Why do I need a longarm quilting machine? Let’s start with another question first: Have you been quilting on a domestic sewing machine until now? So, you might be frustrated with two things: having to move a very big and heavy quilt around with only a few inches of space between your needle and the machine, leading to sore shoulders and a hurting neck, as well as irregular stitches in free-motion quilting in case you did not have the BERNINA Stitch Regulator (BSR) on a BERNINA sewing machine. A BERNINA Q Series longarm will help you to solve both problems. Let’s begin with the latter: all BERNINA Q Series longarms have the innovative, two sensor BERNINA Stitch Regulator system, whether Sit-down Model or Frame Model, giving you a perfect regulated stitch, no matter how fast or slow you move the fabric or machine. A Q Series longarm will also give you much more space for your larger quilting projects compared to a domestic sewing machine. Either way, you will get minimum 16" of throat space and a spacious dedicated longarm sit-down table or a sturdy stand-up quilting frame.
Does the BERNINA Q Series longarm have stitch regulation? Absolutely yes! All BERNINA Q Series longarms have the two sensor BSR (BERNINA Stitch Regulator) integrated – no matter whether the machine is used as a Sit-down machine or a stand-up Frame model. Stitch regulation is the most requested feature on a longarm quilting machine and especially on a sit-down machine. The patented state-of-the-art two sensor BSR will give always perfect regulated stitches on all Q Series machines at a variety of quilting speeds.
What kind of stitch regulation does a BERNINA longarm have? All BERNINA Q Series longarms have three different kinds of stitch regulation: BSR 1, BSR 2 and BSR 3. BSR 1 Combines perfect stitch regulation with an idle speed, being a constant minimum speed with which the needle continuously stitches, should the fabric or sewhead not be moved. We like to call it the “power steering” of a Q machine, as it helps tremendously to move the machine especially with intricate smaller quilting designs like micro work or fillers. The higher the idle speed setting, the faster the needle will move when the fabric or machine is moved slower than the chosen idle speed. BSR 2 Is full stitch regulation, which means the machine will stop stitching when the fabric or sewhead is not moved. One particularity of the BERNINA stitch regulation: the movement of the fabric is detected by the sensors, and the sensors are very precise. This may mean on a stand-up frame model that leaning against the belly bar already moves the fabric and results in stitches although keeping the sewhead completely still. BSR3 Is a wonderful basting feature with the possibility of 1, 2 or 4 stitches per inch (SPI).
Why is a separate regulated mode for basting useful? All Q Series machines offer a BSR3 which is a regulated basting stitch, which can be programmed at 1, 2 or 4 stitches per inch (SPI). Longer stitches do need less top tension, otherwise the fabric will “wrinkle” moving the fabric from one stitch to the next. This could mean up to 75% less of top tension necessary in the case of 1 stitch per inch. The BERNINA Q Series machines take the math away and will automatically correct the top tension for you without you even noticing it. Always perfect tensioned stitches even at 1 SPI!
Table or Frame – which solution suits me? Again let’s start with a question first: have you been quilting on a domestic sewing machine until now? Then most probably you will feel much more comfortable with a sit-down model, as your brain and muscle memory already know how to move the fabric to perform wonderful quilting designs. On the other hand, does moving a large and heavy quilt on a table hurt your back, shoulders and neck and is very tiresome? Probably a stand-up frame model will be better for you. The stand-up frame has the advantage to load your quilt project completely and you are moving the sewhead, aided, in the case of a BRERNINA Q Series machine, by a specific V-wheel system for easy, smooth and no-force needed gliding of the BERNINA Q Series machine. Another advantage of the stand-up frame models is the possibility to do pantograph quilting from the rear of the machine or add the BERNINA Q-matic automation system to your machine, which is the first step to be able to offer your quilting services to others and become a professional quilter.
Which accessories should I get? It will depend on whether you have a BERNINA Sit-down or a stand-up Frame model. For both machine types you will love the BERNINA Needle point laser, indicating the exact spot on your quilt, where the needle is going to stitch. Stand-up frame users should be definitely looking at the BERNINA Ruler work kit, containing the ruler base (mandatory for quilting with rulers on a frame), the Ruler Foot #96 and a versatile BERNINA basic ruler. Sit-down users are advantaged in this sense – they already got their base with the table, so they only need to get some rulers and Ruler Foot #96! Both sit-down and stand-up frame machines can use the Adjustable Ruler Foot #72. As a stand-up frame user not having decided yet on the BERNINA Q-matic automation system, you should be looking at the BERNINA Pantograph kit with rear handles, rear screen, laser light and combined laser light and stylus holder, a beautiful pantograph from Urban Elementz and a pantograph cover. Are you loving micro work? Always in the case of the stand-up frame model don’t forget about the BERNINA Palm precision handles, which will give you the possibility to sit down while micro quilting with full control of the machine, creating the smallest micro work ever. Don’t forget your glasses – your designs will be so perfectly tiny, it is going to be hard to see! BERNINA longarm accessories at a glance: BERNINA Longarm Accessories Catalogue BERNINA Longarm Accessories on bernina.com
Where can I test drive and buy a BERNINA Q Series longarm? There are hundreds of BERNINA longarm certified dealers worldwide. Please check the BERNINA dealer search to find the closest dealer to you. Would you like to test drive a machine first? Your BERNINA longarm certified dealer will have a floor model ready for you and will be happy to have you have a go on these wonderful machines. Alternatively find us at one of the many quilt shows and exhibits for hands-on experience and the latest deal on one of the BERNINA Q Series models and/or accessories.
How are the BERNINA Q Series longarm machines made? It is best to watch how they are made: Manufacturing of the BERNINA Longarm Quilting Machine,
How much maintenance does a BERNINA Q Series longarm need? The hook area should be always freed of any lint whenever the bobbin needs to be changed. Otherwise the BERNINA Q Series longarm machines are very easy to maintain because they only need a drop of oil on the hook when you start quilting and then after every two or three bobbin changes. The exact oiling spot can be seen in this How To video.
Do I have to buy the high-end BERNINA Q Series longarm to get all features and accessories? Absolutely not! The BERNINA Q Series longarm machines are a modular system – so you decide where you want to start from and where you want to go! The Q 24 and the Q 20 are truly big brother and little sister – the only difference is 4” of throat space! For example: choose a Q 20 as a Sit-down model and upgrade to a Frame at any time. Any frame accessory can then be fitted to the machine, giving you the opportunity to add at your own pace without having to change the complete machine.
What kind of bobbin does the BERNINA Q Series longarm use? All BERNINA Q Series longarms use M class bobbins. “M” stands for MORE, so they really go a long way, especially when you use the red BERNINA bobbins and the on-board bobbin winder. In the BERNINA machine manual you will find a two-page chart for the most commonly used longarm threads with the yardage for a full red BERNINA bobbin. Tip: this chart is also useful to adjust your bobbin thread indicator!
Can I use pre-wound bobbins with my BERNINA Q Series longarm? As long as it is an M class bobbin, you can use any pre-wound bobbin with your BERNINA Q Series longarm.
What kind of feet can I use with my BERNINA Q Series longarm? You can use any BERNINA hopping foot on your Q Series longarm. Should you already have a BERNINA domestic sewing machine, check in your accessory box for Foot #9, #15, #24, #26, #29, #43, #44C, #72, #72S, #73, #74 and #96.
What makes a BERNINA Q Series longarm different from other longarms? BERNINA has a long tradition of focusing on quality and innovation and with over 125 years of experience, we build sewing machines with Swiss precision and engineering know-how. So why not take all this knowledge and make a perfect longarm? This includes: Unique threading path The spool holders are positioned towards the front of the machine and the forward threading path is easy to reach and simple to follow. The short thread path supports perfect thread tension. Unique upper thread tension control The thread tension control is a BERNINA exclusive, electronically adjustable and numeric. Easily adjust thread tension digitally with a few clicks and track the settings for your favorite thread types and combinations. There is no external upper thread tension assembly required. On-board bobbin winder The integrated bobbin winder (M Class bobbin) makes it convenient to wind coordinating bobbin threads for your projects, independent of machine operation. Ergonomic handles (BERNINA Q Series Frame Models only) The 8-way, fully-adjustable handles, place the most frequently used functions at your fingertips. KickStart function (BERNINA Q Series Sit Down Models only) The KickStart function allows quilting in a continuous sewing mode without having to keep the foot control constantly pressed. And by the way: style and beautiful design of our machines have always been our mission!