gigi712

that it's so difficult to make longer harps on sewing machines and why do they cost so much? Anybody know?

meyert

I don't know the answer, but I was struggling with the harp space on my machine yesterday I would suspect it has something to do with supporting the sewing machine head - the larger the harp space the more support needed????

KalamaQuilts

Or why we can't have spools as our bobbin. There was a two spool machine, wonder why it didn't catch on?

and as far as current machines, plastic can be any color in the spectrum. Why are they white?

osewme

The harp space on my Janome Magnolia 7330 is very small. I was a very beginner quilter when my DH wanted me to get a new machine & knew nothing about harp space at the time & the salesperson never mentioned anything about harp space. I say do your homework before purchasing an new machine.

Never heard of the two spool machines but I've looked it up & here's a short video on a treadle machine that uses a spool for the bobbin. Oh, I wish they still made those.

https://www.quiltingroomwithmel.com/...ine-video.html

gigi712

It boggles the mind why the basics of quilt making aren't considered when manufacturing sewing machines.
Meyert, good point but couldn't they use heavier plastic? Still doesn't make sense for them to be so expensive.
A spool for a bobbin, now that's the ticket.

IrishNY

I have the same questions. If they can put a man on the moon and make driverless cars, why can't they extend the harp on a domestic machine for a reasonable price and why can't they allow bottom thread to come off a spool? I suspect it all comes down to money. They can get higher prices for a longer harp, so why would they be sold cheaper? And if the bottom thread comes off a spool, they can't sell all the bobbins and replacement bobbin cases etc for additional cost. Color me cynical.

pchp

I know what you mean. I'm happy I bought my "blueberry" Bernina back in in 2001 and am not looking to upgrade now.

As for the longer harp, I suspect the head support answer is accurate, especially when so much of the machines now consists of plastic.

gigi712

The ones that have computers, ok, head support makes sense but what's up with the all metal machines like Juki? Huh?
Irish, no doubt, it's the way of the world these days. They wouldn't sell as many longarms either. Again, bottom line ..... $$$$$$

bearisgray

As far as using a spool for a bobbin - if all the spools available were exactly the same size it might work.

Tartan

If you had a factory with all the parts ready to make a certain size, the entire factory would need to be re-tooled. Very expensive to redo a factory.