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Longarm machines

What to do after inheriting a Handi Quilter longarm machine

February 1, 2025

Inheriting a Handi Quilter longarm machine can be sad, and exciting, and overwhelming all at once. It means someone who loved you has passed away and shared something they were passionate about with you. We want to extend our deepest condolences on your loss. We also want to help you figure out what to do with the longarm machine that is now yours. Longarm quilting machines make finishing quilts faster, easier and more fun. They can also be intimidating if you are not familiar with them. Let’s explore your options together.

Why I’m Qualified

Hi, I’m Mary Beth Krapil, Handi Quilter National Educator. I’ve been traveling world-wide teaching classes at major quilt shows and Handi Quilter retailer’s shops for 16 years. I love to share longarm techniques and the best of Handi Quilter products. I know all the machines in our Handi Quilter family inside and out and have been advising quilters on how to make the most of their machines.

You have inherited a longarm machine, now what?

Here are some steps you’ll want to take after inheriting your longarm machine. Do steps 1 and 2 whether you are already a quilter or not and whether you think you want to keep the machine or not.

Step 1- Assess what you have

Take stock of what was given to you. Make a list that includes the make and model of the machine. If you find the serial number you can call Handi Quilter 877-697-8458 to get the exact model and age of the machine.  Note the kind of frame or table it is on. Measure the frame. List of any accessories that came with it, such as bobbins, needles, feet, ruler base, rulers, etc. Does the machine also have Pro-Stitcher, the computerized robotic quilting system? You can take a look at the Handi Quilter website and/or the Pro-Stitcher website for help in identifying items. If you are not a quilter, reach out to someone who does quilt for help with this. You might not know what a bobbin is or looks like! If you don’t know any quilters, reach out to your closest Handi Quilter retailer. You can find one by searching with your zip code HERE.

Step 2 – Assess the condition of the machine

Check for any signs of wear or damage, such as rust or broken or missing parts. If the machine looks like it needs a little TLC, reach out to your closest Handi Quilter retailer. Each of our retailers has a technician that has been trained by Handi Quilter to service and repair HQ longarm machines. Even if the machine looks in good shape, you’ll want to have the machine serviced if it has not been used for a period of time. The technician will check and lubricate all the inner-workings of the machine and make any needed adjustments so it is in tip-top running condition.

Explore the Possibilities

There are many considerations to think about when deciding what to do with the machine. You will fall into one of two categories:

Group 1 – You want to keep the machine

If you have made quilts, even if it has been a while, you can probably appreciate the wonderful advantages of having a longarm machine to finish your quilts. Longarm machines open up a world of creative possibilities, from intricate custom designs to faster completion of large projects. If you have never made a quilt but think it would be fun to try, this is your opportunity to dive in and start creating! Inheriting a longarm quilting machine can be a fantastic gift that opens the door to new creative endeavors. Here is what you need to do to get the most from this wonderful gift you have been given:

Learn How the Machine Works

Longarm quilting machines are quite different from traditional sewing machines, so it’s important to understand how they function. If you’re unfamiliar with the machine, start by reading through the owner’s manual. The user manuals for all Handi Quilter machines are available HERE.

Cover page of the HQ Moxie User Manual

Watch tutorial videos related to your specific model. Find them on our YouTube channel. There are also plenty of online resources and communities where you can learn the basics. Join our Facebook group Handi Quilter Community. It’s full of people who are eager to share their tips and advice, so don’t hesitate to reach out for help. You’ll have over 22,500 new quilty friends!

Find a place for it

A moveable longarm machine involves a large frame, which supports the quilt while the machine moves over it. It does require some room. If you can’t figure out where you can put your new treasure, reach out to one of our Handi Quilter retailers. They have lots of ideas and tricks to make it work.  A stationary machine is in a table that takes up much less space. The table is approximately 36″ x36″ and can fit into most sewing areas.

Take a Class or Workshop

If you want a quick jump-start into your new longarm quilting adventure, a class or workshop will do just that. You are in luck because Handi Quilter puts the highest emphasis on education. Find an upcoming in-person event near you HERE. There are numerous events across the US and Canada.  These classes will help you get comfortable with operating your machine and teach you various quilting techniques. Keep in mind that longarm quilting machines have a learning curve, so don’t be discouraged if things don’t go perfectly at first. With time and practice, you’ll get better and better. Oh what a fun adventure you will have learning and creating!

Learn Maintenance and Care

Like any piece of equipment, a longarm quilting machine requires regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly. Handi Quilter maintenance is really quite simple. We know quilters would much rather be quilting than having to perform complicated oiling, greasing, and machine maintenance. You can learn what is needed in the blog post, How to Maintain Your Longarm Machine.

brushing lint from a Handi Quilter longarm bobbin area
Brush the lint from the bobbin area each time you change the bobbin.

 

Applying a drop of oil on the bobbin race
After cleaning the lint away, apply one drop of oil to the bobbin race.

Every two years or ten million stitches (whichever comes first), schedule a spa treatment for your machine. Either bring it to your local retailer or make an appointment to have them come to you. This is the required maintenance needed to lubricate the inner parts of your machine. Your retailer’s service technician was trained at Handi Quilter to perform this service and has all of the specific lubricants to use. They will open the machine, clean out any lint and check that all the tolerances, including timing, are within specs and make adjustments if needed. They will re-lubricate the appropriate parts with Handi Quilter’s specially chosen long lasting lubricants. Once done, your machine will be in optimal condition and good to go for another 2 years or 10 million stitches.

It is important to note, if your machine has sat unused for a year or more, you definitely want to have this maintenance performed.

Group 2 – You don’t want to keep it

You’ve inherited a longarm quilting machine but realize it’s not for you. Perhaps you’re not into quilting, or maybe you don’t have the space to put such a large machine. There are a few options you can consider.

1. Donate the machine

You can donate a longarm quilting machine to a local charity or organization that could benefit from it. Consider local schools or art programs, quilt guilds, community centers, or local libraries. The best place to start when looking for these would likely be your local quilt shop. The shop owner will be in tune with the quilting community in your area and can help guide you.

2. Give it away to a quilter you know

If you want to make a quilter’s day, tell them you have a longarm machine you’d like to give them. Sit back and watch them do their happy dance. You will open up a world of possibilities for them. They will be able to finish their quilts faster, easier, and more beautifully.  Longarm quilting machines are often used for both personal projects and as a business tool, so you might even make it possible for them to turn their quilting skills into a small business by offering quilting services to others. You’ll be their BFF for life!

Older woman dancing
Happy dance!

3. Sell the machine

For sale sign

Start by determining the value of the machine. There are many factors that can contribute to its value such as age, condition, stitch count, features, additional accessories, etc.

Do online research, searching for similar models on platforms like eBay, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or dedicated quilting forums.

Many Handi Quilter retailers might be interested in purchasing the machine from you or helping you sell. Some have trade-in programs and can give you an idea of its trade-in value.  You can find your closest retailer HERE.

As of this writing, Handi Quilter is working on a web page where the consumer can enter their machine details and it will give them the value of their trade in.  It isn’t quite ready, but should be in the next few weeks.

It is best to try to sell your machine locally if possible. Shipping a longarm and its frame and accessories can be costly and you risk damage to the machine. Start by advertising with local quilt guilds and local quilt shops. Also, ask any quilters you know to spread the word.

If you don’t get any interest locally, you can advertise to the broader quilting community online. Here are a couple of places to post:

FACEBOOK GROUP:  Longarm & Accessories 4 Sale

WEBSITE: Longarm University  This website will post your ad for a fee.

I probably don’t have to tell you this, but beware of scammers. Use the best safety practices for online selling.

What to read next:

Getting Started with Longarm Quilting

Beginner’s Guide to Ruler Quilting

Handi Quilter Education Classes Near Me | ALL of your options!

Remember to Quilt Every Day!

by Mary Beth Krapil

 

 

 

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February 1st, 2025

Inheriting a Handi Quilter longarm machine can be sad, and exciting, and overwhelming all at once. It means someone who loved you has passed away and shared something they were […]

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