Loading a Longarm for Beginners - Urban Elementz
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ก.พ. 2025
- This video, aimed for beginners, goes over one method of loading a longarm with a quilt (Filmed on a very hot summer day).
#urbanelementz #appliqueelementz #quilts #quiltingdesigns #e2e #pantographs #longarmquilting #quiltingismytherapy #menwhoquilt #bernina
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⦁ Contact Us: support@urbanelementz.com
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⦁ Machines used: Bernina Q24 with ClassiQ IntelliQuilter, Bernina 770 Quilters Edition Plus, Bernina 435
sound effects obtained from www.zapsplat.com
Dear Reader -I know what you're thinking. "1 hour to load a quilt top??! I'll watch this other 15 min video" Wrong answer. This video has EVERYTHING. Yes you should watch this one, because it will answer all of your questions at the same time. The helpful chapter markings let you go back to where you need. Excellent resource. Thank you for making it.
Thank you SO much for your wonderful comment! We are so happy this video was everything you needed.
I wish I had found this earlier.
I asked on the grace everything but selling page where everyone got pantographs. Many suggested you . I have quilted 3 small quilts for practice. I will watch this several times
This is the first time I've seen your videos and the first time I have ever responded to a video and trust me I've watched alot of them. I had to tell you, that I love your straight forward, no nonsense approach. I thoroughly enjoyed the informative video and bless your heart, I appreciate your sacrifice for comfort to make the video its best in regards to sound. I kept thinking, this poor guy needs air conditioning and here you have it . I did not think you were grumpy and I certainly do not think you're selfish after all, you took the time and suffered the heat to make this video for us. BTW, I just started quilting because I had so much fabric from sewing over the years that I wanted to use up my scraps so I'm learning to quilt on my practice quilts that I made from scraps. Never spent a dime on fabric. I'll be watching your videos going forward and will subscribe...another thing I've never done is subscribe to videos. Thank you
Thank you, maryreuter2773. We hope you enjoy our other videos as well. Please feel free to reach out to us anytime.
Thanks for the wonderful instructions.. had my Longarm 3 weeks now. Finally feel I'm done practicing. You helped me get mine loaded.
I have 29 quilts to get quilted!
How exciting! Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
BRAVO! Your joy and your time and your money! Everyone and their uncle suddenly has ten quilts they would love for you to “quickly” long arm!!!
Thank you!
I love your soapbox!
Thank you for the detailed video. I’m brand spankin’ new to long arming and I learned some great tips that will save back strain, and my fingers from being poked by the needles. Bless you for sacrificing your comfort so this video could be created without the background noise of the air conditioner. Looking forward to seeing more of your videos.
Thank you for your comment, @wendyearwood! Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any longarming questions!
As a relatively new quilter I have insisted to do all my quilting on the domestic machine so I would learn the basics of FMQ. Now that I am making more quilt tops I have found that there are not enough hours in the day to do it all myself. I have resorted to sending some of my qilts to "long armers." I was impressed by the cost and wondered why it cost as much as it does. Watching this video and others has made me appreciate all the work that goes into having a quilt done by a "long armer." Thank you for taking the pains of making these videos. Greetings from Rapid City, South Dakota.
Thank you for sharing! Longarmers do a lot of work and we are thankful for all of them!
I love watching videos about loading the longarm. I always learn something.
Thank you for sticking with us through the heat.
I’ve always sent my tops and backing to my friend with a long arm machine… I’ve never had any qualms about what she charges! I understand completely costs of equipment and her time!!!! After watching your video, I’m even more convinced she earns every penny she charges!!!!♥️
Thank you for supporting your quilting friends!
I wash all my fabrics even before piecing. I want all of it to shrink before I make my quilts or garments.
I only have three quilts that need quilting on the longarm. I have been quilting on my regular sewing machine mostly straight lines up until now. I made a quilt that I want to outline butterflies on the squares and I just couldn't see how to do that easily. Then I made two quilts that are so large, that the thought of doing them on my sewing machine just was too much. So I bought a longarm and am in the learning stages of doodling on that plain piece of fabric you talked about. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and expertise. It is so helpful for me in this process. And I am sorry you had to work in that heat without your air conditioning.
I have heard if your always doing what your comfortable with, your not progressing. I think there is truth in that. Three quilts is not too much pressure. We would love to see how they come out.
I decided to buy a used machine, and (semi-patiently) waited a year before finding the model I was seeking in: a price I could afford and a location I could drive to in a day.
1) I didn’t want to start a business, and 2) I didn’t want to be guilted into quilting tops I didn’t wish to. And thanks to those decisions, I don’t have to deal with customers (ewww, people, 😂).
I love that you set firm boundaries, too!
We are sew excited for your quilting journey! Please reach out if you have any questions. 🤗
Thank you for this video. I haven’t found one specific to this machine and this set up that explains it so well. This is my setup minus the digital component and you have cleared up many questions for me!! So many videos neglect the set up and go right into the quilting. I really needed this step by step demonstration. THANK YOU 🥰
We are glad we could be there for you. If you have other stumbling blocks let us know and we will add it to the topics to cover.
Thanks for the point you made about not letting others steal your joy in what you are doing. I had the same experience about including music in my videos. I don't do it to fill space, but just because I love to use it as an accent, but I may have had it a little too loud at first, and had some complaints about it. Now I try to keep the music low and use the voice over feature, and no more complaints so far. Its a fine line line to keep viewers watching and do your thing in the way that you love to do it. And yes, I have to turn off my AC when I make a video! 😅
Thanks for the great tips, Nancy. We will have to try this out! Why do AC units have to be so noisy???
Over the last couple of years, I have assembled over 20 quilt tops and several wall hangings. I purchased a Bernina Q24 a year ago and was struggling to get meaningful and easy info on how to operate it. Then I came across your instructional videos and the info you presented was exactly what I was looking for. I now have more confidence and have taken my sample ‘scribble’ piece off and loaded one of my many quilt tops to do manually. I do have the QMatic on my set up but I’m not ready to use it yet. Thank you for all of your tips and tricks and keep the videos coming!
If you come across specific issues, let us know, they make great resources for future video topics. We are thrilled to know they are reaching their intended audience.
@@urbanelementzdesignsp
I’ve been wanting a long arm for several years. Every time I went into my retailer, I would look at them and dream “one day”. That day has finally come and I can’t wait to get started. Your video is very informative with your tips and tricks. I greatly appreciate the work you did to create this video. Sorry, I didn’t think you were grumpy…just telling it like it is. 😊
Congratulations on your new longarm! What an exciting time. 😊
As a new quilter, your video was the most informative I have seen yet. Thank you for the great information
Thanks, Margaret! We try to be as helpful as possible.
Puede traducir al español
@@urbanelementzdesigns Guber traductor
Ahhhh this is a breath of fresh air to me!! I appreciate your “grumpiness”. It’s direct & from the heart. I thank you for the detailed instructions. I’ve been watching others who just throw the quilt & backing on saying no need to find center & I’ve done them, but felt it wasn’t an intentional procedure in order to produce the best outcome. I like your way & will follow it in the future. I only have 2 unquilted tops. One is a memory quilt for my niece & the other is a vintage top purchased from another quilter who frequents antique stores & thrift stores for mature flimsies. I’m now looking forward to both thanks to you & your approach.
Thank you, Shelly! Please reach out if you have any questions. We are always happy to help. Best of luck with your future quilt tops!
Thank you, I love your videos, I like the way you talk.
It took me a long time to be able to listen to my own voice on playback. If your referring more to the content, that has to do with having taught in person for a long time, and knowing that everyone is at a different level and I love that part. It means we are still growing, together.
This is a great video!!
Thank you!
I don't think you're Grumpy. You tell it how it is, and I respect that. Thank you for your very informative tutorial. I, too, have 10 quilts on my longarm. Time just gets away.
Thank you!
I have been quilting since 2019 and I have 2 quilt tops finished and one quilt sandwich ready to be quilted.
That sounds like you will be staying busy!
I so appreciate that you talked through the reasons why you prefer the steps you take. We can avoid the bad experiences you’ve encountered just by listening to your sage advice. And no, you’re not at all grumpy! You’re brilliant and you know your craft! Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge with us … and I’m blown away that you recorded this THREE 😲 times! Bravo sir!
Thank you for your sweet words, WendyPeterson-uc1ry!
This was soo detailed & helpful!! THANK YOU!! Looking forward to your next videos. Appreciate you turning off the ac so we can hear you. Congratulations after doing this 3x!! 🎉🎉🎉😂😂
We are sew happy to hear you found this video helpful, @ElizabethHolcomb-l7u. Please feel free to contact us anytime.
Thank You !!!!!!!!! Thank YOu!!!!!!!!!!!! Your Soap Box was beautifully said. When I give my list of prices l use to fill it like I just spoke some hoarded words.
Thank you for this thorough longarm loading video. I’m new so feel like you covered all the bases. Thank you! I have two quilts to b finished so excited to see this. Just scared😳 to start. Btw we all have grumpy days. Go cool off. Fun to see your machine
Thank you, @jeannefiscus7098! Happy quilting 💜
I have been quilting on my domestic machine for several years and have just purchased a longarm. Thank you so much for your instructions - I feel much more confident now ❤
You're welcome, Lisa! We are happy this video has helped guide you.
Love “your third try” video. This is my first time viewer. I will be watching more of your videos.
I’m a new long arm machine owner. You’re great. Thank you , Michele
Hi Michele! Thank you for your kind words.
Thank you for your even presentation. You're not talking too fast or too slow. My long arm was just delivered today so this video is very helpful in laying out things to think about and be aware of. I've usually done the whole process--cutting to quilting before moving onto another quilt. Right now I have 3 finished tops. I'm putting together scrap donation quilts for practice but I will definitely use some plain fabric as you suggest to get started. Thx.
I absolutely love this quilt and your teaching!! I have 9 tops finished and ready to begin my long arm journey!!
That sounds like a whole lot of fun!
This is the most comprehensive and easiest beginner instruction i have seen as a youtube video!! I have a janome proquilter 18 so a bit different to your Bernina. I will definitely be following all your tips for pinning and basting. Thankyou so much for your videos.
Thank you for your comment! We are so glad you found this video helpful.
Piecing tops is my absolute favorite so far. I’ve been quilting for about 12 years, making around 65 quilts in that time. I’ve had about 15 quilted for me. Just got my first longarm a couple months ago to start quilting my own. Just 50 to go and counting. 😊
Best of luck on those 50 quilts! We are sure they will be beautiful ☺
You are an inspiration, keep it up, and show off that work!
Precio de máquinas
@@urbanelementzdesigns l
I believe i have7 quilts ready for the frame! And I appreciate your videos, they are well structured.
Thank you for viewing. Seven isn't so bad, it seems that 5-10 is the average so far.
TY! After over a year, I finally finished setting up my long arm last night. Saw this and it definitely gave me quite a few tips and tricks and helpful hints!
Definitely do what you want!
Happy quilting! 💜
Thank you so much. I am just beginning to quilt. I have been making quilt tops for about 8 years and always tied them. Your tutorial has bee great.
Thank you! We are always happy to hear when our videos are helpful.
I am so pleased you did this video. I might not have the same longarm but you covered my questions I had and now I can look out for the issues I had. Thanks again.
We are happy to help!
I have 3 large quilt tops to do and I have 3 wall quilts to do. Thank you so much for this video. You gave some great tips! I loved it. I also love shopping at urban elements.
Thank you, Bonnie! We are happy this video was helpful.
Love the video. My first look at longarm and I am looking at purchasing very helpful.
Thank you, Vickie!
Very informative video Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for your comment @glamperjan
Thank you for making this video. I am just moving from a sit down machine to a frame and appreciate you sharing your quilting knowledge! I have 14 quilts to be quilted…..
We are happy you found this video helpful. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions on your new adventure!
Just sitting up my new long arm this week
You asked how many tops, well I have at least 500+, and 47 that need to be bound. Better late than never!!
Goodness!
Your time is the perfect time!
I loved your video. I bought a longarm for the same reason. This is a hobby for me and I took a lot of good hints from you. I have 12 quilt tops that are in various stages that I will be quilting. Thank you.
Thank you, linakool1904!
This video has been very timely and informative. I am about to upgrade my Q20 to the studio frame.
I started quilting 3 years ago and now have 9 quilts in line to be quilted. I brought a new to me longarm recently but I'm still in the process of practicing. I love the idea of the leader clamps. I have never heard of them but may have to purchase them. I have problems with my leaders getting twisted unevenly,, which I know is operator error. Seems like those leader clamps would help that.
Once you get into the swing, you will know those ten out in no time. Enjoy the process.
I got mine from Quilters Apothecary. If they do not have them in stock, just let them know you want them and they will get them back in stock. They are a wonder, and I wouldn't want to work without them. I use about four or five per leader, so 15 or 16 isn't too many as far as I am concerned. worth their weight in gold.
I also have about 10 quilt tops to quilt - and keep making more. Once in awhile I stop piecing to load a quilt. I've had my longarm for just over a year and getting confidence but really looking forward to watching the wholecloth quilting and how you get it ready. Thanks for your time!
That is awesome! Thanks for sharing.
Great video! You weren't very noticeably grumpy... I'm an absolute beginner with a brand new Amara and P-S, with 5 quilt tops that need to be finished--I have practiced on two whole-piece sandwiches, and now I'm trying to get my nerve up to load my first top! I appreciate your candor.
Congratulations on your new machine and hobby, Linda! Please feel free to contact us anytime. We are always happy to help however we can 😊
Thank you very informative 😊
That looks like fun, I was poking around on the site this evening and checked out the design wall but didn’t try it, now that I’ve watched this video I will try it for sure!
Excellent video
Thank you, @AnnetteMann-n1q!
This is an excellent explanation for long arming. I am a new quilter and this has helped me understand why I need extra fabric and batting.
We are glad we could be of help!
Thank you so much for this video. I have a different machine, but you have shared so many great tips that I think will really improve my results. Also catching up with my past. I've finally gotten my king size Bonnie Hunter mystery quilt finished. I wish I had seen your video before I quilted it. I floated it because that had worked for me for smaller quilts... not so much this time. I'm not sure if it was the pieced border or the floating, but I ended up with quite a bit of fullness in my bottom border. So disappointing.
We hope these tips help you for your future projects!
I am a beginner at long arming...a dream of many years. Your video was great, with lots of tips and tricks. Thank you. I am so grateful for so much info and appreciate all the work it is for creating this helpful video.
Thank you, Donna. Feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions!
I have 3 total needs long armed. Newbie here, just bought a HQ Avante. Your video was great. Thank you
Congratulations on your Avante machine! Thanks for watching!
Thank you for making this video. It was very helpful and full of information. I did watch the previous older video and the background music was distracting (for me). This version is in my "favorites".
Thank you for your comment! We are happy to hear you enjoyed this video and found some useful information.
Thank you for making this video. I'm new to Longarm quilting and have eight tops and growing to quilt. I have completed two. Your tips will help me prepare the rest for successful quilting. Thank you ❤❤
Congratulations on your new longarm! Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions!
Loved this video. Very informative and helpful. Also, you have really good boundaries set - I aspire to that!
Thank you!
I currently have only one that I’m working on. I have stitched in the ditch about 7 quilts on a regular machine I have just purchased a long arm and I’m going to start my new adventure. I am excited to learn🙂
We are so excited for your journey. Please share some of your progress along the way.
Very helpful with so many great tips. Thank you for putting this out.
Thank you! We are glad it was helpful!
This was a great video. Thank you for sharing your time to make it!!
We are glad this was a helpful video!
Thank you so much! I agree with your philosophies, too!😊
Thanks for your video! I am just beginning and have about three finished quilts ready for the longarm. I can’t wait to get good enough to finish them. Your videos are very helpful. Thanks!
Thank you, Becky! Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions about anything while starting out.
Fantastic lesson Thank you! I have at least 6 that are ready to be quilted
Thank you! Our quilt pile is always growing 💜
I really enjoyed your video, keep doing what you are doing. I have 8 lap quilts to quilt to donate, because I can.
Thank you!
👍👍☝ Just the instructions I needed. Thank you.
You're welcome!
I loved this video and I'm sorry you had such a hard time getting it correct. but it was great. I have about 15 quilts to be quilted and i just finished putting the leaders on to ,my new new q20 and classic frame. I look forward to doing each one.
Thank you, Terry!
So many good tips, thank you! May I ask about the cat and dog wall hangings? I would love to know where to find those patterns!
Yes, aren't they cute! Alley Catz - 10 Block Set - Applique Quilt and Dog Park - 10 Block Set - Applique Quilt are both available on our Urban Elementz website.
Here is a link to the Alley Catz: www.urbanelementz.com/alley-catz-quilt-10-block-set-applique-quilt.html
Here is a link to the Dog Park: www.urbanelementz.com/dog-park-quilt-10-block-set-applique-quilt.html
The appliques are also available individually on our website: www.urbanelementz.com/applique-elementz/applique-elementz-projects.html
I have one finished top waiting for quilting. I loved the process of putting it together. But I struggle to let myself start another one before the first one is completely finished.
We are glad you loved it! It's tough not to start a new project in the middle of another one when there are so many great ideas out there!
I'm interested in those clamps you said you purchased from Quilters Apothocary. Are they the ones with handles and you removed the handles. I did not see any without handles.
They sell both types, if they are not in stock, then they take them off the web, send them a message and they will let you know as soon as they have them. It will light a fire, so to speak.
@@bkptroy thank you
I have over 35 tops. I got my long arm this summer so I’ve only long-armed a couple of quilts so far. Thanks for this video! I’m curious about the amount of tension on the back. Is there a right amount of tension or is it mostly personal preference? I ask because I had problems with my first quilt. Maybe I had it too tight. The second one I I left a little looser and didn’t have those issues.
This is a tricky one to answer, because I am not sure of the reasons that people get different results. I believe it is down to the machine and system. I had mine looser in the beginning and I had wrinkles and pleats in the backing, so I started making mine more taunt. I get good results that way. The bottom line is, anyone/everyone has advice but it is not all going to work for you. Try the tips and see what best results you get and make notes. What is ultimately right is what works best for you.
This is an unanswerable question in part. I know for a fact that I keep very tight tension on my quilt, but others have issues doing that. I think it comes down to more than just tension, but also setup, batting, machine and so on. In the end, you can watch several methods, test them, and see what works for you. I just know if I don't keep it all tight, I get wrinkles and puckers sewn into the quilt, and I dont seem to have an issue when it is tight like a drum.
Great video, I will pass on the info I received this morning, the small leader clamps you use are no longer available from quilters apothecary, I was disappointed because I thought that would be a great tool!!
There are some great options out there for replacement clamps. Some of us use simple tarp clips and they work great. Here is a link to an example - www.homedepot.com/p/Homax-CinchTite-Multi-Purpose-Tarp-Clip-4-Pack-2615/203495590
I saw a tip (elsewhere) that “Clip - and - Seal” in the Mongo size package works (Amazon has those). Unless you have recommendations against that substitute, cuz I’m about to try those.
@@debbadgooddeb1729 This seems like a great option! We found these on Amazon and the reviews have some images of the clips being used on quilting frames.
www.amazon.com/Clip-n-Seal-Mondo-10-Pack-Clips/dp/B00102TRFG/ref=sr_1_13?crid=2IQQBCOH2GJ3E&keywords=Clip+-+and+-+Seal%E2%80%9D+in+the+Mongo+size+package&qid=1681222922&sprefix=clip+-+and+-+seal+in+the+mongo+size+package%2Caps%2C99&sr=8-13
6 ready to quilt, 5 to be finished with short time allowances.
Best of luck! We are sure they will be beautiful
So what do you do if the sides don’t measure the same? As in your example where one side measures 60 and the other side measures 63?
Well, it depends on whose it is. If it were mine, I would remove the border that was incorrect, and make it fit. You would determine that from measuring the "body" of the quilt along the center, both horizontally and vertically. Adding the size of the border should indicate what the correct size should have been. One of the quilts in our list in me putting on a mitered border, and I cut them before I add them to the quilt, so they cannot grow. People often cut long strips of fabric and just feed it through the machine over the body of the quilt, but the feed dogs will Ruffle the side closest to the feed dogs making that side much longer in the process.
@@bkptroy thank you
This is beautiful! Where are you located??
Thank you! We are located in the United States and offer our products online at www.urbanelementz.com/
Hi there...I am having trouble whne using qmatic...after I set the safe zone and have my design all set up, when i advance my quilt and try to start the next row, my safe area is shifting slightly and I'm having to cut the vertical right side of my quilt on the screen in order to proceed...not sure why?
I am not familiar with Qmatic. The unit on my machine is an IQ. The office does not monitor this page as it is more for education and not office matters, please contact support@urbanelementz.com and see if they can help you directly, or your Bernina Dealer.
Did you record follow up videos on basting the quilt. You mentioned you were doing a series of three but I can't find the others on your channel. Would you mind sending me a link to them please?
Hi Lisa! Here is the basting video for this quilt: th-cam.com/video/p9L4lhMNNmU/w-d-xo.html
Scrim side down ❤
Do you wash the top?
I wash all of my fabric before I make any quilt, unless it is specialty fabric like silk dupioni. I would never wash a quilt top unless it had somehow become soiled. Washing a top would result in all of the neatly pressed seams becoming disorganized and all of those seams would also fray, and create a mess in the dryer. I do sometimes wash a quilt after it is bound, but only on a hand cycle.
Thank you. Depending on the fabric I also wash prior to piecing. Like you said everyone has their own thoughts. Just got my Longarm and have been nervous about using it.
@@sasquatchkit5223 Load some plain sale fabric and play, don't be afraid. You will make a ton of mistakes, but each one will be a stepping stone to knowledge and skill, not to mention a lifetime of fun.
Thanks for the explanation as to why the backing and batting need to be so much larger than the quilt top. Never heard this nefire but it makes lots of sense now.
I have lots to quilt.
I was taught to pin on the canvas. Does it really matter 🤔
To each their own, whatever works the best for you and your machine! 💜
I have well over 100 quilt tops ready to be quilted. It's really quite embarrasing. I am almost 70 and worried I will never get them all finished before I die.
Completing all those quilt tops is very impressive! We are sure you will get through them in no time.
Where can i buy the leader grips you used
The ones from the video are Quilters Apothecary, but they are no longer available. Tarp clips are really affordable, light weight and easy to clip on/off. They can be found at places like Home Depot. Here is a link to an example of the ones we have used: www.homedepot.com/p/Homax-CinchTite-Multi-Purpose-Tarp-Clip-4-Pack-2615/203495590
I have 5 queen size ready to quilt.
Quite a stack!
I have 3 unfinished quilt tops
I have 11.
I have 4 quilts ready to quit .
we would love to see them when you have some done
That is too much for a machine like that. I could buy a car for that
Hi Collette! Thank you for your comment. It is quite a big purchase. We understand it is not for everyone.