so-sew

I was just thinking how the stitch regulators are probably fairly new on the market, and that those of you who are long time quilters have either joined their following or not. I'm curious if those of you who became proficient at long arm quilting back in the day are now using a stitch regulator, or do you prefer the old fashioned method of controling your speed manually? Just curious.

deemail

they've been around for more than a decade and for me...who learned to long arm about 15 yrs ago... they just irritate me... i count in my head all the time to govern the stitch length and the regulator motor racing up and slowing back just interferes with my counting...

suebee

I love my stitch regulator. but thats just me. I use it both on and off, I love have the options.

DianneK

I like the regulator for pantos, but for custom quilting and filler work, I get much better results by turning it off. I took a class from Gena Perks(not sure of spelling of her 1st name) and she encourages students to turn them off. I run mine at about 25-30%, which is a nice quiet, steady pace.

so-sew

This is where I probably will find people disagreeing with me...I'm not a longarm quilter, but I do have a Bernina 820 on a frame, and I don't think I would ever want to get the computer software that, basically, quilts for you. I think that bit of inevitable imperfection ads a warm and personal touch. I wonder if the same could be said for the stitch regulator, in a lesser way. Before I had my 820 with BSR, I was patting myself on the back when my FMQ was fairly uniform in stitch length. I must admit, however, that I have plenty to work toward mastering even with the BSR.

knlsmith

I agree with DianneK. I love mine, but for some things manual is way better. Reg. are great, but not necessary at all. Took me a while to get use to it.

dunster

I think there is a big difference in stitch regulators. Some do a great job all or almost all of the time and others can be a nuisance. The newer ones are much better than the old ones, and the new ones on a longarm are better than the BSR.

Joset

i bought one with my machine so i do not know
any other way. but i sure like mine.

Vanuatu Jill

I have always hand-quilted, but in the past year, tried machine quilting on my Brother-just can't seem to get it right. My bobbin thread loops intermitently (sp?) and I am afraid to do anything but stipple. A couple of weeks ago, I wandered into a large sewing shop and they had a LA set up for people to try. I did with the sales lady to help, and FELL IN LOVE!!! It had a stitch regulator, and I loved how it came out (she even said it looked like i've done it before). I've been back twice more and played with it WITH DH in tow (who was also really impressed). Now, I only need to find about $10,000.00, a large room added to the house to put it in, and I'm set! I ONLY need to sell 250 purses! LOL. Oh well, I can dream------

luvstoquilt301

I bought my HQ from Craigslist and it does not have it. I manage just fine without it but would love one if they were not so pricey. It just takes practice like most everything else in life.