One of the things we hear from lots of quilter that walk into Bits ‘n Pieces is ‘I would love to have a longarm, but I don’t think I have the space for it.” But as New England’s top Handi Quilter Dealer, we have a couple of tricks so everyone can have their own longarm at home even with limited space. We have new compact longarm options as well as tips for smart space planning, so while traditional longarm setups require more room we can make it possible for you to quilt comfortably in apartments, spare bedrooms, or even shared living spaces.
What is the maximum space you have available to longarm?
When considering a longarm for limited space, the first step is evaluating your available area. Compact frames as short as 5-6 feet can handle smaller projects like wall hangings and baby quilts, while 8-foot frames fit nicely in most spare bedrooms for queen-sized projects. Clever storage solutions like foldable work surfaces, wall-mounted shelves, and mobile carts can help maximize every inch. For extremely tight spaces, sit-down longarm models eliminate the need for a large frame altogether while still offering superior quilting capabilities compared to domestic machines.
The Moxie longarm machine is great for quilting in tight spaces.
One excellent space-saving option is the Handi Quilter Moxie, which combines professional features with a remarkably compact footprint. Its 18" throat space provides plenty of room for free-motion while still fitting comfortably in small areas, especially when paired with the 5 Foot Little Foot frame. The Moxie is also available in an ST or stationary model. You still get to make use of the throat space but with the HQ Insight Table it takes up even less space.
It’s not just the longarm, it’s how you organize around it.
Making longarm quilting work in a small space comes down to smart organization as much as the machine you put there. Small details like keeping your workspace clutter-free with thoughtful storage solutions and multipurpose furniture has an even greater impact. With the right approach, even the tight squeeze of a small corner in your home can transform into a beautiful quilting studio for all your creative ideas.
Make sure you chat with an expert at Bits ‘n Pieces for more ideas on how to fit a longarm into your sewing space, no matter how small it may seem. We know we can find the perfect solution to for your longarm dreams!