If you are new to the sewing family, you may have came across the term “Quilting Machine”. So here you can find all related answers to your question “What is a Quilting Sewing Machine”?
As you can guess by the name, a quilting machine is one of the best inventions. If we look back, the manual sewing and stitching that was carried by women back in the 1980’s and early 1990’s had been eliminated by this creative machine.
For instance, the task of sewing any type of fabric was considered very difficult in past and time-consuming. Nowadays people use sewing machines according to their desire and needs. For making large quilts, bed covers and heavy-duty quilting machines are used. These are designed user-friendly and save time for the work which previously required more human energy and power to operate.
Quilting itself is a creative but time consuming procedure where the person is free to use a variety of materials and fabrics. They sew and stitch them together over a layer of cotton to make it a soft and warm quilt for usage. So to cater the needs of quilting artists, a wide range of quilting sewing machines in the market that are being used to design beautiful quilts.
Key Features of a Quilting Machine
Quilting sewing machine comprises small to large parts like a quilting table, free motion feet , needle threader, small screen control panel, etc. Having so many parts but still light in weight, portable and cheap are some of the highlights of this quilting sewing machine.
Quilting Table
Quilting table is a bit different from the average sewing machine as it provides a spacious work place. It is a pertinent feature as it enables the handler to use thick fabrics at a time.
Easy Thread Tension Controller
This feature allows worry-free use of threads. The handler of the quilting machine can use many threads without intermingling. It is due to this characteristic that your thread will not break during the sewing operation.
Free motion Feet
Free motion feet characteristic of a quilting sewing machine is a plus point. It prevents flagging which if otherwise happens will pull the fabric with the needle. So the user enjoys hassle-free work. The feet of the sewing machine are adjustable which means you can effortlessly operate this function.
Quilting Stitches
This feature is usually very useful as it provides built-in stitches in the machine. The user feels relieved from choosing stitches of his choice. You can use this feature to combine multi layers of fabrics or to have any kind of design and pattern on the quilts.
How to Care for Your Sewing Quilting Machine
If you want your sewing machine to last longer then proper care must be taken.
Change the needle
For improved quality of stitches, the sewing needle should be replaced with the new one. Otherwise, the dull needle will eventually become the reason for uneven and broken stitches on your quilts.
Cleaning of sewing machine
Like any other household,the sewing machine needs proper and regular cleaning for efficient performance.
Tighten Up All of the Screws and Components
Before working on your sewing machine make sure to tighten up all screws and parts. By doing this the user will save himself from mechanical problem during the sewing. This practice will enhance the life of the sewing machine.
What Type of Sewing Machine is Best for Quilting?
The best sewing machine for quilting depends upon the characteristics it holds. There are many options available in the market but one should buy the one containing following features:
Throat space : For quilting purposes, the throat area should be large enough to work easily.
Table : If the table of the sewing machine is spacious then the user can handle the fabrics effortlessly.
Thread cutter . This built in feature enables the cutting of thread without manual interference. Decorative stitches : This will help the user to show his creative designs on quilts.
Quilting stitches . The quilting stitches like the tie-off stitch or the stay stitch will make the quilting work easier for user especially for the beginners
Frame . This is important when the user wants to make embroidered pattern on the fabric for quilting
Tips on how to set up your quilting machine
Here are some important points to check before sewing the quilts. Almost every machine come with a handy user manual. So to start, first read the user guide about the operating procedure. You can also consider the following measures to set your quilting machine.
Oil your sewing machine generously
Please make sure that the sewing machine is well oiled. This step is of crucial importance as the working of all parts depends on it. If you are using the machine on daily basis then it is necessary to oil all parts thrice a week. Otherwise if the usage is not frequent then you should do the oiling practice after 3-4 intense uses.
Working area should be spacious
As you will be dealing with large and many layers of fabrics for quilting so your working table must contain bigger space.
Reduce the speed of stitch
The speed of stitching should not be very fast. The user must handle and control the stitch speed for better performance of quilting sewing machine
The feed dog should be set at low
With the help of a lever or button, the feed dogs can be adjusted lower.
Reduce the length of stitch
The length of the stitch should be kept at zero. This will prevent the feed dogs from moving while they are lowered.
Selection of right quilting machine foot
There are many types of quilting machine foot like darning foot, hoping foot, free motion foot etc. You should choose the right foot according to your work.
Turn off the thread cutter
For a beginner, it is convenient to turn off the thread cutter before using your quilting sewing machine. Becance you become expert, you can enable this feature
Selection of appropriate stitch plate
The appropriate stitch plate for quilts is a straight stitch plate having a straight stitch pressure foot. It is an additional accessory so you can buy it.
The walking foot pressure should be checked
To check the walking foot pressure please consider the user manual.
Turn off the fix stitch
Disable this feature as it is not useful for quilts.
