Have you ever heard of a long arm sewing machine and wondered what it was? Could it be a sewing machine that has a long arm? Is there anything special about it? These are all common questions that sewer may ask. A long arm sewing machine is a machine with a larger work area and longer arm length than traditional sewing machines. This machine is designed to help create elaborate quilts or large sewing projects with ease.
Most of these types of machines use industrial-strength motors, making it much easier to sew thicker and heavier fabric. With a long arm sewing machine, the arm length is between 12 and 18 inches. When compared to a regular home sewing machine, this is quite a difference. With such a large arm length, it makes it much easier for longer stitches and for thicker fabric to be handled.
The larger work area on a long arm sewing machine is designed to make layering the fabrics from multiple angles much easier. Being able to work from multiple angles when sewing a quilt is important, due to the heavy nature of the fabric. Having a large work area will more than likely improve the overall quilting stitch accuracy.
The internal mechanics of a long arm sewing machine is also quite different to a normal sewing machine. Depending on the type of machine, a long arm sewing machine can handle up to 30 stitches per inch. Depending on the person operating the machine, this can be a great time saver!
Long arm sewing machines can be a great investment when quilting large or intricate quilts. For seamstresses that sew regularly and are working on larger projects, these machines can be a great asset. That being said, there are some downsides to owning a long arm sewing machine. For one, they aren’t cheap. Some of these machines can cost upwards of $1000, which can be quite a bit of money for a hobbyist or novice seamstress.
Long arm sewing machines also require more maintenance when compared to regular sewing machines. As these machines are able to handle a larger workload and more complicated projects, more wear and tear on the internal mechanics can occur from the machine being overused. Therefore, regular maintenance and upkeep of the machine will be necessary.
Precautions when using a Long Arm Sewing Machine
Like a regular sewing machine, a long arm sewing machine needs to be used safely as there can be many risks associated with it. There are also some differences between a regular sewing machine and a long arm sewing machine that can increase potential risk. For instance, the larger work area and arm length of a long arm sewing machine can create some potential issues when it comes to safety.
Safety gear such as reading glasses and appropriate clothing are a must. For example, long sleeved shirts and long pants can help protect your skin from potential dangers, such as a needle breaking or a sharp blade. Also, be sure to have a first-aid kit ready in the event of an emergency.
When using a long arm sewing machine, it’s also important to make sure that the machine is in good working order. This can include making sure that all the moving parts and the internal mechanisms are in peak condition and free from any debris or obstruction. Any faults with the machinery should be addressed immediately as this can not only put the operator in danger, but also put the fabric at risk.
Moreover, it’s important to be aware of the types of fabrics that can be used on this type of machine. For instance, some fabric such as denim can be a bit too thick for a regular sewing machine, but due to the longer arm length and industrial-strength motor, a long arm sewing machine can handle the heaviest of fabrics.
What type of projects are best suited to long arm machines?
Long arm sewing machines are great for completing larger projects and intricate quilting stitches with ease. As an example, when making a quilt for a queen-sized bed, the traditional method would be to piece together various pieces of fabric and sew them together. Doing this in small pieces and then piecing them together can be a very tedious and difficult process. By using a long arm sewing machine, the process can be much easier and quicker.
Moreover, with a long arm sewing machine, the stitches will be much more constant throughout the quilt as the arm length allows for a more even stitch pattern. This can be invaluable, as the overall look of the quilt can be much more even and symmetrical.
Apart from quilting, other larger projects can be great candidates for a long arm sewing machine. Examples can include large hemstitches, or even large curtains. Thanks to the long thread lengths, making these type of projects can be much simpler.
Types of long arm sewing machines
Nowadays, there is a large variety of different types of long arm machines available on the market. Some of these machines can be quite expensive, depending on the make and model. The two main types of long arm machines are the double-needle and the single-needle machines.
A double-needle long arm machine is usually used for quilting and stitching large multi-colored fabrics. This type of machine has two needles that help create intricate patterns and shapes. On the other hand, the single-needle machine is designed for projects such as curtains, bedspreads, and other larger fabric projects. This type of machine has one needle and is best suited for heavier fabrics or materials.
Care and Upkeep of a Long arm machine
As with any mechanical device, regular maintenance and upkeep is important. This can include cleaning the machine, lubricating the moving parts, and checking all the internal mechanisms. This can help prolong the life of the sewing machine, as well as make sure that the stitches are uniform and neat.
Moreover, it is important to use the correct type of thread for the fabric being used. This can ensure that the thread does not become tangled or knotted due to the larger arm length. It’s also important to use the correct pressure foot in order to make sure that the stitches are even and consistent throughout the project.
Conclusion
Overall, a long arm sewing machine is an excellent device for projects such as quilts or large fabric projects. It can be a great time saver, as it can handle heavier fabrics at a much faster rate than a normal sewing machine. It can also be quite an investment, however, so it is important to make sure that the machine is cared for and maintained properly.
