As quilters, as those that want to be quilters or even those that just have tops handed down to them and want them finished, we must all “come to terms” at different times in this adventure. It is ongoing, so please don’t get intimidated!

I woke up thinking about “terms”. My sister Lori and I are starting into this longarm business after seeing some awesome quilts done on these machines. We realized that we could combine our love for just quilting and helping others get their tops quilted so much faster than handquilting could or even a conventional sewing machine. Needless to say, my sister and I got really excited.

But, we had to learn some “terms”.. and we are still seeing new words and types of designs and ways of producing quilts that is all so new to us. It is revolutionary, Old Glory!

As a longarmer, ( we throw that word around alot!), I think it must have gotten it’s name from its’ looks.. anyways,it looks like a sewing machine with a very long body..wide=more quilted stitching at one time. We prefer the name; hand-guided machine quilting..that says more to me..and sounds softer and smoother too.

More simply put, when using the pantagraph, we hand- guide the quilting machine over the quilt; keeping our eye on the laser light and following along as it tracks the printed pattern.

Another way to think about it is the quilting will be edge to edge or overall stitching..the same repeated row after row. The pattern is placed at equal distances from the top to bottom and side to side. It holds the quilt tightly together. It is quick to do and economical for the person paying the quilter also.

Thread color choice is the pantagraphs’ companion. Letting the quilt talk brings the threaded design into it. Gives it life.

Besides the thread color a tip to remember when using pantagraph or any custom designing is to be SURE that you have gotten rid of the threads on the underside of the pieced top and trimmed seams to 1/4 inch is monumental to the finished beauty of your antique heirloom or personally pieced top.

If you remember the term pantograph and take the time to prepare your quilt and choose the right thread color, you just can’t loose!

We will continue to write on quilting terms. When you do have questions or concerns please email us on the contact page. If you don’t want to miss our tips, please feel free to sign up for the email subscription and it will automatically go to your mail.

We are excited to get to know other quilters and be that helping hand to finishing those tops quilted that are folded up neatly in a box in your storage..we all have them!

Quilted Blessings! Karen