed as a sit down machine with a larger harp. the feeddogs could be covered, a stitch regulator added, a carriage was mounted on the 10 foot frame. There was a foot pedal but this was not used when the machine was used on a frame and yes, it would be easy to convert this one to a sit-down machine as that is what designed to be in the first place. The longarm I now use is an APQS Lucey with a 26 inch neck. this one is designed to be used on the frame....it only does straight stitch, there is no foot pedal, the speed is controlled by a dial on the machine. the stitch regulator works by monitoring the speed of the wheels as the carriage moves on the frame. This would be difficult to convert to a sit-down machine especially if you wanted stitch regulation. If you would tell us the model of the machine you have, you might get better advice. but I really would consider just getting a machine that is designed for use as a sit-down machine....

lfletcher

I have a tall drafting chair on rollers that I use with my longarm. I believe I bought it at Hobby Lobby and it wasn't terribly expensive. It took some practice, but I can roll across the floor with one leg as I quilt. I did it for back problems and it really helps.

Jo Belmont

I solved my problems with a "drafting" chair. They are especially pricey, but I found one on WalMart site that was only $70 (a whole lot better than the hundreds wanted at office suppliers, other furniture retailers). It's padded and quite comfortable, large seat and adjustable large back, no arms. It does go quite high.

Here's the dilemma it solved for me. I have a mid-arm (Baby Lock Coronet) which I love, love, love. I far prefer to move the machine rather than the quilt (I had a sit-down before the Baby Lock). The frame only goes down so far and not anywhere near a sit-down level. Also, I am very short, 4'11", so my feet reach the footrest ring on the chair, but certainly not the floor. Not a problem, though, as the chair rolls easily across my hard-surface floor. I simply use the front rail to move the chair with me in it as the design dictates.

I have had a serious back surgery and cannot stand for long periods of time, but my $70 chair has allowed me to spend 4-6 hours at a time doing what I love.

Hope this helps.

Ariannaquilts

Is the reason your asking about doing this because your having problems? I just recently saw a video on putting the Bernina Q 20 into a table which was very easy, however it wasn't until I saw that that I realized sit down machines have a foot pedal. My longarm is on a frame I switch it on and I go. So it just never occurred to me about the foot pedal. I immediately thought she could put it on a frame but found out that's not so. Good luck with your decision.

sewbizgirl

The cost of a new sit down is virtually half that of a long arm, so you may do real well on a trade in, or by selling outright then buying the sit down.