A top-tier machine designed for quilting provides options past commonplace stitching machines, akin to a bigger throat house for maneuvering quilts, specialised presser ft for exact stitching, and an prolonged feed canine system for even cloth motion. An instance could be a machine geared up with a strolling foot, free-motion quilting capabilities, and adjustable sew size and width particularly for creating intricate quilt designs.
Choosing the proper gear dramatically impacts the standard, effectivity, and total enjoyment of quiltmaking. Exact stitching, constant pressure, and the flexibility to deal with a number of layers of material and batting are important for creating sturdy and visually interesting quilts. Traditionally, quilters relied readily available stitching, a labor-intensive course of. The arrival of specialised stitching machines revolutionized the craft, enabling quilters to supply intricate designs and full initiatives extra shortly.
This dialogue will additional discover the important thing options to contemplate when choosing a machine for quilting, together with sew choices, motor energy, and automation options, together with insights into completely different machine sorts and fashionable manufacturers.
1. Sew High quality
Sew high quality stands as a cornerstone of any profitable quilting endeavor, immediately impacting the ultimate product’s sturdiness and aesthetic attraction. A machine designated “finest” for quilting should ship persistently exact, uniform stitches, no matter cloth thickness or quilting method. Inconsistent sew size, skipped stitches, or frequent thread breakage signify a machine’s incapacity to deal with the calls for of quilting, resulting in weakened seams and a much less polished look. For example, a quilt with poorly shaped stitches may unravel over time or exhibit puckering, compromising its structural integrity and visible attraction. Conversely, even, tight stitching ensures the quilt layers stay securely certain, contributing to longevity and an expert end. This correlation between sew high quality and a machine’s suitability for quilting underscores the significance of inspecting this attribute when choosing gear.
Evaluating sew high quality entails assessing a number of elements. Constant sew size, correct pressure, and the flexibility to stitch by a number of layers with out skipped stitches or thread breakage are important concerns. A machine’s skill to supply numerous sew sorts, akin to straight stitches, zigzag stitches, and ornamental stitches, additionally contributes to its versatility for various quilting types and strategies. Moreover, a machine that may preserve sew high quality at numerous speeds supplies larger management and precision all through the quilting course of. Sensible utility of this understanding entails testing machines on completely different cloth mixtures and batting thicknesses earlier than buy, inspecting the sew formation intently for any inconsistencies.
In abstract, prioritizing sew high quality is paramount when choosing a quilting machine. A machines skill to supply persistently exact and uniform stitches immediately impacts the ultimate initiatives sturdiness, look, and total high quality. Understanding the importance of sew high quality empowers quilters to make knowledgeable selections, in the end contributing to a extra satisfying and profitable quilting expertise. This consideration to element separates a merely satisfactory machine from one really deserving of the “finest” designation within the context of quilting.
2. Throat House
Throat house, the gap between the needle and the machine’s physique, is a important issue when choosing a machine optimized for quilting. Enough throat house immediately impacts maneuverability and ease of dealing with bigger initiatives. A cramped throat house hinders the quilter’s skill to govern cumbersome quilts, resulting in frustration and doubtlessly compromising sew high quality. This part explores the multifaceted relationship between throat house and a machine’s suitability for quilting.
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Maneuverability and Management
Ample throat house facilitates easy motion of the quilt beneath the needle. That is particularly essential when engaged on massive quilts or intricate designs requiring exact stitching. Restricted motion as a consequence of restricted throat house may end up in uneven stitching, puckering, and problem navigating complicated patterns. For instance, free-motion quilting, a method involving freehand manipulation of the material, calls for important throat house for optimum management and precision. A machine with restricted throat house could make this system difficult, if not not possible.
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Venture Dimension and Complexity
The dimensions and complexity of the quilting mission immediately correlate with the required throat house. Small initiatives, akin to desk runners or placemats, could not necessitate in depth throat house. Nonetheless, bigger initiatives like mattress quilts or elaborate wall hangings require ample room for maneuvering a number of layers of material and batting. Inadequate throat house can result in cloth bunching, uneven pressure, and problem reaching constant sew high quality in bigger initiatives.
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Ergonomics and Consumer Expertise
Enough throat house contributes considerably to the general ergonomics and person expertise. A machine with ample house permits for a extra snug and pure stitching posture, decreasing pressure on the quilter’s wrists, arms, and again. That is notably vital for prolonged quilting periods. Conversely, restricted throat house can result in awkward positioning and elevated bodily pressure, negatively impacting the quilting expertise.
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Lengthy-Time period Funding Worth
Contemplating future quilting aspirations is essential when evaluating throat house. A quilter who anticipates engaged on bigger or extra complicated initiatives sooner or later will profit from investing in a machine with beneficiant throat house from the outset. This forward-thinking method avoids the necessity to improve gear later, in the end representing a cheaper long-term funding. Whereas a machine with restricted throat house may suffice for preliminary initiatives, it could change into a limiting issue as expertise and mission ambitions evolve.
In conclusion, throat house is an important issue to contemplate when choosing a quilting machine. Enough throat house interprets to improved maneuverability, enhanced management, larger mission versatility, and a extra snug person expertise. Prioritizing this function ensures the machine can accommodate present and future quilting aspirations, solidifying its place as a beneficial long-term funding. A machine with beneficiant throat house in the end contributes to a extra environment friendly, fulfilling, and profitable quilting expertise, aligning with the qualities anticipated of a “finest” quilting machine.
3. Presser Ft Choices
Specialised presser ft are important parts that distinguish a high-quality quilting machine from a typical stitching machine. The supply and number of presser ft immediately affect the machine’s versatility and skill to execute numerous quilting strategies. A machine designated as “finest” for quilting ought to provide a complete collection of presser ft to accommodate various quilting types and obtain skilled outcomes.
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Strolling Foot
A strolling foot, often known as a good feed foot, is indispensable for quilting. It options feed canine on the foot itself, synchronizing the motion of the highest and backside cloth layers. This prevents shifting and slippage, a standard situation when quilting a number of layers of material and batting. The strolling foot ensures even cloth feed, leading to constant sew high quality and stopping puckering or distortion, notably essential for matching seams and complex patterns.
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Free-Movement Quilting Foot
A free-motion quilting foot, typically a darning or hopping foot, permits for freehand stitching. It floats above the material, enabling the quilter to maneuver the material freely in any route, creating intricate designs and textures. This foot is crucial for stippling, meandering, and different free-motion quilting strategies, providing enhanced management and precision for creative expression.
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1/4″ Quilting Foot
Exact seam allowances are essential in quilting for correct piecing and sample matching. A 1/4″ quilting foot is designed particularly for reaching constant 1/4″ seam allowances, a typical measurement in lots of quilting patterns. This specialised foot ensures accuracy and simplifies the piecing course of, contributing to a professionally completed quilt.
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Different Specialised Ft
Past these core presser ft, different specialised choices additional improve a quilting machine’s versatility. Examples embody appliqu ft for exact appliqu work, stitch-in-the-ditch ft for stitching alongside seam strains, and ruler ft for guided quilting with rulers and templates. The supply of those specialised ft permits quilters to discover numerous strategies and develop their artistic potentialities.
The vary and high quality of presser ft considerably influence a quilting machine’s total efficiency and suitability for various quilting initiatives. A machine geared up with a complete collection of specialised presser ft empowers quilters to realize skilled outcomes throughout numerous quilting types, solidifying its place as a beneficial and versatile instrument. This versatility and precision contribute considerably to a machine incomes the excellence of “finest” for quilting.
4. Feed System
A superior feed system is paramount in distinguishing a high-quality quilting machine. The feed system, answerable for shifting cloth easily beneath the needle, immediately influences sew consistency and precision, particularly essential when working with a number of layers inherent in quilting. An inferior feed system can result in uneven feeding, cloth slippage, and inconsistent sew size, compromising the ultimate mission’s high quality and structural integrity. A sturdy feed system, nonetheless, ensures constant cloth motion, facilitating exact stitching and stopping widespread quilting challenges.
Take into account a quilter working with a number of layers of material and batting. A regular drop-in feed system may battle to grip and transfer the cumbersome layers evenly, doubtlessly inflicting the highest layers to shift whereas the underside layers stay stationary. This ends in puckering, mismatched seams, and an total unprofessional end. In distinction, a high-quality quilting machine typically incorporates a extra superior feed system, akin to a seven-point feed canine system or an built-in strolling foot, designed particularly to grip and feed a number of layers evenly. This uniform feeding mechanism prevents slippage and ensures exact alignment, in the end contributing to a superior completed product. For example, matching intricate patchwork patterns or reaching constant sew size when free-motion quilting turns into considerably simpler and extra exact with a sturdy feed system.
In abstract, the feed system performs a vital function in a quilting machine’s skill to deal with the calls for of quilting initiatives. A sturdy and dependable feed mechanism ensures constant cloth motion, prevents slippage, and promotes uniform stitching, all important for reaching professional-quality outcomes. Due to this fact, evaluating the feed system is a important step in choosing a machine optimized for quilting. A machine with a superior feed system contributes considerably to the precision, ease of use, and total high quality of the completed quilt, aligning with the traits anticipated of a “finest” quilting machine. This understanding empowers quilters to make knowledgeable selections based mostly on the technical deserves of the machine’s feed system, in the end resulting in a extra satisfying and profitable quilting expertise.
5. Motor Energy
Motor energy considerably influences a quilting machine’s efficiency and its suitability for dealing with the calls for of quilting initiatives. A strong motor supplies the mandatory torque to sew easily by a number of layers of material and batting, a defining attribute of quilting. Machines missing adequate motor energy could battle with thicker supplies or intricate quilting patterns, leading to skipped stitches, thread breakage, and uneven sew high quality. A sturdy motor, conversely, ensures constant efficiency and facilitates precision even with difficult materials and complicated designs. For instance, a machine with a high-torque motor can effortlessly sew by dense layers of denim and batting when making a quilted jacket, whereas a machine with a weaker motor may stall or produce uneven stitches. This distinction underscores the direct correlation between motor energy and the machine’s capability to deal with heavy-duty quilting duties.
The sensible implications of motor energy prolong past merely stitching by thick supplies. A strong motor contributes to constant sew velocity and reduces the probability of the machine stalling or struggling throughout free-motion quilting, the place the needle strikes quickly and the material is manipulated freely. Moreover, a sturdy motor enhances the machine’s sturdiness and longevity, as it’s much less more likely to be strained or broken by demanding initiatives. This makes motor energy a vital issue to contemplate when assessing a machine’s long-term worth and suitability for intensive quilting use. For example, a quilter specializing in intricate, closely quilted designs will profit considerably from a machine with a robust motor, guaranteeing constant efficiency and minimizing the chance of mechanical points. Conversely, a quilter primarily engaged on smaller initiatives with lighter materials may discover a machine with a much less highly effective motor adequate.
In abstract, motor energy stands as a important think about figuring out a quilting machine’s total efficiency and suitability for numerous quilting duties. A strong motor facilitates easy stitching by thick supplies, ensures constant sew velocity, and enhances the machine’s sturdiness. Understanding the function of motor energy empowers quilters to pick out a machine that aligns with their particular wants and mission necessities. This information contributes to a extra environment friendly, fulfilling, and in the end profitable quilting expertise, distinguishing a very “finest” quilting machine from one which falls in need of the calls for of the craft.
6. Velocity Management
Precision velocity management is a defining attribute of a superior quilting machine. The flexibility to control stitching velocity exactly immediately impacts sew high quality and management, particularly essential for intricate quilting patterns and free-motion strategies. A machine missing fine-grained velocity management can result in uneven stitching, skipped stitches, or problem sustaining constant pressure, notably when working with various cloth thicknesses or intricate designs. Conversely, exact velocity management empowers the quilter to take care of optimum stitching velocity for various quilting duties, leading to constant sew high quality and enhanced management over the quilting course of. For instance, a quilter engaged on an in depth free-motion quilting design requires exact velocity management to navigate curves and complex patterns easily. With out fine-grained management, the machine may sew too shortly, leading to uneven stitches or lack of management over the design. Conversely, exact velocity management permits the quilter to decelerate the stitching velocity in difficult areas, guaranteeing accuracy and sustaining constant sew high quality all through the design.
The sensible significance of exact velocity management extends past intricate quilting. It facilitates smoother transitions between completely different quilting strategies and cloth sorts. For example, transitioning from piecing patchwork blocks to quilting the assembled quilt prime requires adjusting the stitching velocity to accommodate the elevated thickness and complexity of the layered cloth. A machine with exact velocity management permits for seamless changes, sustaining optimum sew high quality all through the mission. Moreover, exact velocity management contributes to a extra snug and managed quilting expertise. It permits quilters to adapt the stitching velocity to their particular person talent degree and luxury, decreasing fatigue and enhancing precision, notably throughout prolonged quilting periods. This degree of management is especially beneficial for newcomers nonetheless growing their quilting expertise and skilled quilters tackling complicated initiatives.
In conclusion, exact velocity management is an important function that distinguishes a high-quality quilting machine. It immediately impacts sew high quality, management, and the general quilting expertise. A machine geared up with fine-grained velocity management empowers quilters to realize skilled outcomes throughout numerous quilting strategies and mission complexities. This precision and management contribute considerably to the qualities that outline a “finest” quilting machine, enabling quilters to execute intricate designs, handle various cloth thicknesses, and preserve constant sew high quality all through the quilting course of. This understanding underscores the significance of prioritizing velocity management as a key issue when choosing a machine optimized for quilting.
7. Automation Options
Automation options symbolize a big issue distinguishing high-end quilting machines from commonplace fashions. These options, designed to streamline numerous stitching duties, immediately influence effectivity, precision, and total person expertise. Automated options, akin to computerized needle threading, computerized thread reducing, and programmable sew sequences, reduce time spent on repetitive duties, permitting quilters to deal with the artistic facets of their initiatives. For instance, computerized needle threading eliminates the often-fumbling strategy of manually threading the needle, saving time and decreasing eye pressure, notably useful for quilters with imaginative and prescient challenges. Equally, computerized thread reducing eliminates the necessity for handbook trimming, enhancing effectivity and stopping unfastened thread ends that may intervene with the quilting course of. These seemingly small automation options contribute considerably to a smoother and extra environment friendly workflow.
The sensible implications of automation options prolong past easy comfort. Programmable sew sequences enable quilters to save lots of and repeat complicated sew patterns, guaranteeing consistency and precision throughout a number of initiatives. This function proves invaluable for intricate quilting designs or when replicating particular patterns throughout a number of quilt blocks. Moreover, automated options typically contribute to improved sew high quality. For instance, computerized pressure adjustment programs dynamically alter thread pressure based mostly on the material thickness, stopping uneven stitching or thread breakage. This degree of automation enhances precision and reduces the necessity for handbook changes, notably useful for quilters working with various cloth sorts and thicknesses. Take into account a quilter engaged on a posh appliqu design. Automated options, akin to computerized thread reducing and programmable sew sequences, can considerably streamline the method, permitting for exact and environment friendly appliqu placement and stitching.
In abstract, automation options play a vital function in defining a “finest” quilting stitching machine. These options improve effectivity, precision, and total person expertise by streamlining repetitive duties and enhancing sew high quality. Whereas the preliminary funding in a machine with superior automation may be greater, the long-term advantages when it comes to time saved, improved accuracy, and lowered frustration typically justify the associated fee. Understanding the influence of automation options empowers quilters to make knowledgeable selections, choosing a machine that aligns with their particular wants and priorities. This in the end contributes to a extra fulfilling, environment friendly, and profitable quilting expertise.
8. Sturdiness
Sturdiness stands as a important issue when evaluating quilting machines, notably these aspiring to the “finest” designation. A quilting machine represents a big funding, and its longevity immediately impacts its worth proposition. A sturdy machine withstands the pains of standard use, together with stitching by a number of cloth layers, frequent needle adjustments, and prolonged operation, with out succumbing to mechanical points or untimely put on. This dialogue will discover the multifaceted facets of sturdiness within the context of quilting machines.
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Building High quality
The supplies and development strategies employed in manufacturing a quilting machine immediately affect its sturdiness. Machines constructed with strong steel parts, versus plastic elements, have a tendency to resist put on and tear extra successfully. Strengthened inner mechanisms and precision engineering contribute to long-term reliability and resistance to mechanical failure. For instance, a machine with a full steel body supplies larger stability and sturdiness in comparison with a machine with a predominantly plastic chassis. This strong development interprets to an extended lifespan and lowered probability of requiring repairs.
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Upkeep Necessities
A sturdy machine typically displays decrease upkeep necessities, contributing to its long-term worth. Machines designed with simply accessible parts for cleansing and lubrication simplify routine upkeep, minimizing downtime and increasing the machine’s operational life. For example, a machine with a readily accessible bobbin case and feed canine system simplifies cleansing and upkeep, decreasing the chance of lint buildup and mechanical points. This ease of upkeep contributes to the machine’s total sturdiness and long-term efficiency.
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Guarantee and Assist
A complete guarantee and available technical help mirror the producer’s confidence within the machine’s sturdiness. An extended guarantee interval supplies peace of thoughts and safety in opposition to potential manufacturing defects or untimely failures. Accessible technical help ensures that help is available ought to any points come up, minimizing downtime and facilitating well timed repairs. A powerful guarantee and strong help community contribute to the machine’s perceived worth and long-term usability.
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Consumer Suggestions and Critiques
Inspecting person suggestions and critiques provides beneficial insights right into a machine’s real-world sturdiness. Critiques from skilled quilters typically spotlight potential sturdiness points or verify the machine’s long-term reliability. Listening to person experiences supplies sensible insights that stretch past producer specs, providing a extra nuanced understanding of the machine’s sturdiness in apply. Constant constructive suggestions relating to a machine’s skill to resist heavy use reinforces its popularity for sturdiness and reliability.
In conclusion, sturdiness performs a vital function in defining a “finest” quilting stitching machine. A sturdy machine provides a dependable long-term funding, minimizing downtime and maximizing productiveness. By contemplating elements akin to development high quality, upkeep necessities, guarantee and help, and person suggestions, quilters could make knowledgeable selections and choose a machine constructed to resist the calls for of standard quilting use. This deal with sturdiness ensures the machine stays a beneficial instrument for years to return, contributing to a extra satisfying and productive quilting expertise.
Regularly Requested Questions
This part addresses widespread inquiries relating to the choice and use of high-quality quilting machines.
Query 1: What differentiates a quilting machine from an everyday stitching machine?
Quilting machines usually provide options like a bigger throat house, specialised presser ft (e.g., strolling foot), an prolonged feed canine system, and a extra highly effective motor to accommodate the thickness and dimension of quilts. These options facilitate exact stitching and simpler maneuverability of bigger initiatives.
Query 2: Is a excessive price ticket all the time indicative of a superior quilting machine?
Not essentially. Whereas higher-priced machines typically provide superior options and strong development, some mid-range machines present glorious worth for quilters. Specializing in important options and particular person wants typically yields an appropriate machine with out requiring the very best value level.
Query 3: How vital is sew regulation for quilting?
Sew regulation ensures constant sew size, no matter quilting velocity or cloth thickness. This consistency is essential for reaching professional-looking outcomes, notably in free-motion quilting the place sew size can fluctuate with hand motion velocity.
Query 4: What upkeep is required for a quilting machine?
Common cleansing, together with eradicating lint buildup and lubricating key parts, is crucial for sustaining optimum efficiency. Consulting the machine’s handbook for particular upkeep directions ensures correct care and prolongs the machine’s lifespan.
Query 5: What are the important thing concerns when selecting a machine for free-motion quilting?
Important options for free-motion quilting embody a beneficiant throat house for maneuvering the quilt, a devoted free-motion quilting foot, adjustable sew size and width, and a strong motor for easy operation.
Query 6: Can a computerized machine provide benefits for quilting?
Computerized machines provide options like programmable sew patterns, computerized needle threading, and exact sew management, enhancing precision and effectivity, notably for complicated quilting designs. Nonetheless, these options come at a better value level.
Cautious consideration of particular person wants and mission necessities, alongside an understanding of key machine options, empowers knowledgeable buying selections. Prioritizing important functionalities over superfluous options ensures an appropriate machine for one’s particular quilting fashion and price range.
The following part explores fashionable manufacturers and fashions of quilting machines, offering additional steering within the choice course of.
Important Suggestions for Selecting a Quilting Stitching Machine
Choosing a machine optimized for quilting requires cautious consideration of assorted elements. The following tips present sensible steering for navigating the choice course of and making an knowledgeable determination.
Tip 1: Prioritize Throat House: Ample throat house, the gap between the needle and the machine’s physique, is essential for maneuvering bigger quilts. A minimal of 8 inches is really helpful, with bigger areas providing larger flexibility for intricate designs and bigger initiatives. This enables for simpler manipulation of cumbersome cloth layers and reduces pressure throughout prolonged quilting periods.
Tip 2: Consider Sew High quality: Constant, even stitching is paramount. Study sew samples on numerous cloth sorts and thicknesses. Search for constant sew size, correct pressure, and the absence of skipped stitches or thread breakage, guaranteeing mission sturdiness and an expert end.
Tip 3: Assess Motor Energy: A sturdy motor handles the calls for of quilting by a number of layers. Take into account the forms of initiatives anticipated. Heavier quilting or thicker materials necessitate a extra highly effective motor for constant efficiency and easy operation.
Tip 4: Discover Presser Foot Choices: Specialised presser ft improve versatility. A strolling foot is crucial for even feeding of a number of layers. Different specialised ft, akin to a free-motion quilting foot or a 1/4″ quilting foot, develop artistic potentialities and contribute to specific outcomes. Make sure the machine accommodates a wide range of presser ft to swimsuit completely different quilting strategies.
Tip 5: Take into account Feed System Capabilities: A sturdy feed system ensures constant cloth motion. Search for options like an prolonged feed canine system or an built-in strolling foot to forestall slippage and preserve correct seam allowances, particularly when working with a number of cloth layers.
Tip 6: Examine Velocity Management: Exact velocity management enhances precision, notably for free-motion quilting and complex designs. Variable velocity management permits for changes based mostly on cloth thickness and quilting method, contributing to constant sew high quality.
Tip 7: Assess Automation Options: Automated options like computerized needle threading, computerized thread reducing, and programmable sew patterns improve effectivity and precision. Consider the worth of those options in relation to particular person wants and price range concerns.
Tip 8: Analysis Sturdiness and Assist: A sturdy machine provides a long-term funding. Study development high quality, guarantee phrases, and person critiques to evaluate long-term reliability and the supply of technical help, guaranteeing continued efficiency and minimizing potential downtime.
By rigorously contemplating these elements, quilters can choose a machine optimized for his or her particular wants and quilting aspirations. Prioritizing important options ensures a satisfying and productive quilting expertise.
The next part concludes this complete exploration of quilting machine choice.
Conclusion
Choosing a top-tier quilting machine requires cautious consideration of a number of key options. Prioritizing a sturdy motor ensures easy operation by a number of cloth layers. Ample throat house permits for simpler maneuvering of bigger quilts. A wide range of presser ft, akin to a strolling foot, facilitates completely different quilting strategies. A dependable feed system, exact velocity management, and automatic options like needle threading improve precision and effectivity. Sew high quality and machine sturdiness assure long-term efficiency. Investing in a machine possessing these qualities contributes to a extra satisfying and productive quilting expertise. Options like sew regulation, superior feed programs, and specialised presser ft contribute considerably to precision and management. Automation options, whereas doubtlessly growing the preliminary funding, provide long-term advantages when it comes to effectivity and comfort.
In the end, the “finest” machine relies on particular person wants and quilting aspirations. Cautious consideration of those elements empowers quilters to pick out a machine that aligns with their particular necessities and price range, fostering a satisfying and productive artistic journey. A well-chosen machine turns into a trusted accomplice in bringing quilting visions to life, enabling quilters to create stunning and enduring heirlooms.
