A Bernina Q24 longarm delivery typically takes around 6 hours for setup, requires careful planning for space (especially staircases and corners), and can be professionally installed or assembled by the owner using provided manuals. I’m sharing my own delivery experience complete with photos, practical tips, and the things I wish I’d known before the boxes arrived!
Why I Chose the Bernina Q24 Longarm
I love quilts! I love the stories they tell and the warmth and love that they convey and provide. After working in a quilt shop for a while, I knew that a longarm quilting machine would be something that I would love for the rest of my life. After months of research and testing, I chose the Bernina Q24 with Q-matic on the largest Pro Frame.
You can read about my quilt journey here.
How to Prep for Longarm Delivery
This was my studio in May 2022 before the longarm delivery. I like to keep things simple in my workspace, so not much has changed.
A lot goes into preparing for the delivery of a longarm quilting machine, but the MOST IMPORTANT thing to consider is SPACE!
We recently built our house, and in anticipation of buying a longarm, we created this room just for it. We also extended the area at the top of our staircase (my studio is upstairs) so that large furniture—like the longarm- would have enough room to turn corners and make it into this space.
Bernina Q24 Frame Size and Delivery Challenges
I bought the Bernina Q24 on the Largest Pro Frame.
Even with careful planning, we thought some of the rails might have to come in through the window! While many of the frame pieces come in manageable boxes, some of the rails are very long. When you have to turn corners, you need extra space.
Good news: The rails made the turn at the top of the stairs with no problem. YAY!
- Setup time: About 6 hours.
- DIY vs. Professional Installation: You can assemble the frame and robotics yourself (manuals are included), but I chose to pay for installation. If we ever move the machine to the basement, we might do it ourselves – especially since we have 4 engineers in the family!
Should You Buy a Longarm Quilting Machine?
Buying a longarm quilting machine is a big investment – tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the model. Be really sure you want one.
If you don’t run a longarm quilting business or make a lot of quilts, you might be better off using the services of a professional longarm quilter like me or another professional longarm quilter in your area.
I added a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) to my longarm to protect it from power blips and outages so my quilting doesn’t stop mid-stitch. UPS for Sewing Rooms: What It Is & Why It Matters
Why Buy from a Local Dealer?
If you’re sure you want to buy a longarm, buy from a local dealer. Why? Because when and if you need service, you want a place you can get to in a reasonable amount of time, or have in person service should that need arise.
- Quick service when you need it.
- In-person help for troubleshooting.
- Peace of mind that someone nearby understands your machine.
I live in Georgia and bought my Bernina Q24 with Q-matic and largest pro frame from Atlanta Augusta Sewing Center. When I need help, someone is available with answers or service. That’s something that has given me peace and allowed me to me keep creating without worry.
Amazing, that’s the owner of the 3 locations of Atlanta Augusta Sewing Centers, Nick and his Dad installing my longarm. My husband and I had such a nice day with them!
Dealer vs. Remote Support
While I was at QuiltCon, I spoke with a longarm dealer (not Bernina) and found out that their brand no longer has local dealers. Instead, they rely on phone support, will send someone to your home for a fee, or even connect you with another owner who can help you in their own home, not your home, their home. I was pretty shocked to hear that. While I’m sure that’s fine with some people, I was like – that’s definitely not something I’m interested in. Find a brand and dealer setup that fits your needs.
Space Planning for a Longarm
It’s not just the size of the longarm to consider. You need space:
- Behind the machine so the sewhead can move.
- In front of the machine for you to work comfortably.
Make Room for Your Body
Don’t forget to account for your body while quilting! You need to consider your body size both in front of and behind the machine. Without enough room, your setup can feel cramped and make quilting much harder than it has to be.
Being a longarmer is a physical job with a lot of bending, stretching, and sometimes even crawling, LOL! You need space for your own movement – not just for the machine itself.
Bernina Q24 Accessories I Bought
Along with my Bernina Q24, Large Pro Frame, and Q-matic, I also purchased:
- Bernina Frame Casters (set of 6)
- Bernina Q Series Frame Mechanical Channel Locks
- Bernina Q Series Zipper Leaders (Large) – 2 sets
- Bernina Q Series Batting Bar (Large)
- Bernina Cup Clip (for #96 foot)
- Bernina Foot #72s (Ruler Foot Adjustable with slit)
- Bernina Couching Inserts
- Bernina Ruler Work Kit (#96 foot/base/ruler)
- Bernina Q Series Additional Shelving (that goes on the bottom where Nick is installing those rails above)
Tip: Gifts with purchase vary by dealer, time of year, and brand promotions. Watch for sales during National Sewing Month (September) or National Quilting Day (3rd Saturday in March). Whenever there is a major sewing or quilting show local to you, like the sewing expo, that’s a good time to see a variety of long arms and possibly get a great deal.
Is Longarm Quilting Physical?
The Bernina Q24 sewhead is large but incredibly smooth – you can move it with one finger if you adjust the sensitivity. This is not a tough machine to handle.
However, longarm quilting is physical work. Quilting on a frame like this is NOT (usually, I’m sure there can be exceptions) a sit down experience. You’re moving a lot. Walking, crouching, bending and stretching are common parts of a longarmmers day. If mobility is an issue, you might consider a sit down model with a table.
Meeting Height and Space Challenges
The Bernina longarm can be customized:
- Hydraulics: Ideal if multiple people will use the machine and need adjustable height.
- Casters: Great if you need to roll the machine for space flexibility. (You can’t have both.)
If you will be using the longarm with another person, and you may need to vary the height, you can opt to purchase the frame with hydraulics.
I’m the only person using my machine, and I wanted to utilize the most space in my studio, so casters worked best for me. It rolls super easily on my floor, but I’m sure I wouldn’t have the same ease of movement if I had carpet.
Tip: Don’t base your setup on someone else’s workspace—consider your unique space and needs.
Final Thoughts on My Bernina Q24
After just over 6 hours (with plenty of chatting in between, LOL), my Bernina Q24 longarm was installed! (Your longarm installation time can vary depending on what extras you’re purchased.)
I have zero regrets about this purchase. I love creating and longarming my own quilts, and I also longarm for others in Northeast Georgia.
I hope you enjoyed this peek into my longarm delivery day. If you’re on this same adventure, good luck—it’s worth every moment!
Frequently Asked Questions
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