The Tin Lizzie 18DLS Longarm Quilting Machine has become a staple in the quilting community, offering a perfect blend of advanced features and user-friendly design.
In this review, we’ll delve into the pros, cons, features, user experiences, and provide a step-by-step guide on how to make the most of this versatile quilting machine.
Pros:
- Generous Throat Space: The 18-inch throat space allows for easy maneuvering of larger quilts, providing ample room for intricate designs and detailed stitching.
- Speed and Precision: The Tin Lizzie 18DLS boasts impressive stitching speed without compromising on accuracy. The stitch regulator ensures consistent stitch length, even when working at higher speeds.
- Intuitive Controls: The user-friendly interface simplifies the quilting process, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced quilters. The touch-screen display allows for easy adjustments and customization of stitch settings.
- Adjustable Frame: The adjustable frame accommodates a variety of quilt sizes, giving users the flexibility to tackle projects of different dimensions with ease.
- Optional Quilt Design Software: Users can enhance their creative potential with optional quilt design software compatibility. This feature allows for the creation and implementation of custom quilting patterns.
- Price Point: The Tin Lizzie 18DLS comes with a higher price tag compared to some other longarm quilting machines in the market, making it an investment for serious quilting enthusiasts.
- Learning Curve: Beginners may experience a slight learning curve when first using the machine, especially if they are new to longarm quilting. However, the intuitive controls and available resources help mitigate this challenge.
Features
1. Stitch Regulator:
The stitch regulator in the Tin Lizzie 18DLS is a standout feature that ensures a consistent and uniform stitch length throughout your quilting projects. This is particularly crucial during free-motion quilting, where maintaining control over stitch length can be challenging.
The regulator automatically adjusts the machine’s speed to match the movement of the user, resulting in evenly spaced stitches. This feature empowers quilters to achieve professional-looking results, whether they are creating intricate designs or following specific quilting patterns.
Example: A quilter working on a detailed floral motif praised the stitch regulator for allowing them to seamlessly transition between tight curves and straight lines, maintaining a polished appearance across the entire quilt.
2. LED Lighting:
The bright LED lights integrated into the Tin Lizzie 18DLS play a crucial role in enhancing visibility and precision during the quilting process. Positioned strategically around the quilting area, these lights illuminate the work surface, reducing shadows and providing a clear view of the fabric and stitching details.
This feature is especially beneficial for those working in low-light conditions or when dealing with intricate designs that require close attention to detail.
Example: A quilter shared their experience of quilting a dark-colored fabric with intricate patterns. The LED lighting allowed them to see every detail, ensuring precise stitching and preventing any errors that might have been overlooked in inadequate lighting.
3. Automatic Thread Cutter:
The automatic thread cutter in the Tin Lizzie 18DLS is a time-saving and efficiency-enhancing feature. Positioned conveniently on the machine, this built-in cutter allows quilters to trim threads effortlessly without interrupting their workflow.
This is particularly advantageous when working on projects with multiple color changes or intricate patterns that require frequent thread adjustments. The thread cutter contributes to a smoother quilting experience, minimizing downtime and reducing the need for manual trimming with scissors.
Example: A quilter creating a vibrant and multicolored quilt with numerous thread changes appreciated the automatic thread cutter, as it allowed them to seamlessly transition between colors, maintaining the flow of their creative process.
4. Adjustable Frame Height:
The adjustable frame height of the Tin Lizzie 18DLS adds a layer of customization and comfort to the quilting experience. Quilters can adapt the frame to their preferred working height, reducing strain and fatigue during extended quilting sessions.
This feature is particularly beneficial for users with specific ergonomic preferences or those who collaborate on projects, as multiple individuals can adjust the frame to suit their comfort levels.
Example: A quilting group organizing a community project with members of varying heights found the adjustable frame indispensable. Each member could set the frame to their ideal height, ensuring a comfortable and inclusive quilting environment.
These features collectively contribute to making the Tin Lizzie 18DLS a versatile and user-friendly longarm quilting machine. Whether you’re a seasoned quilter or a beginner, these advanced features enhance precision, efficiency, and overall quilting enjoyment.
Highlight Features
- Front handles with electronics
- Throat space 18” x 6” with an actual quilting space of 15”
- Digital Lizzie LCD stitch regulator
- Adjustable 2-position laser light
- Ergonomic handles
- Needle Up
- Needle Down
- Single Stitch
- Dual thread capability
- Double bobbin capacity
- Built-in bobbin winder
- Fully adjustable goose lamp
- Multi-thread holder
- Super smooth machine head carriage
- 4 fabric clamps
- 5-year U.S. warranty on defects in materials and workmanship
- Size 37” W x 17” H
- Weighs 47 lbs
Tools and Accessories Included
- M bobbins, metal and cardboard sides
- Needle plate screwdriver
- Bobbin tension screwdriver
- Pack of 10 Groz-Beckert needles
- Allen key
- Superior King Tut thread sample spools
- Two spool vertical thread stand
- Rotary hook oil tube
- Instructions & DVD
Stitches Types And Styles
The Tin Lizzie 18DLS Long Arm Quilting Machine has a single stitch that is controlled via the LCD panel at the front of the sewing head. The convenient panel also includes the stitch speed settings.
Learn More About The Tin Lizzie 18DLS Quilting Machine At The Tin Lizzie Company Website
Items and Garments:
The versatility of the Tin Lizzie 18DLS extends beyond traditional quilts, making it a valuable tool for various creative projects. Users have successfully applied this longarm quilting machine to quilt a diverse array of items and garments, showcasing its adaptability and broadening its application in the crafting world.
Table Runners:
Quilters appreciate the Tin Lizzie 18DLS for its ability to handle table runners with ease. The machine’s precise stitching and generous throat space enable users to create intricate patterns and designs on table runners, adding a personalized touch to dining or display spaces.
Example: A quilter shared their experience designing a custom table runner for a special occasion. The Tin Lizzie 18DLS allowed them to incorporate detailed motifs that enhanced the overall aesthetic appeal of the table decor.
Wall Hangings:
The flexibility of the Tin Lizzie 18DLS makes it well-suited for quilting wall hangings of varying sizes. Quilters can experiment with different textures, patterns, and thread colors to create visually stunning wall art. The machine’s precise stitching ensures a professional finish that enhances the overall appearance of the hanging.
Example: An artist used the Tin Lizzie 18DLS to quilt a large fabric mural that served as a focal point in a gallery exhibition. The machine’s adaptability allowed for the creation of intricate details that captured the essence of the artist’s vision.
Garments:
The Tin Lizzie 18DLS breaks traditional boundaries by accommodating garments into its repertoire. Quilters and fashion enthusiasts alike have successfully used this machine to add quilted elements to garments, creating unique and eye-catching pieces.
Example: A designer incorporated quilted panels into a denim jacket using the Tin Lizzie 18DLS. The machine’s ability to handle different fabrics allowed for the seamless integration of quilting into fashion, resulting in a trendy and personalized garment.
Home Decor Items:
Beyond quilts, users have employed the Tin Lizzie 18DLS to quilt various home decor items. This includes decorative pillow covers, curtain panels, and even customized fabric baskets. The machine’s versatility and precise stitching contribute to the creation of cohesive and stylish home decor ensembles.
Example: A quilter transformed plain pillow covers into statement pieces by quilting intricate patterns that matched the overall theme of their living room. The Tin Lizzie 18DLS provided the precision needed for such detailed work.
In Conclusion:
The Tin Lizzie 18DLS Longarm Quilting Machine emerges as a powerful and versatile tool, not confined solely to quilting. Its application extends to a variety of creative projects, from functional items like table runners to expressive pieces such as wall hangings and even garments.
The machine’s adaptability, paired with its exceptional performance and positive user experiences, positions it as a valuable asset for quilting enthusiasts seeking to explore diverse avenues of creativity.
While the initial investment may be higher, users find that the Tin Lizzie 18DLS proves its worth by opening up new possibilities for artistic expression and providing a feature-rich, high-performance platform for a wide range of crafting endeavors.
Whether working on traditional quilts or pushing the boundaries with unconventional projects, users appreciate the machine’s capabilities and its role in expanding their quilting horizons.
Photo: Amazon