All about modes, a ‘no-picture’post

Every long arm has different modes (settings) to choose from.  Most new long-armers choose to use ‘cruise mode’ when starting.  The reason for this is that your stitch lengths are controlled by the machine, so no matter how slow or fast you go, your stitch lengths will remain exact.  You then have the option to decide on how many stitches you want per inch (SPI).  This allows the newbie to focus on the motif and not worry about perfect stitches as it happens automatically.

The downside of cruise mode is that there is somewhat of a drag on the machine and if you go too fast the machine would sound an alarm warning you to slow down.

Then there is baste mode which is self-explanatory and here too you can decide whether you need small, medium or large basting stitches.

The third mode is the precise mode and ideal for ruler work.  The stitch lengths are still controlled but the machine would stop dead in its track the moment you stop moving it, not necessarily with the needle in the down position.  This allows you to quickly move your ruler to a new position and the moment you start moving the machine, it will simply continue stitching.

The last mode is Manual mode.  This mode does not control your stitch lengths and just as with a domestic machine you have to check that you don’t go too fast (long stitches) or too slow (small stitches) but it has one lovely advantage that I am starting to like all the more.  There is absolutely no drag on your machine and it glides over the rails like a hot knife through butter.  It also eliminates having to hover at any point where you suddenly turn in a different direction without causing a long unsightly stitch.

In the past, I’ve only used manual mode when doing pebbling to micro quilting but recently with frequent request for larger-scale all-over motifs, I started to play with this mode and the more I use it the more I love it.  The machine absolutely glides from left to right, no alarms going off when you pick up speed and I get faster through a take than in any of the other modes. Yes, I can see variations in the stitch lengths but these are so minor that it should not hurt the eye of anyone looking at the quilting.  It took me a full 3 years to discover how wonderful this mode is even though renowned quilters like Adria Good, does all her quilting in manual mode.

So now I have something ‘not so new’ to play with but my first festive season guests arrive on Wednesday and I still have some preparations to do.  Quilting, for a while at least, will have to be put on the back burner.