AlvaStitcher

I see lots of mention to a panto or pantograph. What exactly are they and how are they used? Is this something that is drawn on a quilt? ​

Tartan

A pantograph is usually a paper pattern with a repeat design that a quilter follows. Some long arm or mid arm machines have you follow the design with a stylus or laser light and the machine sews the pattern on the quilt. If you go to youtube you should be able to find a video of someone using one.

PaperPrincess

A pantograph is a continuous line quilting pattern that often comes on long paper rolls. It is most commonly used with quilting machines set up on frames. The pattern is not drawn on the quilt. There usually is a shelf or platform on the frame that the paper pattern lays on. The quilter uses a stylus or laser pointer on the machine to follow the design. This is often done from the back of the machine. Because the design is as wide as the quilt, a panto can be used for edge to edge quilting, or an all over design. It often is an economical way to quilt because the quilting is done without regard to the pattern on the quilt top. Good pantograph designs allow the rows to mesh together so it doesn't look like you've quilted in rows.
I've used a lot of 'usually' in the explanation. You could draw the design onto your quilt top and quilt on a domestic machine.

Here's a youtube video that might make it more clear:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUreWU6yHbw

joyce888

I thought they were one and the same. Pantos are quilting patterns cut out on template vinyl sheets, usually 12x12 or larger.

sewingsuz

Thanks for the video, I want to know is the women following the laser with the arms of the machine, or does it quilt automatic?

TexasSunshine

I use a pantograph with my LA. It is on the back side of the machine and I manually follow the pattern with a stylus guiding me. I do all my meandering that way.

PaperPrincess

she is doing it manually. If you have a computerized machine, you can buy pantographs for it, but if you use a paper pattern & some kind of stylus it's all manual. It's an acquired skill to get the pattern rows to nest.

feline fanatic

Not for many pantographs. I buy pantos that have a "ghost" image (usually printed with a dotted line in a different color) of the previous row of quilting. When I advance the quilt I drop the needle in a specific repeat spot of the previously quilted row and I just line my laser up with the ghost. I check it the width of the quilt to make sure the same spot lines up and I have perfectly nested rows every time. Did right from the get go with these types of pantos.

PaperPrincess

Hmm, I've only tried a couple. Neither one had a 'ghost' image and I had a heck of a time getting stuff lined up. I'll have to look specifically for this. Thanks!