Throat space is the spec
Definition
Throat space (harp space)
The distance from the needle to the machine body, and its height. It is how much rolled quilt fits through while you stitch the middle.
Domestic straight-stitch quilters
The Juki TL tier: 1,500 spm, straight stitch only, 8.5 to 9 in of throat, a knee lifter and drop feed dogs. It handles lap and throw quilts on a table and pieces fast. You keep a second machine for zigzag.
Sit-down mid-arms
A long-arm head mounted in a table, so you move the quilt, not the machine. 16 to 18 in of throat without a frame's footprint. The step for people who quilt whole tops on a domestic and want room, not a room.
Stand-up long-arms
The machine rides on a frame and you move it over a quilt loaded on rollers. 15 in is the entry (Handi Quilter Moxie class); 20 in and up is where professional quilters work. Budget the frame, stitch regulation, delivery and a wall at least 10 feet long.
When to move up
- You have run out of throat on a domestic on more than one quilt.
- You quilt whole tops for others, or several a month for yourself.
- You have the room, and the frame will not be folded away.
Short answer
Start at the domestic tier unless you already know throat space is your problem. Read the long-arm cost guide before pricing a frame.
