BERNINA Q 20 vs Handi Quilter HQ Capri
Technical comparison · Sit-down long-arm
Two sit-down long-arms for the same job: machine-quilting whole quilts. The choice comes down to stitch density: the HQ Capri goes down to very small stitches for tight fills, while the BERNINA Q 20 leaves more room for the quilt under the arm.
| Parameter | ||
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Use tier | F5 — Professional | F5 — Professional |
| Category specs | ||
| Table dimensions | — | 32in x 36in |
| Throat length | 508 mm | 457.2 mm |
| Throat height | 279.4 mm | 203.2 mm |
| Maximum speed | 2200 spm | 2200 spm |
| Stitch regulation | Included | Included |
| Stitch regulation location | On the machine | On the table |
| Stitch regulation modes | Manual, Basting | Manual |
| Stitches per inch (minimum) | 1 spi | 4 spi |
| Stitches per inch (maximum) | 4 spi | 22 spi |
| Bobbin class | Class M | — |
| Low bobbin sensor | Yes | Yes |
| Computerized system | Included | — |
| Display | Colour touchscreen | Colour touchscreen |
| Laser stylus | Optional | — |
The differences that matter
- Stitches per inch: up to 4 on the Q 20, up to 22 on the Capri → only the Capri does tight fills.
- Arm height (manufacturer's stated figures): 279.4 mm against 203.2 mm → a rolled quilt has more room under the Q 20's arm.
- Stitch regulator: in the machine, with manual and basting, on the Q 20; in the table, manual only, on the Capri → regulated basting is only possible on the Q 20.
Which one to choose
Choose BERNINA Q 20 if…
Pick the Q 20 if the typical job is a large quilt with broad designs: its 508 mm arm, against 457.2 mm on the Capri, lets you work a wider section before repositioning the quilt. The stitch regulator, which keeps stitch length even when your hands change speed, is built into the machine. The trade-off is giving up very dense fills: its stitch density stops well short of the Capri's.
Choose Handi Quilter HQ Capri if…
Pick the HQ Capri if you finish quilts with tight fills around the motifs. Its stitch regulator sits in the table and works in manual mode only. You accept a shorter, lower arm, so less room for a large rolled-up quilt, and no basting mode, which the Q 20 has.
Where to buy
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