How to use a Longarm Quilting Machine

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Welcome to the Sparrow Studioz Longarm Rental Program! In this video you will learn the step by step process we've used to teach hundreds of quilters how to quickly become confident on a longarm quilting machine. This longarm quilting video is designed for our Pop-up Longarm Rental attendees. Sparrow Studioz (The APQS Canada Store) invented the Pop-Up Longarm Rental Program! We rent a spacious conference room in a hotel near you and invite you to come out and spend 1, 2 or 3 days finishing your own quilts on our top-of-the-line longarm quilting machines. Our expert coaching is sure to have you confidently stitching on your very first quilt! Coming Soon to cities all over Canada! Nominate your city today! www.sparrowstudioz.com [phone]
In this video you will learn how to...
1. Prepare your quilt top, batting and backing to be longarm quilted.
2. Load a quilt on a longarm.
3. Load a pantograph design
4. Place and Line-up your pantograph
5. Pull up your bobbin thread
6. Start and stop stitching
7. Follow the pantograph design with a laser light
8. Advance your quilt
9. Nestle your pantograph design

[@dailycharmaddict]

Congratulations on a FANTASTIC video! So well presented, clear & concise. I too wish I'd had this available 3 years ago! I did figure it all out but I will definitely be back to reference this in the future. You did a great job and I'm sure you will have helped so many longarmers struggling with how to line up their pantos! Excellent & thorough!

[@MattSparrow]

Thank you very much for your comments everyone! We are so very happy that you have found our video to be helpful. :)

[@darlenehissem9286]

Awesome video. I have watched a lot of machine quilting videos and have had a machine for several years, so I am well acquainted with the process. BUT, you have made it so clear and presented it so well, that I am making my husband watch so that he can't tell me anymore that he doesn't know how to do this. You make it a no brainer! Thank you so much!,

[@rosehavenfarm2969]

Thanks for the explanation of batting "right side", I had never heard that.

[@MattSparrow]

Flyover Pilgrim you are welcome! :)

[@debbieturnerfeaster2596]

I wish I had this video several years ago, oh how much frustration it would've saved me! Thank you Matt and Bradie! You ROCK!

[@MattSparrow]

Thanks Debbie! We've got tons of great content to share. No need to be frustrated doing something that is supposed to make your life easier!

[@mikewest26]

Commenting under hubbies account... anyway thank you so much for the time you all spent making this video. I just got long arm certified this weekend at my local quilt shop but the teacher only wanted to go over free hand quilting... something I have no desire to do. I only want to do pantos for nice edge to edge quilting that I don't have to wrestle through my home machine. This video showed me all the steps we didn't go over that I needed to see to work with pantographs. I feel like I can come back for a refresher in between quilting projects now before I go in to rent the machine. Thanks again.

[@8machines62]

Wow! That is Amazing! It is not an easy process, that is for sure! I have an older long arm to try. Thank you for this video and your wonderful explanations and your demonstrations. This is the best video on long arm quilting I have ever seen!

[@DTQ2024]

One of the best demonstrations I have seen for the beginning longarm quilter. Great job! I will share with all my NEW Quilting friends.

[@user-cc4yx2rc7i]

This was fantastic. I took a class on long arm quilting and came away confused and frustrated. Sometimes when people are experts at some things they don't give rationales. Your instruction and demonstration was wonderful! I almost gave up on learning to long arm quilt as my experience as a learner was not that pleasant. Thanks so much. I am off to find more of your videos.

[@donnahollingsworth5270]

Thank you for sharing your tutorials. You are one of the best teachers I've ever watched!

[@cgriffisteach1]

I agree! Sparrow Quilting, could you please share where you found your scissor keeper pin?

[@marysalmon5695]

This video answered a lot of mysteries. You are a great teacher. Longarm quilters are worth every penny they earn. Thanks so much. Mary in Texas

[@mostlysimplemargo]

I have only watched the first 15 minutes of this video, and I have already sent the link to several of my quilting friends. You are a very thorough and detail oriented teacher who not only steps out the process in a clear and concise process, but you also explain why the process is the way that it is! Thank you for your top notch production. I have subscribed to your channel and look forward to finishing this video and viewing your other ones.

[@eup584]

Fantastic video! I bought a longarm a few months ago. The dealer included a two day class that covered a lot of info, but I still learned several tips from your video that I can't wait to try out!

[@deborahtomec8103]

this is the best video on long arm quilting I have ever watched. great job and thank you so much.

[@swillis793]

I LOVED your explanations. Thank you.

[@juliannepowers738]

Wonderful video. Explains all the mystery, a great overview, all the steps. Amazing.

[@heatherbanks9086]

This was so interesting ,and well done . Your delivery is natural .thank you 👍

[@maryfagan8540]

Best video on loading a longarm I have seen to date!!! Thank you, you are a great teacher!! Wish you were closer.

[@msdrae]

Wow - thank you so much for the video. Sure makes sense and makes things a log easier to deal with. I bought the red snappers and gave up on them, but I will give it a try again. The whole prep thing is awesome and I thank you so much for such a clear and concise video.

[@carrieobrien2566]

Love this video. So many wonderful tips that I would not of even thought of. I love the fact that she is not trying to push the machine, only the tips. Great job.

[@Sherileeaz1]

Excellent demo! You took the mystery out of long arm quilting and showed how anyone can do this with practice. Thank you. I am looking forward to truly saying proudly "I made this quilt from start to finish."

[@Sherileeaz1]

Opps.... To proudly say...

[@MattSparrow]

Thanks Sherri! I am glad you found it helpful. :) Bradie

[@kimdamico8083]

Again….excellent explanation! My head was spinning not getting which roller goes with which part of my quilt layers !! Thank you 😁feeling sooo much more clear , can’t wait to load my quilt now !!

[@judykoppes6198]

Thank you so much! Bought a used machine about 10 years ago and have never had the knowledge or courage to tried this method. After watching your excellent video I'm ready to give it a try. Thanks so Much!

[@dankthompson]

I am in awe at your work and thank you for sharing this process with us. Beautifully done!

[@VWILBambi]

Excellent how-to! Learned a lot and super excited to rent and quilt my first blanket. I have quite a few sitting around where I’ve put off this step but you explained it so well I’m ready!! Thank you!

[@aprilrains9921]

Excellent teaching tool, for beginners and for those who need refresher.

[@renabartlett2514]

You possess excellent teaching skills. Thank you for applying that to your long arm quilting skills. I learned a lot from your video and that helped me decide what long arm I want to purchase. Keep up the good work.

[@margieshrake]

OMG, Thanks so much for this video as I am wanting to do this but with out knowledge it is really hard to know how to even start. I am hopeful that I will be able to become as comfortable through videos like these an researching all the information needed to get a machine to do all these fabulous Quilting an right now it seems this is my beginning to feel knowledgeable to buy my own machine someday soon. Thanks so much this is amazing,. I learn by watching than any book could ever do. There is so much to learn about all these things, but I am so excited with each thing I am learning through all the resources to be able to do all this stuff..

[@apylinski]

This is awesome. I have a Millie and do what you have done here. I did learn new things from this. But I had no video nor anyone to teach me at one time when it was all new. I gathered the info randomly which took a long time to learn. Great job and thanks for sharing!

[@lynnebrowning8412]

This was a very helpful video, I am planning to purchase the "Millie" as part of my retirement plan 2017!

[@MattSparrow]

If you have a slow internet connection and want to watch smaller chunks of the video try here: Video 1 Preparing Your Quilt for Longarm Quilting kzbin.info/www/bejne/mHXHYnxsnqumbMk Video 2 Leadergrips or Red Snappers - Loading your quilt on a longarm quilting machine kzbin.info/www/bejne/iKTdlIuPjLqmhbc Video 3 Squaring Your Quilt Top to the Frame kzbin.info/www/bejne/q5uXi5SPnKanqZo Video 4 Threading your longarm quilting machine and changing your bobbin kzbin.info/www/bejne/fGXQpYGFarGDpJY Video 5 Basting Your Quilt Top - Securing Quilt Top to your Batting & Backing kzbin.info/www/bejne/rombeoRjg9OHkKs Video 6 Pantograph Vs Freehand Quilting for Beginners kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnbOppadr7mYe6c Video 7 Aligning your pantograph for edge to edge longarm quilting kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKPFdGB_ebSKjbs Video 9 How to Stitch a Pantograph with a longarm quilting machine kzbin.info/www/bejne/i2LWn6mkjdaYocU Video 10 Filling in the top row of design (Pantograph on a longarm quilting machine) kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqC0n2Z7ZrRrqKM Video 11 Advancing to the Next Row (Pantograph quilting on a longarm quilting machine) kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z6Cuc3ZortaVsM0 Video 12 Keeping your quilt straight, square smooth on a longarm quilting machine kzbin.info/www/bejne/gHKTqGl5nZpmeac Video 13 Pulling up Bobbin and Locking your Stitch before quilting on a longarm quilting machine kzbin.info/www/bejne/bl7Hhnini9ieY5I Video 14 Filling the Bottom Row of a Pantograph Design kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJCvaKh9f7uIm5o

[@richardwhite3469]

Sparrow Studioz

[@MamaNadina]

Thank you Thank you. Your lesson is clear and well organized. I have been looking for weeks for good directions and your video is the best thing I have found.

[@monicapharo2330]

You are a born educator. Thank you for a concise tutorial 😊

[@gin380]

Thank you so much, this is great ! I know have every confidence that I can do this !

[@TheJoinerGirl]

That was super fantastic Bradie!! Thanks so much for sharing. I most certainly look forward to seeing more.

[@maryhutson55]

Thank you Sparrow, I enjoyed your teaching. Sure helped me.

[@Angelintercesor]

I never quilt in a long arm but you did a very good job in explaining all the steps that me that I have never do it I did understand thanks!

[@lindagieseler9566]

dimples up, pimples down. perfect!

[@kathycomstock5442]

Wow!!! I'm a newbie and this is an amazing video!!! Thank you so much for all the tips and tricks!!! I"m looking forward to any and all new videos you post for us!!!

[@judypatterson994]

Thank you so much for a fantastic video. I really enjoyed watching you put together this quilt, I really learned a lot. It has been really helpful.

[@pamking8802]

I love your tutorials! Thank you for being very detailed. I just put a down payment on a Lucey. So I have saved you as a favorite. The dowel is going to be item #1.

[@SuperBettyboop23]

That was excellent good information the kind that every long armor needs to have! ❤️❤️❤️

[@stephaniesparks8387]

I appreciate the time you took to make this video! It made this a little less intimidating for me. I hope to be able to buy a machine this year, and I'm sure I'll be referring back to this when I do!

[@yourstrulyquilts]

Hobbs 80-20!! YES!! My favorite, too!

[@georgiapayne1876]

Thanks for sharing! I learned a lot that I didn't know before. You are a very good instructor. Looking forward to viewing more...

[@deelankford1180]

thank you, I needed to see how to load the machine. I loved when you explained what the bars are for!!!!! the names of the bars!!!!!!!!!! now it makes sense!! I have been to the, mountain top!!!!!!

[@MattSparrow]

Dee Lankford you are so welcome. I’m glad it helped you. 😊

[@drmichaelelinski6992]

Excellent explanation. You are very clear and precise. You make the whole procedure less intimidating for a new you like me. Thank you very much!

[@MattSparrow]

Dr Michael Elinski thank you very much!

[@kiwiscrapper]

Bradie, this is awesome! Matt too, pretty sure you are behind the camera :-)

[@sandramarshall7712]

Well done demo!! Very clear and easy to follow. Thank you!

[@aaliyahraks]

this was really educational thank you very much for taking the time to share with us x

[@krgoody2370]

Thank you so much for sharing. I have a different brand of longarm but I am sure I can apply most of the information. This was very clear and well presented!

[@doreenmeier6119]

Thank you Bradie. I found your video very informative and it makes me wish I had not sold my frame even if it was not an APQS.

[@ps603]

You explained the process so well..Thank You..

[@donelleashley]

I love this tutorial, it is the most helpful one I have found for using a laser and panto! Clear and to the point and video is well angled. (Sound could have been better, it gets really low but no biggie) I was able to do my first quilt ever on my long arm using this method. I forgot to Like and save and tried to follow another video and it was a total disaster. I ended up having to rip out the stitching, gave up on the panto, and did straight line quilting just to be done with it. I have spent all morning searching for this video again, and I made sure to Like and saved to both my Fav's and Watch Later list so I never lose it again. :) Thank you for sharing this.

[@MattSparrow]

Donelle Ashley thank you so much for your comment! I am glad you have found our video helpful and glad that you were able to find us again!

[@joanbell8050]

You are an amazing teacher, Bradie! A natural

[@littledrabbitry9410]

yes please share

[@AmoPerrosMás]

Very helpful! Thank you for taking the time and sharing. :)

[@cathydavis3755]

Awesome video! Very well explained, and very well articulated!

[@Loveandkissme]

Thank you for sharing such a helpful video. I could understand better and better now. Now I can consider to buy long arm machine more clear.

[@stonekoyote1]

Wow. thank you for your gift to me. I am a senior, and have been given an opportunity to use a long arm in order for me to make some income. My first time ever..

[@GC-ms4dj]

Wonderful tutorial and information. Thank you!

[@cindybacon663]

Thank You so much for this video. That has to be the best dme and information available. again, I thank you.

[@sabrinafreeman6892]

I rarely use a horizontal seam, but I will now! Great advice!

[@nonniehill1047]

I have watch, watched and re watched your video and it is fantastic information. Thanks

[@dawnbelair3246]

fantastic TY so much best video I've seen for this

[@DawnDBoyerPhD]

I felt like I was missing something at the end - it seemed to abruptly end??? I want more! LOL

[@MonaMoon80]

This looks like much more fun than finageling a quilt through my regular sewing machine. I would love to get one of these.

[@JoAnn_001]

A lot of good tips! Thank you!

[@lwoytisek1923]

Very informative and great presentation thru out.

[@pklewis59]

Excellent video .. excellent teacher !! Thanks

[@donnahawley126]

thank you , so well explained

[@ktillotson4256]

This is a very informative video but where are the subsequent videos to demo the rest of the procedure? I'm very interested in seeing the follow-up to this. I couldn't find it on your channel. Thanks

[@cherrington389]

I also would like to see more! As a newbie longarmer, I need more, please!😊

[@julianafarrell6292]

WOW excellent video...really got a lot out of this

[@ES-zt8sj]

Very informative!

[@gdcleanfun]

Thank you, that was a very helpful video. Would you believe I have yet to do a panto? Now that I know how to ensure the proper spacing between the rows I can give it a try.

[@MattSparrow]

That's great Deb. I love the look of a perfectly speed panto! Let us know how it goes.

[@sharondeming4539]

Thanks so much. I know use some much quicker techniques loading than I did. My sweet Margie (Lenni) appreciates it. My question is what brand of batting did you use in this video. What I use grabs onto the fabric and is hard to shift and line up.

[@mike1968442]

Best video Ever!

[@MattSparrow]

Sally Semrau thank you!

[@mabelbrooks9881]

Thank You fro a great explanation on loading and using a Pantograph. I have a longarm and have been using the exact pantograph you have in the video. I know where I went wrong now! I see your technique for keeping the fabric straight after the first row of doing the Panto. Is this why you don't use the side clamps? just wondering. I am looking forward to all of your videos. I love the leaders too.

[@RobinsDocumentedLife]

I know this video is older, but it helps me so much as I am looking to learn longarm quilting and want to buy one in the next year or so. Thank you! Do you still like the machine?

[@SuperBettyboop23]

Nice job of showing how to load and unload a quilt awesome job! Question where do you purchase those bars that you saw in to your leader

[@katiesteele9495]

Very helpful! Now, I just need to save for a machine!

[@donnafoust5172]

I love you video. I've watched it several times and have learned a lot. I don't have a longarm machine yet, but I am in the research "phase" & will be purchasing one soon. I see so many other people in videos struggling with pinning the backing onto the leader and it looks like a hassle compared to your quick load method. Do you sell the parts to the "quick load" method or can you direct me how to put one together on my own long arm when I purchase one. I think you should patent that...you make a killing on it with quilters. Thanks Donna

[@tammylyne4017]

Thank you for doing this video. Can you use this method for any quilt frame and machine?

[@happytraveller8953]

Hello, and thank you for this great tutorial. I am a longarm wannabe so this was very helpful.I live in a very cold climate and wondered if you have used wool batting??? Thanks!

[@MKBuddy1]

I am looking for a Long arm machine which had patterns and the table also if you were going to get a new one which ones would you recommend for me to look at? thank you, Brenda

[@karlar8648]

Thank you for sharing. Love your style of teaching. And! The brown quilt to the left! BEAUTIFUL! Can you share the name please?

[@kathrynstewart3524]

could anyone tell me please, what size dowel and what the plastic attaching cover is called? is there plastic something I can find at my local lumberyard? love this system of winding on! I sold my old Nolting in 2003 and am so happy to see the amazing progress longarm quilting has made!!

[@MattSparrow]

Kathryn Stewart sparrowquiltco.com/products/leader-grips-12-2-leaders

[@marniefreeman4498]

I have watched your video several times and you have done an amazing job of demonstrating how to use the APQS long arm! Congratulations! I am wondering, though, I do not believe there is any mention of the use of the side clamps. But I have watched portions of the video over again and have seen at least one clamp used. My personal experience has found that the side clamps interfere with the machine when quilting near the edges (and I use support arms that lift up the elastic). In your experience, does it really matter if the side clamps are used?

[@candysmith7852]

I have actually owned a used Longarm for over a year and I

[@hollymeyer1343]

What is the name of the earth tones quilt on the wall? I'd love to find a pattern for that.

[@evelynallenbrand3134]

how much area space length and depth, do you think my room needs to be in order to quilt king size quilts? Your videos are fantastic thank you so much :)

[@dianehaun711]

Thank you so much for sharing all this information. It makes using a longarm for the first time so much easier. Do you ever load your top onto the roller or do you always float the top no matter the size?

[@bradiesparrow3099]

Diane Haun I never roll tops. :)

[@DorothyofOz1]

Bradie, where do you get the thin clamps that you have on your quilt top bar?

[@marywhitten2848]

Excellent video! Thank you! Where do you get the dowling/plastic thingys to use instead of pinning?

[@marywhitten2848]

Oh, I see them on the website! Yay!

[@RDens4d]

Just to clarify, is that Hobbs 80/20 cotton/poly or cotton/wool? They make both

[@pampettengill5878]

i am very new to longarm quilting... may i ask... why didnt you roll your top quilt on the roller and is this a normal practice?

[@tiffanibishop9687]

I am wondering the same thing.

[@heatherhall6745]

I love your video, I got so much information. My question is where do you get the leader grips?

[@MattSparrow]

st181.infusionsoft.com/app/storeFront/searchForProducts

[@littledrabbitry9410]

@@MattSparrow I can't thank you enough for putting this intro together. I love your dowl and grips idea. The link wont load anymore and i"m so done with pricking myself with pins and the time it takes.....please share where else we might be able to get those dowl grips. thank you so much

[@olgaparsons2762]

Your video ended before you were finished with the top of the quilt, so I didn`t get to see how the top was added!

[@maximuscatticus]

Where can I find the clear plastic that you used? Thanks for the very informative video. It's very helpful!

[@bradiesparrow3099]

MaximusCatticus The plastic comes with the APQS tables. Check out a product called Pattern Grid, I have heard it works very similar.

[@happytraveller8953]

Also, how did you decide to get an APQS versus any other of the longarm machines?

[@osmonfrances2407]

I AM JUST WONDERING WHICH ONE IS EASIER. USING THIS TYPE OF MACHINE & OR YOUR PERSONAL MACHINE WHEN QUILTING?? BECAUSE USING THIS MACHINE LOOKS HARD!!! LOL