APQS Millie vs Janome Quilt Maker 18
Technical comparison · Frame-mounted long-arm
Both are long-arm machines on a frame: the choice is between more working space and a stitch regulator with more modes. APQS Millie has the longer arm and the higher speed; Janome Quilt Maker 18 has four regulation modes and an LCD display. Dimensions and speeds are manufacturer-declared values.
| Parameter | ||
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Use tier | F5 — Professional | F4 — Semi-professional |
| Price | ||
| Price | ~11000–25000 € | ~5000–11000 € |
| Universal specs | ||
| Weight | 20.8 kg | — |
| Category specs | ||
| Throat length | 660.4 mm | 457.2 mm |
| Throat height | 266.7 mm | — |
| Maximum speed | 3500 spm | 2200 spm |
| Stitch regulation | Included | Included |
| Stitch regulation location | On the machine | — |
| Stitch regulation modes | Manual, Cruise (constant speed) | Cruise (constant speed), Precision (constant stitch), Manual, Basting |
| Stitches per inch (minimum) | — | 4 spi |
| Stitches per inch (maximum) | — | 22 spi |
| Bobbin class | Class L | Class M |
| Low bobbin sensor | Yes | Yes |
| Thread break sensor | Yes | — |
| Computerized system | Optional | — |
| Display | — | LCD |
| Needle stop position | Yes | Yes |
| Laser stylus | Included | Optional |
The differences that matter
- Arm of 660.4 mm against 457.2 mm → more fabric passes under the arm of the APQS Millie before the quilt has to be repositioned on the frame.
- 3500 against 2200 stitches per minute → for the same design, the APQS Millie covers more surface in the same time.
- Manual and Cruise regulator against Cruise, Precision, Manual and Basting → only the Janome Quilt Maker 18 works in constant-stitch mode.
- Laser included against optional → on the Janome Quilt Maker 18 it is bought separately.
Which one to choose
Choose APQS Millie if…
you work large quilts and want the laser pointer included. The trade-off is a regulator with two modes only, manual and constant speed: no constant stitch or basting.
Choose Janome Quilt Maker 18 if…
you want to choose between constant speed, constant stitch, manual and basting, setting them from the LCD display. The trade-off is a shorter arm and a lower top speed; the laser is an accessory you add separately.
Where to buy
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The purchase links are the same as on the two product pages and don't influence the verdict. The product pages have the complete data.