Why I LOVE my Bernina Q24
Hey Quilters!
Well, it’s no secret that I LOVE my Bernina Q24 Longarm! I have been wanting to create this post (and accompanying video) for awhile and finally did it! There are so many reasons why I LOVE my machine, but I’ve listed out the major ones here.
Threading from the front - I’m short so having access to the top and bobbin threading is vital! I would not be able to reach the back or side back of my machine to thread it. I also have my machine against a wall on the backside so I’d be crawling behind it to thread every time if it was not up front!
On board bobbin winding - Umm.. yes so this is wonderful. I can wind a bobbin right on the front side of my machine. AND I can wind a bobbin while running my machine. AND I get adjustable speed for specialty threads, so I can slow down the winding speed if I need the bobbin to wind slower and not pull too much tension.
Regular sewing machine needles - Yah, THIS! Oh man this is so great because I can pick up needles at my Local Quilt Shop. PLUS I can use all types of needles. I can use topstitch, stretch, metallic, jeans, quilting… anything! This means I can match my needle to my fabric or my thread. THIS IS HUGE PEOPLE!!
Quick change presser feet - The presser feet on this machine require no tools! Yes, you did read that right - no screwdrivers PLUS you get access to ALL Bernina FMQ feet because of the quick change ease! SO GREAT!
Digital Tension - OK, Digital Tension is my JAM!! I freaking LOVE this feature. This is by far my favorite! No remembering which way you turned the dial or how many times. AND the machine will tell you (with a little yellow box) if you have altered your setting at all. This is a shout from the rooftops kind of feature, NO JOKE!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE this!!!
Savable settings - I can save 5 different thread settings right in my machine. I can save tension, SPI (stitches per inch) and speed for each thread I want to set. So for OMNI for example, I can set my tension (mine is 4.5), my SPI (10 typically, but can change it to 8 for certain things) and speed. The reality of this is that I don’t have to keep track of my tension numbers once I know them - I just choose the setting and GO!
Does it seem like I’m obsessed with my machine yet? It’s ok, I am! I LOVE quilting on this machine - and honestly, it makes it simple and fun to try new things with my quilting because I have so much flexibility with what I can do. I did make a quick (hah not really… its like 12 minutes) video on some of these points and why they are so awesome! Check it out below!
If you have any questions about my set up or the Bernina longarm please feel free to let me know. Shoot me an email at hello@doodlequiltingstudio.com and I’d be happy to answer any questions!
Happy Quilting,
:) Enjoli
“Life is too short to not be in love with your longarm” - Me