• The pressure foot pressure can be adjusted on some machines , and this is a useful feature for quilting in particular – your quilt sandwich will need less pressure than when sewing just fabric , due to its thickness .
• A speed control may be useful to new sewers . These machines usually work without the foot pedal , using a ‘ start / stop ’ button on the front of the machine .
• If you are taking your quilting to the next level , domestic longarm sewing machines are also available . These have an extra- large throat ( which is the area to the right of the needle ), allowing bulky quilts to be manoeuvred more easily . These machines also come with a large bed or table that can take a greater bulk of fabric .
Most dealers will allow you to ‘ test-drive ’ a sewing machine before you buy and so are well worth a visit – it is always worth taking your time choosing , as a sewing machine could last you a lifetime if well looked after . Alternatively , visit one of the many sewing exhibitions where you ’ ll find a range of manufacturers displaying their machines . Again , you ’ ll be able to try them out and perhaps purchase at a favourable price ! For those who do a lot of quilting , you may wish to invest in a longarm machine – these machines have space to hold larger quilts and are often programmed with lots of stitch designs . If these machines are out of your budget , many quilt stores offer a quilting service .
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