Machine Comparison: Should I Buy the HQ Amara or the HQ Infinity

September 21, 2024

Today on the blog, I’m answering the question, “Should I buy the Amara or Infinity longarm machine?” Let’s do a machine comparison.

If you are ready to dive into longarm quilting, you’ll want to purchase the exactly right machine for YOU. Having a machine comparison will be super-helpful. Longarm quilting machines are a significant investment and choosing the right one can be both thrilling and overwhelming. To help you navigate this decision, in this blog post I am comparing the Handi Quilter Amara 24 and the Handi Quilter Infinity. These are our two most popular movable longarm machines! Armed with this valuable comparison, you can make the best-informed purchase!

Why I’m Qualified to Compare Machines

Hi! I’m National Handi Quilter Educator, Mary Beth Krapil. I’ve been longarm quilting on a Handi Quilter machine for more than 20 years and teaching longarm quilting with Handi Quilter 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.

How to choose a longarm quilting machine

Before we get into the details of machine comparison, it’s important to assess your quilting needs and limitations.

I recommend you ask yourself the following three questions.

1. “How much space do I have?”

The one most important consideration is the space available in your home or studio.

You may be dreaming of a large throat machine on a 14 foot frame that makes it easy to quilt gorgeous super-king-size quilts, but that will not work if you have a small spare room or a corner of the dining room for your quilt studio.

Get out your handy tape measure, and measure the space where you plan to set up your longarm. Longarm quilting machines are large, so ensure you have adequate room for the machine, its frame, and room to move around the frame as you quilt.

That last part is SUPER important. Not only do you need to have space for your longarm and quilting frame in your sewing room or studio (or wherever you’re putting it!), but you need to have space to move around your frame to do the actual quilting!

Talking with a Handi Quilter representative at a show, or your local Handi Quilter retailer (find your closest one HERE) can help you to figure out creative ways to arrange your space to make the most of it. We know lots of tricks to make your quilting dreams come true!

Amara or Moxie Guide - Woman holding measuring tape — *Grab your measuring tape! It’s time to measure your space for your new longarm!*

2. “What’s my budget?”

Determine your budget.

Keep in mind that Handi Quilter machines come with everything you need to get started quilting, including the frame. Optional accessories are available, of course, but are not needed to start your longarm adventure. You’ll have everything you need with a Handi Quilter machine, including instruction on the operation of the machine.

Handi Quilter knows the importance of education when it comes to using a longarm machine. That’s why we provide so many opportunities to learn. First and foremost, we connect you with your local retailer who supports you and your machine. They will give you your initial lesson on the basic operations of the machine. From threading, to winding a bobbin, to loading your frame, you’ll get in-person instruction. You can also access the user guide on our website, any time you need it, for a refresher on these basics.

2.1. Do you want Pro-Stitcher Lite or Pro-Stitcher?

When deciding to purchase your Amara or Infinity longarm quilting machine, chances are that you might be able to add Pro-Stitcher to your machine as part of a deal or bundle. We encourage you to do what’s best for your budget, AND it may make the most sense to take advantage of deals on robotic quilting systems that often only come when you buy a machine. Rest assured that if Pro-Stitcher is not in your budget now, you can add it to any of Handi Quilter’s movable machines at ANY time. You do not have to purchase a new machine down the road to enjoy the fun of Pro-Stitcher.

PRoStitcher for Amara or Infinity

Another advantage Handi Quilter offers is financing options on all machines, all the time. This can make your investment more manageable. Sometimes there may be extra-special financing promotions, but financing is always available. Knowing that may help open up more wiggle room in your budget. You can check out financing options here or reach out to your local retailer for more information.

3. “What are my current and future quilting needs?”

For your final question, you need to determine what kind of quilts you make now and you’ll be making as you grow your skills.

What do you currently make?

What do you want to make in the future? Do you have a “bucket-list” quilt? For me, it was quilting whole-cloth quilts. I am in love with the gorgeous texture and design of whole-cloth creations. I could not even imagine doing them when I got started but I love creating them now!

Are you making king size quilts or smaller projects? Machines and frames come in various sizes, from 15-inch throat space to 26-inch. Each machine has its own set of features. And there are a variety of frame options depending on the machine you choose. Ensure the machine you choose can handle your typical projects and has the features you desire.

Planning for a longarm machine - Moxie or Amara - Woman thinking — *What’s in your quilting future?*

You’ll also want to think about the future. Are you dreaming of running a longarm business, where you’ll quilt for others? Or do you only want to be able to finish your own quilts? Maybe you plan to quilt for a group that makes charity quilts? Do you want to do custom quilting or edge-to-edge quilting? Maybe you want to dabble in art quilting. Will you want to add Pro-Stitcher, the robotic quilting system, to your machine? It’s important to know the answers to these questions when doing machine comparison. You’ll be prepared to choose a machine that will serve your current needs and grow with you as your skills and interests expand.

If you’re not 100% sure where you’ll be in a few years, that’s ok! Some or our retailers do offer trade-in programs, but it varies by retailer.

Longarm Machine Comparison: Amara or Infinity?

In this next section, I’m going to compare the features of the Amara verses the Infinity.

It’s important to remember that the Amara is a family of machines, with different models. The Amara ST is the stationary version machine, which comes with a custom fitted table with built-in stitch regulation. With the Amara ST you move the fabric, not the machine. The family also includes the Amara 20 and the Amara 24, both movable machines on a frame. The fabric is loaded to the frame and you move the machine over the fabric. Both the 20 and the 24 have the same features and bells and whistles. The difference between the two is the throat space, the distance from the needle to the body of the machine.

The Infinity stands alone as the top-of-the-line, all the bells and whistles, gorgeous 26 inch machine.

Admire the Amara 24

photo of Amara 24 indicating throat space

Let’s dive in with details of the Amara 24. Experience quality, precision, and a world of quilting possibilities. From baby quilts to king-size, the Handi Quilter Amara is the perfect fit for your style of quilting.

Throat Space and Usable quilting area

As the name suggests, the Amara 24 features a brightly lit 24-inch throat space. The actual quilting area on a longarm machine is never the full size of the throat. The poles on the frame run through the throat of the machine and decrease the actual quilting area available. With the Amara 24, the safe usable quilting area is approximately 18 inches.
I say “safe” because when you start a quilt the usable quilting space is actually more than 18 inches. As you work your way to the bottom of the quilt, the already-quilted part gets rolled up on the take-up pole that goes through the throat of the machine. The bigger the quilt, and the thicker the batting, the bigger that roll will become. That roll decreases the usable quilting space as it grows. When planning your quilting, it is always wise to use the safe usable quilting area.

Frame options

The Amara 24 includes the Gallery 2 frame. You can choose between the 12-foot frame and the 10-foot frame. Keep in mind that the frames can be set up smaller than their full length. The 12-foot frame is 3 x 4-foot sections. So it can be set up at 4, 8 or 12 feet. The 10-foot frame is 2 x 4-foot sections and a 2-foot section. So it can be set up at 4, 6, 8, or 10 feet.

With an 10-foot frame the maximum width of quilt top that can be quilted is 108 inches. A 12-foot frame can quilt up to 132 inches wide. Think about the size of quilts you make. Does your family all sleep on King-size beds? If so, you’ll want want the 12-foot frame. Are you considering quilting as a business? You’ll want the 12 foot frame.

In the event you want even more space, you can add a 2-foot extension to the Gallery 2 frame, resulting in a 14-foot frame. That would allow you an amazing 144 inches of quilting width!

Footprint

Here is a visual that shows the space required for the Amara 24 Gallery 2 frame options. When setting up the Gallery 2 frame it is possible to have one end of the frame against the wall, saving a bit of space.

All Handi Quilter frames are height-adjustable to be ergonomic for you. Also, all Handi Quilter frames come with the necessary leaders for attaching your quilts to the frame.

Speed and Stitch range

The Amara 24 is lightning fast with stitching speeds up to 2,500 stitches per minute. Don’t let this scare you! You are in total control of how fast or slow you move the machine to create your quilting designs. The built-in stitch regulator will keep your stitches even.
Choose consistent stitch quality from 4-24 stitches per inch. And you have the ability to choose basting stitches of 1/4 inch, 1/2 inch, 1 inch, 2 inches and 4 inches.

Stitch Regulation

The Amara 24 features our QuiltMaster™ servo-controlled stitch regulation for perfect stitches, every time. Choose from Cruise or Precision stitch regulation, or Manual Mode. You’ll achieve consistently even and beautiful stitches without even thinking about it! You can choose the mode that will work best for the quilting technique you are doing on any particular quilt. It’s always good to have choices.

Hook and Bobbin

The Amara 20 features our high-speed rotary hook with large-capacity M-class (Mega Monster, Magic) bobbin. You’ll be quilting for a LONG time before that bobbin runs out.

BTW, you will get extra bobbins in your accessory package with your machine. Every HQ longarm machine comes with a free-standing bobbin winder as well. This fully adjustable machine easily and efficiently winds consistent bobbins. Bobbin consistency is key to good stitch quality!

Bobbin winder with a sign that says It's All Fun and Games til the Bobbin Runs Out — *Ain’t it the truth?!!*

Feet

Amara 24 is Handi Feet®-compatible. That means you have a quick change foot mount that allows you to change to the best foot for the type of quilting you are doing. The Amara 24 includes the standard closed-toe foot, used for most quilting, and the open-toe foot for detail work when you really want a good view of your needle.

photo of the standard foot and the open toe foot — *The open-toe foot (left) and the standard foot (right)*

All new Handi Quilter machines include these two feet. There are optional feet available when you are ready to expand your fun and creativity with your longarm machine. An example of this would be the Handi Feet Sure Foot, used for ruler work. The Sure Foot provides a taller profile for additional stability while working with rulers and templates.

photo of the Handi Feet Sure foot — *Sure foot with a higher profile perfect for ruler quilting*

Lighting

Amara 24 features the amazingly bright, menu-controlled QuiltMaster™ LED lighting package with three separately controlled sets of lights along the throat, directly over the needle, and in the bobbin area. The bobbin lighting is so perfect for cleaning out the lint and oiling at each bobbin change. The lighting menu allows you to turn each set of lights on or off and also to adjust the perfect brightness for your project. Total control!

Pinpoint needle Laser

The Pinpoint needle laser puts a dot of light right where your needle will drop when the machine is stopped, which provides a guide for accurate needle placement at the start of a quilting design.

photo showing needle laser on the HQ Amara

Interface

The 7-inch color touchscreen is so easy to use to get the settings exactly the way you want. It is a user-friendly touch screen just like so many of your other devices, like your phone or tablet.

Ability to update?

Use one of the the integrated USB ports for easy software updates. From time-to-time there may be machine software updates to keep your machine state-of-the-art. These updates are always free and can be found on the Handi Quilter website. The website also has easy-to-follow instructions on how to accomplish the updates.

Easy Set Tension

The Amara’s display shows a digital read-out value for the current tension setting. This value is unique to each machine. Once you set the tension for a particular thread and get good stitch quality, make note of the value. I like to write it on the inside of the cone. The next time I use that thread, I can dial in that number and be in the very close ballpark of good tension.

Occasionally, with different fabrics or batting I might need to tweak the tension slightly. 9 times out of 10, it is spot on and I can get started stitching quickly. Remember, the value is unique to each machine. If your friend has an Amara, their number will be different than your number for the same thread.

QuiltMaster ™ front handlebars

Independently adjustable handlebars let you set the position of the handles that is most comfortable for you. They are ergonomic in that they can be adjusted at anytime. After quilting for a while you can slightly change the handle position and be refreshed to continue happily quilting!

They can also be adjusted to a micro-handle position. That means the handles can be down close to the surface of the quilt, the way most quilters like for doing small, tight micro-quilting.

Programmable handlebar buttons

Each handle bar has the standard 2 buttons as well as a third button; Star on the left and Diamond on the right. These 3rd buttons are programmable for your choice of functions. When using Pro-Stitcher, the programmable buttons have convenient uses as well.

photo of right Amara handlebar buttons with the diamond button — *The right handlebar has the diamond button*

photo of the left Amara handlebar with the star button

The left handlebar has the star button

On-screen Handwheel

The hand wheel, (some folks call it the fly-wheel), that you can turn manually to change the needle position, is waaayyyy at the back of the machine. On the Amara we have an electronic hand wheel on the display screen that you can change the needle position easily right from the front display. This really comes in handy if you get a small piece of thread stuck in the bobbin race.

Magnetic Tool Minder Collar

We need our tools as handy as possible when we are quilting. One tool that gets used ALL the time is your small scissors for trimming threads. The tool minder collar allows you to magnetically store those scissors right at the ready on the left side of the machine. You can also have a seam ripper there. Hopefully you’ll never have to use it! A seam ripper is kind of like an umbrella. It is an insurance policy. If you have it handy, you won’t ever need it.

photo of colorful umbrellas

Innovative Infinity

Photo of the HQ Infinity with a quilt — *Fabulous 26 inch Infinity can take you places you never imagined.*

The innovative features establish the Infinity as best in class. Customizable settings, programmable presets and intuitive software give the Infinity the ability to work and grow with you. Adaptable, intelligent, creative, and strong. These words encompass everything that
you are as a quilter. These same words perfectly describe the HQ Infinity.

Throat Space and Usable Quilting Area

The Infinity has 26 inches of throat space.

If you recall what I said when describing the usable quilting area on the Amara, the actual quilting area on a longarm machine is never the size of the throat. The poles on the frame run through the throat of the machine and decrease the actual quilting area available. With the Infinity, the safe usable quilting area is approximately 20 inches.

Remember, the already-quilted part of the quilt gets rolled up on the take-up pole that goes through the throat of the machine. The bigger the quilt, and the thicker the batting, the bigger that roll will be. That roll decreases the usable quilting space as it grows. When planning your quilting, it is always wise to use the safe usable quilting area.

That is why throat space is an important consideration when doing machine comparison. The Infinity’s safe 20 inches of usable space gives you plenty of room to quilt on point blocks all in one go. Larger quiltable area means less time advancing the quilt. This can be an advantage if you are considering finishing quilts as a business.

Frame Options

Just like the Amara 24, the Infinity includes the Gallery 2 frame. You can choose between the 12-foot frame and the 10-foot frame. Keep in mind that the frames can be set up smaller than their full length. The 12-foot frame is 3 x 4-foot sections. So it can be set up at 4, 8 or 12 feet. The 10-foot frame is 2 x 4-foot sections and a 2-foot section. So it can be set up at 4, 6, 8, or 10 feet.

As was noted above, with a 10-foot frame the maximum width of quilt top that can be quilted is 108 inches. A 12-foot frame can quilt up to 132 inches wide. Think about the size of quilts you make. Does your family all sleep on King-size beds? If so, you’ll want want the 12-foot frame. Are you considering quilting as a business? You’ll want the 12 foot frame.

In the event you want even more space, you can add a 2-foot extension to the Gallery 2 frame, resulting in a 14-foot frame. That would allow you an amazing 144 inches of quilting width!