3 Things to Consider when Purchasing a Longarm from Angela Walters, Handi Quilter Owner and User 

Fingers crossed ;)

Great minds think alike, lol. Let me know of you have any questions I can help you with!

I live an hour from the shop that set mine up and still can't get good customer service. I rely on videos as well but still struggling with issues. Very frustrated!

Amy Sindlinger, it is tough when your not feeling supported. It’s a big investment. I can say that my experiences with calling customer service for HQ has been stellar. The support I get from HQ education department has really helped to get me started. I’ve also used the community forum on their website to find answers to some of my questions. So the HQ community is really great. I hope you are able to find resources that will help alleviate your frustration. Here’s a link to the page with access to the community. handiquilter.me/

Hi Anitra, I am also interested in the Amara. I am wondering how much depth of space is needed for a 12’ frame. I have a 14’ long room, and it is 10 1/2’ wide. But I need to put something big (abt 4’ deep) across the room, so that will only leave 6 1/2’ of depth remaining. Is that enough room to comfortably use it? I read on the APQS site that one needs at least 8’ of depth, but their machine setup may be a different size. I have tried a bunch of machines (NOT APQS) but the Amara was by far my favorite, of all I tried. It seemed to offer the most control, was smooth to use (as opposed to the others I tried, which felt like a jackhammer!) and I liked the ergonomic adjustable handles because I have health issues and it didn’t hurt me to use it. So, from your experience, what would you say is the minimum depth necessary to enjoy comfortably using it? Thank you.

Deb Holtz The Simply Sixteen sounds interesting as does the Sweet Sixteen. I'd like to know where to see and test them too. I'm in SE Lower Michigan.

Go to Handiquilter an to a store search for your area

I find that it's much quicker to load the layers on the frame as opposed to basting them. Hope that helps!

I trained with them & they sometimes have a HQ trainer there, they did when I trained.

In UK speak to Liz at Pinhole quilting as they have the Handi Quilter longarm & sitdown machines that you can try out and get training on (and maintenance support). I have a HQ Avanti & rent an Artist studio space in Stoke on Trent, Spodeworks.

You can add a computer to any of the stand up machines, either at the time of purchase or on down the road.

Angela Walters thank you so much! I was looking into a gammil cause it was just much easier looking at them lol but that's good to know! I do like the look of the handi quilters

Hi, I saw your post on you e? Wondering if you got a Moxie and how do you like it?

@@lamoabird I didn’t get the Moxie. My husband didn’t care for it and we decided to wait until I can get the one I really want

Ann Walsh I have that too and that has helped tremendously..but I do keep moving the quilt in the clamps to keep it moving..I have only done lap/baby size quilts..I just paid to have a king sized quilt quilted..that is intimidating!

Would you be interested in selling it?

I just bought an Avante, got a super good deal w/ an upgraded frame. I found the customer service excellent. Because I ordered direct from HandiQuilter, I had to set it up myself. Fairly easy and I am an old fart! I had to call 2x very responsive, helpful & knowledge. Betty was awesome! I was a titch bit over zealous screwing the mast on to the bobbin winder, and broke it. HandiQuilter overnighted a new mast! They are great, love the machine. Tons of support through HandiQuilter, RU-vid, Facebook groups. Ask your dealer about demo machines

I bought mine from a quilt show in Lancaster PA and they reassured me that I would get hands on demonstration (I asked several times) on how to use it. This did not happen. I really think there is something wrong with the top tension knob. Top thread is always breaking no matter what weight thread I have on and have the tension adjusted correctly. What facebook groups are you part of?

Amy Sindlinger I can understand the frustration with something that is new and just gets no support. I would like to get my wife a set up and am handy at figuring things out. I wish you well. But in the chance you would sell and get a different make I would be interested in perhaps buying it. Don’t let this turn you off quilting, I know how much it means to my wife.

Since the frame acts like a large hoop (think embroidery) you can quilt as large as you want. You just move the quilt and secure it to the hoop.

Sherril Hart so you can have the quilt hanging over each end of the frame when quilting the central parts?

Yes that is correct!

I trained on the 24" Avante & there was no Simply 16 then just the Sweet 16 sit down. Not heard of the amara either in UK will investigate whether we can get them here. Thank you

I have been looking for a long arm. These discussions, and Q&A have helped. Thanks everyone.

Definitely! I just got back from setting up and training a new owner in LA. Email me at angelawaltersquilting@gmail.com if you would like more details!

In UK speak to Liz at Pinhole quilting as they have the Handi Quilter longarm & sitdown machines that you can try out and get training on (and maintenance support). I have a HQ Avanti & rent an Artist studio space in Stoke on Trent, Spodeworks.

@@nickyg-uk5055 Thank you!!!!

When you scroll down the page below the video, first you'll see the title, then "Angela Walters" and the "Subscribe" button. Directly below this, you'll see text that says "Have you ever looked into getting a longarm quilting machine...". This is the description box! At the end of the paragraph, there are the words "SHOW MORE" - if you click on these words, more information will expand below. I hope this helps!

Allison, if you are on a smaller device (I.e. Tablet or smartphone) you will not automatically get the description box below the video. At the end of the video title, when the video window is minimized, there is a small arrow that is normally pointing down. You will need to click on this arrow to actually get the description box. Otherwise all you will see is the comments section. I hope this helps.

Good point, Terry! Thanks for making that clarification!