Grace vs Handi Quilter: Long Arm Quilting Machine

Grace and Handi Quilter are both leading brands in long-arm quilting machines. Grace and Handi Quilter both provide high-quality and heavy-duty long-arm machines that can make even the most complicated quilting project seem a piece of cake. However, these two machines differ significantly in design, features, and price. Based on the features and price, these long-arm quilting machines are in different classes. 

If you are a beginner and don’t want to spend too much money then you can start with Grace which has fewer material requirements and is simpler to use. However, if you have tried quilting on Grace then it is better to go for Handi Quilter which will help you take your quilting hobby to a professional level. 

If you are an intermediate or professional quilter and want to transform your hobby into a business then Handi Quilter is the best option for you. Handi quilter has some advanced features like larger throat space, quieter motor, and made of metal frame which makes it more desirable for expert quilters. Due to its high price, Handi Quilter is not suitable for beginners. Grace on the other hand is a more affordable option for beginners (costs: $4000 approximately). With Grace, you can do free-motion quilting with the help of a Creative quilting system which makes it a highly accurate and easy-to-use machine even if you are starting out.

Grace Q’nique Long Arm Quilting Machine: This Handi-made machine is available in the price range of $4000 to $5000. It is made for easy operation and a simple frame design. Handi Quilter Moxie is less expensive than Grace Q’nique, but it is not a cheap machine by any means. To put it differently, though Handi Quilter Moxie is lower priced than Grace Q’nique, Handi Quilter Moxie is more expensive than most of the comparable machines. On average, Grace is a less expensive brand than Handi Quilter but on the other hand, Handi Quilter makes products keeping the main focus on its user, so although they are slightly higher in price but they have a strong customer base.

Grace vs Handi Quilter

• The Grace Quilting Machine Company is a leading manufacturer of portable sewing machines for quilting and has six patents on the design of its frames. Handi Quilter was founded in 2001 by Laurel Barrus as a result of her disappointment with the current range of quilting machines and frames. She recognized that a gap existed in the market, between home-based quilting machine users and those who wanted to purchase portable quilting frames. In order to fill this gap, she decided to start her own company which would sell high-end machines at an affordable price.
• Both founders were avid quilters and recognize the demand and needs of the users. Although both started as a means to an end, they have become successful businesses and household names in the industry.
• The difference between the Handi Quilter and Grace quilting machines is that Grace machines are made for the quilting industry, while Handi Quilter products are not.
• The Handi Quilter company started the development of its first portable quilting frame in 2001. They have developed numerous models since its inception and are now well-known for their durable and high-end frames, etc. The HQ series of frames is what made Handi Quilter famous, while Grace was by then an already-established quilt frame maker. They don’t only make the frames for their own quilting machine but also make them for leading brand’s quilting machines, such as Singer of the USA, Brother, and Janome of Japan, Pfaff Quilting machine of USA, Bernina of Switzerland, etc.
• On the other hand, the Handi Quilter Company is also a leading manufacturer of quilting frames and is famous for its portable sewing machines for quilting and has six patents on the design of its frames. The Grace Company was founded in 1987 and stands at the forefront of the industry with a full line of quilting products including quilting machines, frames, etc. Grace frames are known for their quality and durability while Handi Quilter frames are known for their portability.
• Although Grace was an already established brand for quilting machines and frames and was also trusted for achieving safety standards by its users but in 2010 Handi Quilter was the only brand that achieved all the international electrical and safety standards.
• After achieving international safety and electrical certificates for our quilting machines and systems in 2010, Handi Quilter was able to extend HQ to more than 900 independent retail stores throughout twenty-plus countries. On the other hand, Grace also has retailers throughout the USA but as compared to Handi Quilter, they are more focused on the B2B market while Handi Quilter is more focused on the B2C market. 
• Currently, the Handi Quilter brand holds the largest retail presence in the domestic quilt market but its competitor is said to be 3 times as big as it. Though in the USA, both brands are present but still Handi Quilter is focusing on sales to professionals and dominating the country’s B2C quilting market while Grace is still the favorite for B2B production due to its cheaper prices, high-end products, and mass production.
• Grace is slightly less expensive than Handi Quilter. As the starting price for the Grace long-arm quilting machines is around $3989.00 while the starting price for the Handi Quilter long-arm quilting machines is around $4,495.00.
• Usually Handi Quilter offers a frame with almost all of its quilting machines while Grace doesn’t do so. However, they do offer a frame that’s compatible with their quilting machines at some additional cost. According to reviews, the price of a Grace frame is also a little more expensive than the Handi Quilter frames.

As there are numerous features and differences between both brands regarding price, size of the frame, safety standards, etc. but both are equally good and have satisfied most of the users and quilters. As some users prefer Handi Quilter due to its portability because it is comparatively smaller than Grace, while some prefer Grace for its higher safety standards and durability.

Check Also:

1. How Much Does A Long Arm Quilting Machine?
2. Can You Rent A Long Arm Quilting Machine?
3. Best Long Arm Quilting Machines
4. Top Large Throat Sewing Machines

Comparison of Grace and Handi Quilter Long Arm Quilting Machines

Best Handi Quilter Long Arm Quilting Machines

We have described some salient Handi Quilter longarm quilting machines below.

Handi Quilter Moxie

The Handi Quilter Moxie is a cutting-edge long-arm quilting machine that was designed and developed with the requirements of the user in mind at every stage of the process. Due to the fact that it has a 15-inch throat, you won’t have to worry about stitching through the arm of the frame or getting too close to the feed dogs even when working on the most substantial of projects.

In addition, the Handi Quilter Moxie includes one pair of hangers and four bobbins in the package. The straightforward way of threading that comes with the Handi Quilter makes it feasible for novice seamstresses to start making their own quilts, throws, and bedspreads in a short amount of time.

If you want to read in detail, check Handi Quilter Moxie review.

Handi Quilter Amara

The Handi Quilter Amara longarm machine is a spectacular innovation in the field of quilting from Handi Quilter, thanks to its high level of professionalism, quality, and accuracy. The width of this device’s throat is a generous 20 inches, and it’s well-lit throughout. It also has well-lit bobbins and a needle bar. In addition, the laser pointer for the needles guarantees precise stitching all the way through the quilt. Because it comes with the QuiltMaster LED Lighting Package, which can be controlled via a user-friendly menu. 

You can operate and customize Handi Quilter Amara according to your preferences via the seven-inch touchscreen located on the rear of the device. In addition, the controls on the rear of the handlebars are also customizable and simple to set up. These levers can be rotated and twisted to create any tiny pattern on your quilt.

The Handi Quilter Amara is available with either a 10-foot or 12-foot Handi Quilter Studio2 Frame and a 20-inch longarm. The Little Foot Frame allows you to quilt up to a King size, meaning you may begin stand-up quilting wherever you like (home, cottage, studio, etc.). In addition, using a Pantograph or a Groovy board to quilt from the back are two fantastic options. The combination of these two incredible capabilities makes it possible to create intricate pattern borders. In short, Handi Quilter Amara can handle anything from baby blankets to king-size quilts.

If you want to read more in detail, check Handi Quilter Amara review.

Handi Quilter Infinity

The Handi Quilter Infinity can complete stitches at a speed of 3100 SPM (stitches per minute). Along with a thread cutter and an M bobbin, the Handi Quilter Infinity also comes with the capability to turn the power on and off from the front of the machine. Estimator for the remaining thread left in bobbins after usage, which gives a warning for the thread running low on bobbins. You can also vary the speed according to your need for up to 20 user-defined values. The high-speed rotary hook and the large-capacity M-class bobbin are complemented by a quilting camera that is embedded with Quilters Eye technology. Additionally, the Handi Quilter Infinity has other incredible features, such as a pinpoint needle laser, integrated micro grips, programmable buttons on the handlebar, and an easy-to-use tension system with saved settings.

Customers can choose between the Handi Quilter 10-foot Gallery Frame and the Handi Quilter 12-foot Gallery Frame as part of the purchase of the Handi Quilter Infinity bundle. The quilting technology known as Pro-Stitcher is included in the price of the package as well.

Best Grace Long Arm Quilting Machines

We have described some salient Gracelongarma quilting machines below.

Grace Q’nique 15 PRO

Grace Q’nique 15 PRO is the perfect quilting machine for a beginner. The machine consists of a sturdy frame that holds the machine well and guarantees great accuracy. Grace Q’nique 15 PRO has a user-friendly touchscreen and simplified menus that makes on-screen instruction easy. With a 15” throat space and a more potent motor, you can even do complicated quilting projects easily. Grace Q’nique 15 PRO offers better stitch quality at a higher speed of 2000 SPM. You can quickly accomplish your goals with Grace Q’nique 15 PRO. The 2.5-inch color screen elegantly displays your choices, a user-friendly menu structure is also a huge plus. The 15 Pro is a pleasure to use because of its excellent features and flexible settings and huge Screen Size. It has a locking mechanism that is adjustable, you can also adjust the screen angle so that it is at a right angle to your wrist and then secure it there. It comes with built-in guides, so you will have everything to get started. On its left side, there are four different stitch modes: Manual, Cruise, Precise, and Baste. You may adjust them depending on your needs.

It is perfect for beginner quilters who need a basic quilting machine that can complete the task professional level or casual quilters who want to upgrade from their own domestic quilting machine. In short Grace Q’nique 15 PRO is excellent for those who do not want to spend too much money yet want to get started with a dedicated long-arm quilting machine.

Grace Qnique 21 X Elite

The Q’nique 21 X Elite Longarm is another ultimate example of Grace Company’s commitment to satisfying its clients by focusing on their needs in each and every aspect of manufacturing. The Q’nique 21 X Elite offers unbeatable value for money thanks to its high-quality design and user-friendly features. There has never been a product with as high-end precision stitching, user-friendly features, and well-designed construction at such a low price point as the Q’nique 21 X Elite. The machine’s motor is strong enough to work on 1,800 SPM (stitches per minute). Additionally, it has an integrated stitch regulator (a high–end feature rare for long–arm quilting machines in this price range.) With its variety of features, the Grace Q’nique 21 X Elite has ensured a flawless and uniform finish. To provide you with the most flexibility in your quilting, three of the four stitch modes are adjustable. Because the handles are the most prominent point of contact between you and your quilting machine, they were focused on the design of the Q’nique 21 X Elite to ensure the finest quilting experience. The grips and the full-color screen make it possible to adjust and modify all the important settings with minimal effort.

Grace Q’nique 19 X Elite

Grace Q’nique 19 X Elite is one of the best quilting machines offered by Grace that balances the budget and features greatly. You can get a good quality quilting machine with advanced features without breaking the bank. The average speed varies from 90 to 2,600 SPM. In addition, you will get four stitching modes that are Precise, Cruise, Baste, and Manual Stitching Modes and an integrated Digital tape measure. A needle magnet is included for convenience when switching needles which certainly makes things easier. In addition, you can also position the needle with ease with the on-screen increment controls. You may control the intensity of the light coming from the LED needle or turn it off entirely.

Grace Q’nique 19 X Elite offers a large 7-inch LCD, which makes operating it easier. In addition, instead of constantly referring back to the manual, On-Screen Help displays helpful pictures.

Grace Q’nique 19 X Elite also has the Bobbin Estimator (an indicator of when your bobbin thread is running low), so you can keep up the status of the thread without taking a break from quilting which can be annoying. You can also do tasks automatically as it is compatible with the QuiltMotion system. Oh and I also received a sample of the Grace Company’s own Finesse thread, and it works wonderfully on my quilt project. If you want you can also check them out. Usually, Grace Q’nique 19 X Elite is priced at $8499.95 but if you want to buy from Grace’s official website then you can get it for $7699.00.

History of Handi Quilter

With a passion for quilting that spans decades, Laurel Barrus, the company’s founder, came up with the idea for the “Handi Quilter” portable frame while searching for a solution to bring a machine quilting frame to her family’s cabin. Because she was unable to locate a product that fulfilled her requirements, she and her father collaborated to develop a solution that could be utilized with a domestic quilting machine. It needed to be portable enough to fit in her car, sturdy enough to support quilts of varying sizes, and easy to alter. After seeing her new portable, adjustable frame, her pals all wanted one.

Encouraged by the enthusiasm of her friends, Laurel gave her innovative frame the label “Handi Quilter” and went out to test its commercial viability. In October of 2000, she collaborated with a number of vendors to create a working prototype that she displayed at the International Quilt Festival in Houston, Texas. The orders she got on the first day of the fair kept her incredibly busy until Christmas.

Founded in May of 2001, Laurel and her husband Roger began promoting the “Handi Quilter” at quilt events all around the USA and developing wholesale partnerships with local quilt shops.

In 2002, the company filed for a patent and saw further expansion while also facing six new rivals. Upon analyzing the current market, Laurel recognized that more people needed a more resilient quilting machine. Commercial long-arm machines were the sole choice, but they were bulky, costly, and not practical for household usage. Laurel saw that the market for home machine quilting had promise if a high-quality product could be made available at a reasonable price and designed for use in a domestic setting.

She investigated whether or not an existing sewing machine manufacturer could produce a mid-arm machine for her business. The lack of interest from others compelled her to take action alone. She put money into developing a new range of goods, including the HQ Sixteen quilting machine and its accompanying adjustable frames, in late 2002 and early 2003. She developed the production infrastructure for the new goods, employed electrical and mechanical experts, and built a distribution network to sell and maintain the devices.

Due to market saturation, sales of the original portable quilting frames declined in 2004. Nonetheless, the “Handi Quilter” remains the best-selling portable frame in the United States. For Handi Quilter, the “HQ Sixteen” is now the flagship product.

Even today, the Handi Quilter stays true to its original motto of “Designed by a Quilter, for Quilters”. What started from the customization of frames by Laurel Barrus, Handi Quilter comes a long way, and today it is at the forefront of the quilting business and famous for its durable and high-end quilting machines frames, etc.

History of Grace

The Grace company started when its founder Grace Bagley after whom the company, realized a big gap in the industry between quilting machines and quilting frames. As Grace Bagley worked at Mormon Handicraft, a small quilt business, she realized there was a gap in the quilting industry’s current products as a result of her close collaboration with local quilters. Grace made some observations with her son Jim, not realizing that they would lead to the creation of a revolutionary new quilting frame and the launch of a successful business. Grace started the business as to fill the gap between the user’s need and quilting frames. Thanks to Grace’s advice and Jim’s outstanding innovation, a no-baste rail system quilting frame was created and appropriately titled “The Grace Frame.”

In 1987, International Quilt Festival was attended by Jim, his wife Lori, and their daughter Bonnie held in Houston, Texas. As a result of the festival, the Grace Company was able to grow from a regional powerhouse in the quilting industry to a household name across the country. As the company expanded, it quickly outgrew the garage it initially started and relocated to a larger factory. The momentum continued to build. Throughout the years, Jim has worked to refine the Grace Frame’s blueprint, find high-quality quilting fabrics, and increase the number of available options. The first Grace Machine Quilter evolved from this concept (GMQ). Machine quilting at home was made possible by this frame. The Grace Company quickly rose to prominence as a leading manufacturer of frames for both machine and hand quilting. Now, Grace Company customers could choose from a wider variety of frame styles, hoop sizes, and quilting-related products.

The Grace Company not only makes quilting frames for its own quilting machines, but also for a wide variety of other well-known brands. After more than 30 years in business, the Grace Company continues to honor its founding principles of creativity, innovation, and dedication to customers.

FAQ About Grace Vs Handi Quilters

Final Thoughts

Handi Quilter vs Grace: both brands are known for their high-quality products, safety features, and high performance. The Handi Quilter is a well-respected brand for its quilting machines and offers high-quality service to its users. It offers an after-sales service to make sure that every customer has all of their problems resolved as soon as possible. The upside of Handi Quilter includes the frames with their quilting machines, while the Grace Company offers a variety of high-quality frames at different prices as they don’t offer them free with their quilting machines.