Shopping for a Longarm Machine
Posted on May 27, 2025 by prairiemoonquilts in Longarm Quilting, Quilting For HireIf you’re a Quilter for Hire, then you know that your longarm machine is the heart of your business. It’s probably THE toughest decision you had to make when you were getting started — what machine to buy?
I know lots of quilters for hire who have more than one machine. It’s a huge investment! But oh, so worth it.
Even if you own a longarm machine simply to quilt for yourself, it’s still a big decision, and worth doing the research for. It saves a lot of frustration once you get going.
Since the beginning of this year, I’ve been toying with the idea of getting a new machine for myself. I’ve done soooo much research on them over the years, first when looking for my very first machine, and then again when I wrote my book:
I go into great detail in the book about how to shop for a longarm machine: features to research, a list of companies that make machines, things to consider while shopping; and there’s even a Longarm Machine Research Checklist that you can take shopping with you. If you have the book, the checklist is available as a free download that you can print off and use as many times as you need — one for each machine you’re considering! (If you don’t have the book, but would like to own a copy, it’s available in my Etsy shop HERE).
I actually used all my own advice (shocking, I know) while shopping for my new machine. I did a lot of studying on longarm companies’ web sites, and after narrowing it down, I talked to some fellow quilters who actually own the machine I was considering, to see what they had to say about it. I actually talked to lots of fellow quilters, even those who didn’t own the brands I was considering, just to see if they could change my mind! You have to go at it from all angles, right?
And still, I stand by this:
I knew I was going to Paducah to the AQS Show in April, where all the longarm companies would have booths set up for test driving, and the one company I decided I needed to talk to was INNOVA. Back in 2017, at the AQS Show, I was checking out longarm machines even then, and I test drove an INNOVA and liked it a lot. Fast forward from all my continuing research, and they are who I specifically sought out at this year’s show.
Here are some of the reasons why:
- • I’ve never heard anyone say one bad word about this company, their machines, or their service.
- • The quilters I know who already have them love their machines so much.
- • Service, service, service. This is HUGE, and my new dealer is only a couple hours away now.
- • I like all the available features.
- • I like the frame and setup.
- • I could get it NON-computerized (since I don’t do computerized quilting).
So I test drove at the show, but was still mulling it over. I love Ivy so much, and she has worked so hard for me. She and I have quilted 1,233 quilts together, including That 30-Foot Quilt, and all the quilts for Victoria’s Option Expedition exhibit. It’s hard to say goodbye to a partnership like that!
But also, Ivy is 21 years old, and we’ve been together for 15 of those years. There comes a time when you realize you’ve outgrown the capabilities of an older machine. I do 98% highly custom quilting, and technology over the years has improved so much. Since moving into my new studio, I’ve been changing some things about my business and the way I work, to make things smoother and easier for myself as I slide down the slippery slope towards retirement (which I actually hope is a long way off, but it’s not too soon to start thinking). I decided to go for it, and buy one last fabulous machine to get me through until I simply don’t even need one any more!
So I did.
I traded Ivy for a non-computerized M24 INNOVA through Hunter’s Quilt Mart in Centerview, MO. She’s a 24″, just like Ivy, and has the same size frame.
She’s so clean, and pretty, and BLUE! She needs a name, but she hasn’t suggested one for herself just yet.
We have spent the last week getting to know one another, and we’re doing pretty well. Sixteen years of old habits and muscle memory are hard to retrain, so I’ve had to try all my tricks on simple quilts of my own just to get used to her. First, I did a simple ruler work quilt:
Then I tried a pantograph, and today I finished up my Made & Found quilt, doing easy custom quilting on it, just to see how things go. (And yes, I put the binding on it with the longarm as I went — so easy!)
These three little quilts taught me a lot, and I think I’m finally ready to load the next customer quilt. A little nervous, but I think we’ll be OK.
So if you’re considering getting a longarm machine, trading up from the one you already have, or adding one to your business, don’t be afraid to spend as much time as you need doing your research and shopping around. And if you want some help with that, there’s a whole section in my book on how to go about it!
And I have my fingers crossed that Ivy finds a great new home with someone who will love her as much as I do.
Blue Ivy–since you loved Ivy 🙂
All I can say is: “What a view!”
I’m so glad that you settled on an Innova! I absolutely love mine, and I’m confident that I’ll never need to buy another one! The machine is a workhorse and the customer service is impeccable. Congratulations on your new baby!
I ended up with a Handiquilter – mainly because their servicing was good across the country whereas the other guys servicing were miles away and very hit and miss. Mine is called Big Bertha! A friend put that name forward! LOL!
Your Innova is very swish! If you were Canadian I’d call her Jay as in Blue Jays. But then I guess you have the same birds too! Ivy was a nice name. Your scenery is very beautiful too.
Enjoy your new machine!!! Hunters are so nice to work with!!!
Congratulations! I know you will accomplish great things with your new long arm.
Wow, that’s an amazing number of quilts you’ve made! Congrats on your new machine. Love the big window and your beautiful view!
you are going to love your Innova. I know I love mine.
My Innova is called Penny! (Because she cost a pretty one!) Soooo worth it! LOVE my Innova!!!
Congrats on the new addition to the family. She is so pretty! I’m sure the “blue,” alone would have been the deciding factor for me.
Congrats on your new longarm machine! Agreed, it is always wise to check reviews and to have nearby service on any large purchase.
oh wow! Hunters is great to work with. I remember years ago you were looking at a show and just wasn’t ready., and I understand that. it’s a hugh decision. so happy for you. enjoy. love you big window to quilt buy.
Shelly, I am so excited for you and the future adventures with your new partner in quilting!
Now here is a question since I will be putting all new flooring in my daylight basement where all my creating takes place. What type of floor do you have in your sewing and quilting area?