When I first started quilting with automation, I was blown away but the sheer number of edge to edge digital pantograph available. I spent hours scouring sites looking for the cutest, coolest and most unique pantographs.
There was a big problem with my hours spent searching for edge to edge quilting designs. I wasn’t getting paid to search for designs. The time I spent searching could have been used for quilting and making money.
I don’t want you to make my mistake. To help you out I have created a list of the 10 best pantographs for beginning longarm quilters.
Each of these designs has 3 key features that make them great for beginners.
1. These pantograph designs are all versatile! You will find yourself using these over and over on customer quilts. This will save you from buying pantographs that won’t get used. I have used each of these designs on multiple quilts in many different styles. Customers love these pantographs too!
2. These pantograph designs are easy to line up. You won’t waste time trying to line up the rows. Each of these edge to edge designs nest easily. You’re customers will be impressed with the perfect execution of quilting when you use these pantographs.
3. These designs are all easy to scale. They look great scaled both small and large. Properly scaling a design can make or break quilting. Remember that the larger you scale a quilt, the faster it will quilt out. Scaling a pantograph smaller however, can look more custom and leave a quilt with great texture and crinkle!
Scallop Wave
It’s easy to love pantographs with no overstitching, no offsetting and no need to line up rows. Scallop Wave checks all of those boxes. I have had quilters request this pantograph for Halloween quilts (because it looks like headstones), Christmas quilts, patriotic quilts, and baby quilts. It has a vintage ric rac vibe to me. The undulating scallops create amazing texture that can look both modern and traditional. This edge to edge design was created by me and can be found in my shop by clicking the link above.
Soho
I have used this pantograph multiple times just this month. IT pairs well with most styles of quilts. A little spiral is the perfect longarm quilting motif in my opinion. You can scale this large and loose for a softer quilt or smaller for irresistible texture. I purchased this design from Urban Elementz. Grab this pantograph right now. You will love it!
Skating
Skating is a design that I am super proud of. It’s simple but unique and adds a joyful vibe to quilts. I have used this on butterfly quilts, and wintery quilts and geometric quilts. I personally love when this edge to edge design is scaled 3″ or smaller. Click the button above for a link to purchase!
Zigger Zagger
You are going to love the fact that Zigger Zagger is actually a FREE pantograph! When you tap on the button above it will prompt you to sign up for my email list. After you sign up, you will receive this pantograph for FREE! I love this design for T-shirt quilts, but it works on anything that needs a little geometric flare!
Knit 1 Purl 2
Loops are a delightful quilting motif and Knit 1 Purl is the perfect loopy edge to edge. The echoing of the loops is what makes the texture terrific! This pantograph looks great at almost any scale which makes it really easy to use. It’s a little on the feminine side, but not flowery. Quilts with Knit 1 Purl 2 always turn out darling! Customers will love it when you suggest this design for their quilts! Click the link above to purchase this design from OESD.
Marmalade
Choose marmalade for the client that wants a more detailed and custom look. This pantograph will take a little longer to quilt out that the others on this list but you won’t regret the end result. Marmalade is easy to line up and easy to scale. I love the combination of the spiral and feather shape. This design is sold at Urban Elementz and was designed by one of my quilt idols, Leisha from Quilting-It.
Diagonal Plaid
It’s hard for customers to turn down a classic design like Diagonal Plaid. This is another great design for T-shirt quilts. I also choose it when I want a masculine feel. Don’t hesitate to quilt this on traditional quilts too! Beware of using this pantograph on a quilt with squares set on the bias. The same shape used for piecing and quilting can often look confusing. Click the button above to purchase from Urban Elementz.
Gingersnap
Gingersnap is another great loopy design. It has a little bit of a floral touch. The whimsical loops add great movement. This edge to edge design comes in several versions including a heart, star and flower variation! I purchased these designs at Urban Elementz. Click the button above to add to your library.
Modern Twist
I had my eye on this Modern Twist design even before my quilt had a computer attached. I love the precision of these nesting loops. This pantograph has a modern feel. I would avoid using this design with quilts with a striped layout. This is another great pantograph available at Urban Elementz.
Belly Bop
Rounded square shapes are like a baby’s chubby face: completely irresistible. I love the slightly organic feel of these shapes. These rounded shapes are great for softening up geometric quilts. You can scale this pantograph large for a fast finish or scale it small for an adorable texture.
