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Bernina Q16 Sit-Down Longarm Quilting Machine vs Handi Quilter Amara ST Longarm Quilting Machine

The Bernina Q16 is the better pick for quilters who want a sit-down machine with Bernina's proven stitch regulator and a compact, height-adjustable table. The Handi Quilter Amara ST offers more throat space, a faster top speed and a larger touchscreen, and its 10-year casting warranty is among the longest in the category. Both are built for free-motion work; the Q16 leans toward smaller spaces and Bernina's stitch quality reputation, while the Amara ST leans toward larger projects and more on-screen control.

  • Choose the Bernina Q16 if you want a compact sit-down longarm with Bernina's stitch regulator and a foldable, height-adjustable table that fits a small studio.
  • Choose the Handi Quilter Amara ST if you need a 20-inch throat for king-size quilts, a faster machine and a large color touchscreen with a lift or InSight table included.

Prices

  • Bernina Q16 Sit-Down Longarm Quilting Machine: $6,999.00 at North Shore Quilting (last seen Nov 12)
  • Handi Quilter Amara ST Longarm Quilting Machine: $7,645.50 at Sew Suite Studio (last seen Nov 12)
  • Difference: the Bernina Q16 Sit-Down Longarm Quilting Machine is $646.50 cheaper than the Handi Quilter Amara ST Longarm Quilting Machine at the latest prices (Nov 12)
Bernina
Bernina Q16 Sit-Down Longarm Quilting Machine with Table

Bernina Q16 Sit-Down Longarm Quilting Machine

Bernina Q16 Sit-Down Longarm Quilting Machine with Table

$6,999.00at North Shore QuiltingChecked Nov 12
See all prices and details
Visit North Shore Quilting
Pros
  • Bernina Stitch Regulator delivers consistent stitch length
  • Digital thread tension adjustment is easy to repeat
  • Folding, height-adjustable table fits tight spaces
  • Independent bobbin winder and easy threading
  • Strong Bernina dealer and service network
Cons
  • 16-inch throat limits very large quilts
  • Smaller control interface than the Amara ST
  • Slower top speed for high-volume quilting
  • Fewer table configurations than Handi Quilter offers
Handi Quilter
Handi Quilter Amara ST 20″ Stationary Longarm Quilting Machine with Lift Table

Handi Quilter Amara ST Longarm Quilting Machine

Handi Quilter Amara ST 20″ Stationary Longarm Quilting Machine with Lift Table

$7,645.50at Sew Suite StudioChecked Nov 12
See all prices and details
Visit Sew Suite Studio
Pros
  • 20-inch throat handles king-size quilts with room to spare
  • 2,500 stitches per minute for fast progress
  • 7-inch color touchscreen with on-screen hand wheel
  • QuiltMaster LED lighting at throat, needlebar and bobbin
  • Long warranty: 10 years casting, 5 years electrical and mechanical
Cons
  • Not compatible with Pro-Stitcher
  • Stationary frame table takes more floor space
  • Heavier cast-iron build is harder to move
  • No Bernina-style stitch regulator branding; regulation is QuiltMaster

What separates them

Bernina Q16 Sit-Down Longarm Quilting MachineHandi Quilter Amara ST Longarm Quilting Machine
Throat space16 inches20 inches
Top speedNot published by Bernina; tuned for controlled sit-down quilting2,500 stitches per minute
Stitch regulationBuilt-in Bernina Stitch Regulator (BSR)QuiltMaster servo-controlled stitch regulation, 4 to 24 SPI
DisplaySmaller onboard controls; BSR settings on the machine7-inch color touchscreen with on-screen hand wheel
Table includedFoldable, height-adjustable tableChoice of Lift Table or InSight Table (38 x 38 in)
Tension systemDigital thread tension adjustmentEasy-Set Tension
WarrantyBernina standard machine warranty10 years casting, 5 years electrical, 5 years mechanical
Footprint and portabilityFolding table suits small rooms and storageStationary frame table, 70 lb machine, cast iron

Price history

  • Bernina Q16 Sit-Down Longarm Quilting Machine: lowest $6,999.00 on Nov 12 at North Shore Quilting.

Prices at every store

Bernina Q16 Sit-Down Longarm Quilting Machine

  • North Shore QuiltingNew

    In stock

    $6,999.00Checked Nov 12
    Visit North Shore Quilting
  • Quality Sewing & VacuumNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $7,949.00Checked Nov 12
    Visit Quality Sewing & Vacuum
  • Rocky Mountain Sewing & VacuumNew

    Availability unknown

    $7,499.00Checked Nov 11
    Visit Rocky Mountain Sewing & Vacuum
  • Meissner Sewing and VacuumNew

    Availability unknown

    $7,999.00Checked Nov 11
    Visit Meissner Sewing and Vacuum
All 12 stores and price history →

Handi Quilter Amara ST Longarm Quilting Machine

  • Sew Suite StudioNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $7,645.50Checked Nov 12
    Visit Sew Suite Studio
Prices and history →

Specs compared

SpecBernina Q16 Sit-Down Longarm Quilting MachineHandi Quilter Amara ST Longarm Quilting Machine
Throat size—20 inches
Stitches per inch—4 to 24
Speed—2,500 Stitches per minute
Display size—7 inch
Packaging weight—88 lbs
Packaging dimensions—41 × 16 × 29 in
Frame size—Lift Table or InSight Table (38" x 38")
Pro-Stitcher compatibility—Not Compatible
Lift table size—38″ x 38″
InSight table size—36′ x 38″
Top speed—2500 stitches per minute
Warranty—10 years casting, 5 years electrical, and 5 yea…
Show all 16 specsShow fewer specs
SpecBernina Q16 Sit-Down Longarm Quilting MachineHandi Quilter Amara ST Longarm Quilting Machine
Material—Cast Iron
Weight—70 lb
Power Source—Corded Electric
Dimensions—25 x 12 x 12 in

Questions and answers

Which is better for a small sewing room?
The Bernina Q16. Its folding, height-adjustable table lets you store it away, and the 16-inch throat takes less depth than the Amara ST's 38 x 38 inch frame table.
Which handles king-size quilts better?
The Handi Quilter Amara ST. Its 20-inch throat gives more room to roll and maneuver a large quilt, and the lift table raises the work surface as you go.
Which has the better stitch regulator?
Both are well regarded. Bernina's BSR is the benchmark many quilters know, while Handi Quilter's QuiltMaster servo regulation offers a 4 to 24 stitches-per-inch range on a touchscreen.
Which lasts longer?
The Amara ST publishes a 10-year casting, 5-year electrical and 5-year mechanical warranty, which is longer than Bernina's standard coverage. Bernina machines are known for durable builds and dealer service.
Is the Amara ST worth stepping up to?
If you quilt large projects often and want speed, a big touchscreen and a long warranty, yes. If space is tight or you prefer Bernina's stitch regulator, the Q16 is the more practical machine.
Can either run Pro-Stitcher?
The Amara ST is listed as not Pro-Stitcher compatible. The Q16 is a sit-down machine, so it is used for free-motion quilting rather than robotic frame work.

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