Machine Quilting Terminology

PBQTips #M.01 Machine Quilting Terminology

Pat Barry YOUR LONGARM QUILTING EXPERT

This is the first in a series of articles on products The industry has categorized machines as longarm designed for people who use quilting machines. So, (throat size 18”+), midarm (12” to 18”) and shortarm I would like to explain a bit and define a few terms (less than 12”). Size is important when choosing used by quilting machine owners. patterns and planning the quilting designs, but most quilting techniques are performed the same way, This is a growing segment, as witnessed by the regardless of the throat size. increasing number of sewing machine companies now offering a quilting machine. It is important to Here are a few terms used by professional and note that quilting systems come in multiple sizes personal quilters: and configurations. There is no single ‘best’ system Hopping foot (aka foot) for quilters – because the configurations change Like the presser foot on a domestic sewing depending on the quilter’s needs and resources. machine, but it works differently – it really hops! Quilters are notoriously clever and creative (it Free motion quilting seems to be part of the quilting heritage to take Means an individual (not a computer) is guiding scraps and create something wonderful). So, many the machine. machine configurations are a mix-n-match Continuous line designs combination of pieces that ultimately become a Designed to be quilted without starts & stops. quilting machine. The combinations use equipment Pantograph patterns (aka panto) intended for quilting and some intended for other Consist of multiple repeats of the same motif, all purposes. “Necessity is the mother of invention,” connected into one continuous line design. By my mother used to say, and I think we all have tracing the panto with a styus or laser light, the experienced repurposing household items to fill a quilting design spans the width of the quilt. It is need. However, there are some features that all repeated, by row throughout the entire quilt. quilting systems have. Edge-to-Edge (E2E) When I talk about quilting machines, I am referring Term for quilting a design repeatedly across the to a system that includes a table or frame that holds entire quilt. When the upper and lower edges of the fabric like a stretcher, and a machine that can the pattern are designed to ‘nest’, the pattern is a freely float (and stitch) the fabric being held by the good choice for an Edge-to-Edge design. table. My table is 14’ Border-to-Border (B2B) long but most Term for quilting a design repeatedly across the professional quilters quilt, stopping at the border seamlines. When the have 12’ tables. The upper and lower edges of the pattern are very quilt shown on the linear, the pattern is a good choice for a Border- table in the picture is to-Border design. queen size, and I must Stencils stand when quilting. Used to mark a quilt with a particular design, but quilting machine owners are looking for stencils A closer picture shows the machine (called a that are continuous line designs. sewing head) sits on a platform (called a crosstrack) that is attached to the table (called a Templates frame). Both the machine and the platform have Guides that can be used with the machine to wheels which work together to make the machine stitch a more perfect shape. They are thicker than capable of moving in typical templates, at ¼” thick, which makes it safe all directions. The to use. The quilting machine is guided along the machine size is edge of the template tracing the shape. measured in inches, Rulers from the needle to Straight edge templates, with measurements the back of the throat marked along one edge. space. Like many other products, these items are often only available online or at major quilt shows.

PBQTips #M.01 Machine Quilting Terminology

Pat Barry YOUR LONGARM QUILTING EXPERT

Also, like many other products, machine quilters More information (and pictures) about each of like to build a stash of these tools and patterns. these terms will be included in future articles, when They buy some simple patterns initially, and add to we talk about how different products help the quilter their collection as their skills improve. Like other in different ways. patterns you sell, these products are not very Always “checking” for a better way to quilt! expensive, don’t take up much display space, and quilters are always looking for new ideas so Pat Barry wouldn’t they be a welcome addition to your www.PatBarryQuilts.com inventory?