The Best Selling Sit-Down Longarm Machine on the Market Today.
The Handi Quilter Sweet Sixteen has proved to be a classic in the Handi Quilter range. It fits into even the smallest of quilters rooms. In 2021 Handi Quilter added the option of InSight stitch regulation to the Sweet Sixteen. This gives built in stitch regulation within table through two sensors. Previously stitch regulation was achieved through an add on dongle and received plugged into the machine called TruStitch. In a similar way it helped the user maintain a regular stitch through moving the dongle with the quilt.
The new version of stitch regulation with InSight is most definitely the most technologically advanced way to sit-down free motion quilt with built in stitch regulation. Handi Quilter's Sweet Sixteen is simply the best way for quilters to tackle projects with a sit-down machine. Quilters are able to create quilt designs with beautifully even stitches. It is very intuitive. Now you can just think about your creativity and not about your stitch length!
If you are a Textile Artist or a Free Motion Embroiderer you may prefer to work in manual mode. In that case the original standard table with the overlay without stitch regulation may be your preference. The foot lifts up to allow you to hoop your work. Alternative feet such as the Micro Foot allow you to work with excellent visibility of the needle. All of the Handi Quilter machines are excellent for being able to adjust and work with different threads. This is one of the aspects that we teach on the many courses and workshops that we offer. You can even use three threads through a single needle (with the addition of the optional Horizontal Spool Pin) and blend threads. It's exciting and fun to do!
Hand-winding unusual threads on the bobbin is also a possibility although it's not something we recommend for beginner. So, if you are into experimental thread play and design then Handi Quilter is definitely the place to come to.
You can find some of our customers such as Jacqui Parkinson who have work on display at Cathedrals throughout 2022 and 2023 who created her huge textile panels on her Handi Quilter Sweet Sixteen which she has had since 2012. Jacqui said "People need to know that you can do really large pieces on these sitdown machines". We couldn't have put it better ourselves and the proof is in the scale of the pieces she makes.
If you are looking for a compact stationary machine with a height-adjustable table the option of InSight Table with built in Stitch Regulation is a cost-effective stitch-regulated solution for many quilters. Or if you need a fully manual stationary manual machine with a 16" throat space you only need a foot print of 3 feet x 3 feet for the table and machine (1 square metre). It can fit into even the most compact of sewing rooms. You can revert to manual mode at any time if you have stitch regulation and you also have the option of doing basting stitches.
On the InSight table castors can be fitted instead of feet which makes it easy to move around your workroom. There is also the option of drawers on either or both sides on the InSight Table. They are very useful, the depth of the table and smooth in operation.
Furthermore fold-down tables can be fitted to either or both sides. They give an additional 18" of space at each side. Please note that if you have already purchased a Sweet Sixteen and are looking to upgrade to the InSight Table the table extensions are specific to the table. So if you decide to upgrade to the InSight Table from an older model of Sweet Sixteen to the newer InSight table you will need to get new side tables.
