Handi Quilter HQ Amara 20 vs Janome Quilt Maker 18
Technical comparison · Frame-mounted long-arm
Both are frame-mounted long-arm machines with the same bobbin class, and what decides the choice is a 7-inch colour touchscreen against a stitch regulator with four modes. Handi Quilter HQ Amara 20 also has a slightly longer arm; Janome Quilt Maker 18 has 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 € |
| Category specs | ||
| Throat length | 508 mm | 457.2 mm |
| Maximum speed | 2500 spm | 2200 spm |
| Stitch regulation | Included | Included |
| Stitch regulation location | On the machine | — |
| Stitch regulation modes | — | Cruise (constant speed), Precision (constant stitch), Manual, Basting |
| Stitches per inch (minimum) | 4 spi | 4 spi |
| Stitches per inch (maximum) | 24 spi | 22 spi |
| Bobbin class | Class M | Class M |
| Low bobbin sensor | — | Yes |
| Computerized system | Optional | — |
| Display | Colour touchscreen | LCD |
| Display size | 7 in | — |
| Needle stop position | — | Yes |
| Laser stylus | Included | Optional |
| Motor and drive | Servo motor | — |
The differences that matter
- Arm of 508 mm against 457.2 mm → on the Handi Quilter HQ Amara 20 a somewhat wider band can be quilted before the quilt is repositioned on the frame.
- 7-inch colour touchscreen against LCD display → on the Handi Quilter HQ Amara 20 settings are handled on a touch screen.
- Four regulation modes on the Janome Quilt Maker 18 → you choose constant speed or constant stitch to suit the job.
- Laser included against optional → on the Janome Quilt Maker 18 it is bought separately.
Which one to choose
Choose Handi Quilter HQ Amara 20 if…
you want a 7-inch colour touchscreen, the laser pointer included and a 508 mm arm. The trade-off is only a modest margin in speed and stitches per inch over the other machine.
Choose Janome Quilt Maker 18 if…
you want to choose between constant speed, constant stitch, manual and basting. The trade-off is a shorter arm, an LCD display instead of a touchscreen and a laser you add as an accessory.
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.