Free Motion Quilting

Have You Considered A Sit Down Long Arm Sewing Machine?

Sit Down Long Arm Sewing Machine
My Sewing Room

I added a new long arm sewing machine to my collection this weekend . . . I purchased a used Husqvarna Viking Platinum 16 sit down long arm. I was extremely pleased to find this machine with table, TruStitch Regulator, Handi-Quilter bobbin winder and a few other extra goodies. It required me taking a road trip to Indianapolis, Indiana but it was well worth it.

Husqvarna Viking Platinum 16 with table

With limited space and two other sewing machines, I needed a long arm sewing machine that didn’t take up a lot of space.

Screen of Platinum 16

Unfortunately, there is not much information on this long arm, however, I was able to find out the machine is actually made by Handi-quilter for Husqvarna and is very much like the HQ Sweet Sixteen long arm.

The main difference in the machines appearance seems to be the placement of the thread spools/spool holders. On the Husqvarna, the holder is on the left top and with the HQ it is on the bottom right.

TruStitch Regulator

I did find out that the HQ ruler foot and glide foot will work on my long arm sewing machine as well as the HQ table overlay. All these are on my wishlist!

Close up threading and tension dial.

I did have to work with the tension a bit once I got the machine home and set up.

The most important thing I found out about threading the machine is when putting the thread through the tension discs I have to use a flossing movement to work the thread between the discs properly.

Practice FMQing

If you look at my practice piece, the bottom two lines were made without the stitch regulator. The two above were made with the regulator on. What I have found when using the regulator is it creates a bit of resistance while stitching and that helps with control. Especially when making curves and loops.

I have been using my Juki TL-18QVP for free motion quilting up till now and it has done a good job. The open space of a long arm makes it much easier to move around. I believe I will be able to quilt in a less time. I also like having the “M” bobbin as it holds more thread and allows me to quilt longer between changes.

I hope to share some of my quilting work on my Platinum 16 very soon. So far, I’m very happy with my new machine.

Thanks for stopping by my blog today. Happy sewing!

Blessings,

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4 thoughts on “Have You Considered A Sit Down Long Arm Sewing Machine?

  1. A Free Motion Quilting Hack You Are Going to Love! - Sewing She Shed

    […] HV Platinum 16 Sit down long arm […]

  2. Lynn

    Cyndi, now that a few months have passed have you been able to use rulers on the HV16 with the open toe foot that is on the machine?

    1. Cynthia

      I have gotten better with my stitching on my HV16 in the last few months. The HV16 doesn’t come with the open toe foot. It is only set up with the regular FMQing foot. I have to purchase a conversion kit that would then allow me to use some of the other feet that are available for the Handy Quilter. I have worked with some of my rulers but still find it a challenge to keep the ruler steady and in place while manipulating the fabric under the needle. The weight of the fabric makes it all a challenge. I decided that I don’t like using the stitch regulator as it drags. When I use it, I have to stop frequently to reposition it so I can keep quilting.

      1. Lynn

        Thank you, that was helpful. I’ll look for a conversion kit. I haven’t played around much, but I will.

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