Long Arm Quilting Explained: What It Is and Why It Matters
Quilting is a time-honored craft built on precision, patience, and creativity—but when it comes to finishing a quilt, the quilting itself (the stitching that holds the quilt top, batting, and backing together) is often the most technically demanding part. That’s where long arm quilting comes in. This specialized technique allows quilters to complete large, complex quilts faster, with more intricate designs and professional-quality results.
At NotJustQuiltz, we offer expert long arm quilting services in Fremont, CA, helping hobbyists and professional quilters alike bring their creations to life. Whether you’re just hearing about long arm quilting or considering having your next quilt professionally finished, we will explain everything you need to know—what it is, how it works, and why it matters.
What Is Long Arm Quilting?
Long arm quilting explained: It is a method of quilting that uses a long arm sewing machine—a large, specialized machine mounted on a frame that allows for the smooth and efficient stitching of large quilts.
The long arm machine moves either the fabric or the machine head itself across a frame, giving quilters the ability to stitch full quilt tops with fluid motion and precision.
Key Features of Long Arm Quilting:
- Quilting area ranges from 18 to 30 inches in width
- Machines are mounted on tracks for smooth movement
- Entire quilt sandwich is loaded onto rollers
- Enables custom or edge-to-edge quilting patterns
- Can be computerized or manually guided
Long arm machines can handle quilt sizes from baby quilts to king-size without the need to shift the fabric manually—something that’s nearly impossible on a standard home sewing machine.
How Long Arm Quilting Works
Here’s a simplified breakdown of the process:
- Loading the Quilt: The quilt top, batting, and backing are layered and pinned (or zipped) to separate rollers on the frame.
- Basting: The layers are loosely stitched together at the start to keep everything in place.
- Design Selection: Quilters can choose from a variety of stitch patterns—ranging from free-motion, custom motifs to all-over edge-to-edge designs.
- Stitching: The quilter (or a computer-guided system) stitches the selected design across the quilt in sections, known as “passes.”
- Finishing: Once complete, the quilt is trimmed, and binding can be added by hand or machine.
Long arm quilting machines can complete in hours what might take days or even weeks on a domestic machine.
Benefits of Long Arm Quilting
Investing in long arm quilting—whether through a service or your own equipment—opens the door to higher quality and more efficient finishing. Here’s why it matters:
1. Faster Quilt Completion
A quilt that might take 20+ hours to free-motion quilt on a domestic machine can be long-arm quilted in under 3 hours, depending on complexity. This is especially important for quilters working on deadlines, like holidays, weddings, or commissions.
2. Precision and Professionalism
Long arm quilting delivers uniform stitch lengths, smoother curves, and cleaner results. Computerized machines can replicate intricate motifs with incredible precision—no puckering, skipping, or uneven tension.
3. Access to More Complex Designs
From feathers and flowers to modern geometric grids, the sky’s the limit with long arm quilting. At NotJustQuiltz, we offer a wide selection of digital and freehand patterns to suit every style.
4. No Wrestling with Large Quilts
Anyone who’s tried quilting a queen-sized top on a domestic machine knows the struggle—rolling, shifting, re-basting. With long arm quilting, the machine handles the fabric for you, reducing physical strain and saving time.
5. Perfect for T-shirt and Memory Quilts
Because of their varied fabric types and thicknesses, T-shirt quilts and memory quilts can be tricky to quilt evenly. Long arm quilting provides consistent results across mixed textures and thicknesses.
Types of Long Arm Quilting
There are generally two types of long arm quilting: custom quilting and edge-to-edge quilting.
Custom Quilting
Custom quilting involves stitching specific designs in different areas of the quilt:
- Blocks
- Borders
- Sashing
- Appliqué areas
This is ideal for quilts with complex piecing or where the quilting is meant to highlight certain features. It requires more planning, time, and cost, but the results are truly stunning.
Edge-to-Edge Quilting (Pantograph)
Edge-to-edge (E2E) quilting uses a repeated pattern stitched across the entire quilt surface. It’s fast, affordable, and works well for everyday quilts.
At NotJustQuiltz, we offer a large library of E2E patterns—floral, modern, traditional, whimsical, holiday-themed, and more.
Why Use a Professional Long Arm Quilting Service?
While some quilters invest in their own long arm machines, many prefer to outsource this step to professionals. Here’s why:
- No need for expensive equipment (machines can cost $10,000+)
- Save space—no need for a dedicated quilting studio
- Get access to a wider variety of quilting designs
- Let experts handle tension, loading, and stitch quality
- Focus on the piecing and creative part of quilting
Our long arm quilting service in Fremont gives you professional results without the cost, learning curve, or time commitment of doing it yourself.
What to Expect When You Bring Your Quilt to NotJustQuiltz
We make the long arm quilting process simple, personal, and collaborative. Here’s what you can expect:
1. Quilt Intake Consultation
We meet with you in-store or by phone to discuss:
- Quilt size
- Batting type
- Thread color
- Quilting pattern
- Turnaround time
You’ll get a custom quote based on your preferences.
2. Batting and Backing Options
We offer high-quality cotton, wool, bamboo, and polyester batting options. Don’t have backing fabric yet? Choose from our wide selection in-store.
3. Thread Selection
Choose from our selection of Aurifil and Superior Threads, in solids, variegated, or specialty finishes to complement your quilt top.
4. Timely Turnaround
Standard turnaround is 2–3 weeks. Need it sooner? Rush service may be available—just ask.
What to Bring for Long Arm Quilting Services
When dropping off your quilt, be sure to bring:
- Quilt top: Pressed, squared, and trimmed
- Backing: At least 4 inches larger on all sides than the quilt top
- Batting (if not purchasing from us): Also 4 inches larger on all sides
Need help prepping your quilt? We offer prep services for trimming, pressing, and squaring.
Pricing Overview
Our long arm quilting pricing is based on:
- Quilt size (square inches)
- Type of quilting (E2E or custom)
- Batting and thread options
- Add-ons (binding, pressing, trimming)
You can view our updated pricing guide here:
Long Arm Quilting Services
We’re happy to provide quotes in-store or by phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does long arm quilting cost?
Prices vary based on quilt size and design complexity. Edge-to-edge starts around $0.025–$0.035 per square inch, while custom work is quoted individually.
Can I bring my own batting?
Yes, but it must be high-quality and sized appropriately—at least 4″ larger than your quilt top on each side.
Do I need to baste my quilt before bringing it in?
No. In fact, do not baste your layers—we load each layer separately on our long arm machine.
What thread do you use?
We use top-quality threads like Aurifil, Superior Threads, and So Fine, and offer both solid and variegated options.
Can I choose my own quilting design?
Yes! We’ll walk you through our pattern library and help you pick the best design for your quilt’s style and purpose.
Visit NotJustQuiltz in Fremont for Expert Long Arm Quilting
We’re proud to offer long arm quilting services to the Bay Area quilting community, including:
- Fremont
- Newark
- Union City
- Pleasanton
- San Jose
- Oakland
Our quilting specialists are happy to guide you from pattern selection to thread choice—and we treat your quilt with the same care we’d give our own.
Visit Us:
37831 Niles Blvd, Fremont, CA 94536
Let Us Help You Finish Your Quilt Beautifully
Quilting is a labor of love—don’t let the final step hold you back. Let the experts at NotJustQuiltz help you finish strong with smooth, detailed, professional long arm quilting.
Call today to schedule your consultation or drop off your quilt. Your masterpiece deserves a flawless finish.
