5 Tiny Tips To Make Longarm Quilting More Fun
Posted on February 10, 2026 by prairiemoonquilts in Longarm Quilting, Quilting For HireI don’t typically try to offer anyone any information on HOW to use a longarm machine. There are so many fabulous quilters out there who teach great classes and have so much good information to share, and I don’t feel I’m up to that level. My longarm quilting advice is usually limited to helping other longarm quilters turn their hobby into a business.
However, with the last few quilts I’ve done, I’ve been mulling over the little things I do to keep the actual quilting part from stressing me out. I LOVE machine quilting, and therefore, it needs to remain fun for me.
Even if you’re not a longarm quilter or a Quilter for Hire, you might find some of this advice useful for however you do your quilting. (Or be able to apply it to other aspects of your life.)
Naturally, your machine needs to be in good working order so that you don’t have to fight with it to get it to work right. And I’m not the one to give you advice on tension issues, or needle sizes, or thread types, or how to fix real machine problems. I can barely muddle through those things my ownself at times. I just make the call for real help!
However, here are five little things I try to remember when I’m at my machine.
The height of your working area.
For years, I thought my frame was set at a good height. Then, when I got a new frame, I had it raised up a little, which helped, but it was as high as it could go. I always meant to put some blocks under it to raise it even higher, but if you know me, I’m a procrastinator, so that never happened. But then, I got an entirely new system, so while Coleman was installing it for me, I was forward-thinking enough to have him raise it up even higher. My back has been thanking me ever since. I sometimes think it’s a titch too high, but I know that lowering it back down would have my back rebelling again, so I’m happy with it how it is — finally. Once that is set, it’s not something you have to think about again, but these next four I have to keep reminding myself of on the regular.
You don’t have to drive like Richard Petty.
Like a car, just because you CAN go 120 mph doesn’t mean you HAVE to go 120 mph. Just because your machine can go fast, doesn’t mean you have to make it go that fast, or make yourself try and keep up with it because it’s set to go fast. Different types of quilting require different speeds, and most machines have a speed control (or a stitch regulator) to help you keep the speed where you need it. If you’re doing really intricate work, for example, quilting around appliqué shapes with a ruler, you’ll want to go much slower. Using a ruler period means you should go slower, so you don’t have a horrible accident. Freeform quilting designs like pebbles, stippling, meandering, or feathers can be done in regulated or un-regulated mode, and the speed can be set at whatever you feel is most comfortable for you to execute those designs smoothly. Practice them in several different ways, and once you find what works, make note of your settings for future reference so you can easily repeat what went well. And remember: Just because Miss So-and-So does them that fast doesn’t mean you have to. You be you! (And don’t forget that most online videos are sped up to keep them from being too boring!)
And if you are stitching out a pantograph by hand (if your machine is not computerized), going too slow makes things worse. Here’s where you can speed up a bit to make following those designs a bit smoother. Going too slow will make the design come out choppy. And once you’ve done a couple passes on it, muscle memory will kick in, and you’ll naturally be able to go faster towards the end than you did at the beginning.
Don’t look directly at the needle.
You don’t need to see exactly what the needle is doing because it’s already there doing it. You need to be looking ahead at where you’re going next, so you can guide the needle to get there smoothly. Your brain works faster than your hands, so planning just a bit ahead of where the needle is can help you make much smoother designs, drive out a panto more smoothly, and keep you from quilting yourself into a corner with free-motion fillers. This advice works great with feathers, too. You can plan exactly the shape of each particular feather if you can see where you’re going just a split second ahead of time. This also takes practice to make yourself do it, too, so don’t get discouraged. I’ve been longarm quilting for 17 years, and I still consider myself “practicing” a lot of the time. I always say: “I still learn something new with every quilt!”
Don’t keep a death grip on the handles.
Totally NOT necessary, and also detrimental to your stress levels, not to mention the tension it causes in your arms, neck, and shoulders. Ouch! Keep a light touch and guide your machine along. Some quilters get so comfortable with this, they can drive their machines with one hand. Even I can do certain designs one-handed, and you get to where you’re not even thinking about it. If you find yourself gripping the handles too tightly, stop and adjust yourself. Relax, this is supposed to be fun!
Take a break when you need it.
My stepmother used to tell me: “When you start messing up, or things are starting to go wrong, it means it’s time to take a break.” Best advice she ever gave me. Because it’s true. If you start quilting things incorrectly and have to rip them out, if your machine starts breaking thread, or having tension issues (or if you’re having your own tension issues — ha!), even if you run out of bobbin thread at an inopportune moment — just step back, take a deep breath, walk away for a bit. I know all about deadlines, so I understand being in a rush sometimes, but my cousin always tells me: “The worst thing you can do when you get in a hurry, is get in a hurry.” Also some of the best advice I’ve ever gotten. Think about it: walking away for 10 minutes to regroup, or having to spend an hour ripping out bad quilting? Fussing with your machine while frustrated, or coming back to it after a break and being able to figure it out calmly? No contest, in my book. Also some of the best advice I ever got: “If they anger you, they conquer you.” It applies to inanimate objects, too. Don’t let the machine win. You’re the boss!
So there you have it . . . some of my tips to help you “Keep Calm and Quilt On” . . . hope these help you!
Thank you, great tips there. I am thinking that my frame is a tad too low for me, even though the guy measured the height and the “ergonomic” angle was just so. Then again the aches might come in from leaning across too far and not doing enough longarming to get the shoulders used to it. Overall it has been wonderful as the aches are nothing compared with fighting on a domestic machine! I also find when I’m in “the zone” I do go faster – unintentionally!
Hi checking in from the deep dark icy cold pile of snow they call Maine. My favorite domestic machine is ready for a service… The guy is not ready for it, so I set it back up…. I am loving on it so it doesn’t let me down.
I have your things to do with ufo’s list pinned over my iron… and I am USING it. Thanks…
Good ideas Shelly! I need to work on that ergo position for my neck ( 6 bulging disc). I raised the press and cut stations- haven’t figured out the machine yet. I never heard this saying “If they anger you, they conquer you.” Note to self!
I always take a deep breath before starting to let the butterflies out. Doesn’t matter how much quilting I had done before starting each day.
Just yesterday I was stitching a pantograph and I realized my shoulders were at my ears. Stop, take a breath and relax then begin again.
Also, I know my frame needs to be raised but it’s such a hassle. Note to self, Just do it.
I may not have a long arm but I still don’t my own quilting. everything you said still applies to a domestic machine. I guess I do have a sit down long arm now! I keep forgetting! I’m still trying to get the feel of my new machine, it feels so loosey goosey to me and my accuracy isn’t as good. I need to slow down! you could definitely teach classes and your quilting is beautiful!!!!
Thanks for the tips! I have been wondering about raising the height of my machine. I appreciated hearing your thoughts. It’s kind of overwhelming to think about actually doing it, you know finding someone to help and figuring out just how to do it. 😂😂😂
Just yesterday I was stitching a pantograph and realized my shoulders were at my ears. Take a breath, relax and stitch on. And when things start going wrong, put your machine in “time out”. That’s what I do.