Quilt Path vs. Intelliquilter for APQS Machines: Complete Comparison Guide

Two Powerful Systems, Different Approaches

If you own (or are planning to purchase) an APQS long arm quilting machine, you've likely encountered a significant decision: which computerized quilting system should you choose? The two main options are Quilt Path and Intelliquilter (IQ). Neither of these two computer systems will negate an APQS Lifetime Warranty which is why you typically only find one of these two mounted to an APQS machine. And, while both are excellent systems, they take fundamentally different approaches to computerized quilting.

The truth is, there is no objectively "better" system. Both can handle all-over quilting, edge-to-edge designs, and basic custom quilting with impressive results. However, depending on your quilting style, budget, technical comfort level, and the types of quilts you create most frequently, one system will likely align better with your specific needs.

Additionally, the model year of your APQS long arm quilting machine may influence your choice as only the Intelliquilter can be mounted to APQS machines made prior to 2013 and only the Intelliquilter can be mounted to a non-Bliss APQS quilting frame.

This comprehensive guide breaks down every significant difference between these two systems so you can make an informed decision. Whether you're a beginner quilter or an experienced long arm operator, you'll find the detailed information you need here.

How They Move: Belt-Driven vs. Friction Wheels

One of the most fundamental differences between these systems lies in how they physically control your APQS machine.

Quilt Path: Belt-Based Movement

Quilt Path uses a belt system to push and pull your APQS carriage. This design allows for variable speed control—the motor can slow down or speed up based on the pattern requirements.

When you want to switch from computerized quilting to manual (free motion) control, you have two options:

For light manual adjustments: Touch a button on the screen to temporarily release the belt tension for minor positioning adjustments, like basting down the sides of your quilt. You will still feel a bit of drag on the machine so you wouldn't want to do any freemotion quilting this way.

For full free motion control: You'll need to physically flip two clamps at the rear of the frame to completely release the belt system. Specifically, you'll flip the connectors on both the X belts (left/right) and Y belts (front/back), unplug the Ethernet cable, wrap it around the Quilt Path carriage pole, secure it with velcro strips and decouple the Quilt Path carriage from the APQS machine's carriage. This process takes a little time, but the advantage is that you've removed all the additional weight the computer system adds to your machine. Considering that the Quilt Path system can add around 20 pounds to the machine, being able to decouple it and park that weight at the end of the frame while you get your freemotion machine back is quite nice and a truly unique feature.

Intelliquilter: Friction Wheel System

Intelliquilter uses friction wheels that lower and raise to push or pull the machine. This is a smoother, more dynamic system with a major advantage: instant switching between modes with the touch of a single button.

To switch to free motion control, you simply touch a button on the IQ tablet at the front of your machine. The drive wheels lift immediately, allowing you to freely move your machine. Touch the button again when you're ready to return to computerized control. The entire transition happens in seconds—no uncoupling, unplugging, or physical adjustments required.

If you want to reduce the weight the IQ computer system adds (which is about 6 lbs), you can remove the tablet from its dock. However, the main advantage here is convenience: you can toggle between computerized and manual control on the fly throughout your quilting session. In fact, when I am doing custom quilting I toggle back and forth between computerized and manual mode frequently.

The Real-World Impact: If you frequently switch between automated patterns and manual quilting within a single project, Intelliquilter's instant switching saves considerable time and reduces the mental friction of the workflow.

Accuracy and Speed: Where Precision Matters

How quickly and accurately each system stitches is crucial, especially if you're quilting for clients or working on complex pantograph patterns.

Quilt Path: Speed Tradeoff

Quilt Path's runs the same software as Quilters Creative Touch Gold. You'll choose the speed your Quilt Path stitches out as either "Turtle" or "Rabbit". Most users find that they need to stick to the "Turtle" speed for smooth stitching lines that don't wobble or lost points due to the inaccuracy that speed brings with it in a Quilt Path system. YOU must slow down your machine speed and the Quilt Path's movements when quilting in computerized mode for consistent accuracy.

This is particularly important if you're doing very precise work like modeern pantograph rows that need to touch perfectly because any variance is immediately visible.

Intelliquilter: Speed Without Compromise

Intelliquilter can stitch out patterns about twice as fast as the Quilt Path while maintaining high accuracy.

The Real-World Impact: If you're a production quilter or pride yourself on quick turnaround times, Intelliquilter's ability to maintain speed without sacrificing accuracy is a significant advantage.  

Operating Systems: Security and Simplicity

The operating system running each system might seem like technical minutiae, but it has real-world implications for security and ease of use.

Quilt Path: Windows-Based System

Quilt Path runs on a Windows-based operating system, which means the tablet functions like a traditional Windows computer. You can theoretically access the internet through it, though this is explicitly not recommended.

Why? Because if you connect a Windows machine to the internet, you inherit all the standard Windows vulnerabilities. You'll need to be extremely vigilant about viruses and security threats. It is highly recommended that Quilt Path users keep their tablets in airplane mode to prevent Windows from automatically installing updates in the middle of a quilting session—a situation that could be very concerning if it happens while you're stitching out a cherished quilt.

The User Experience: While you have flexibility and can theoretically do other things on the tablet, this flexibility comes with responsibility. You're managing a computer operating system, which means potential security concerns and software management.

Intelliquilter: Linux-Based System

Intelliquilter runs on a Linux-based operating system, but here's the beautiful part: you'll never actually interact with it. You won't access the desktop, file tree, or any operating system functions. You'll only use the IQ software itself.

Don't worry if you've never used Linux—you genuinely won't know you're using it unless someone tells you. The operating system choice was made precisely because Linux is clean, secure, and extremely stable. There are no viruses to worry about, no random system updates interrupting your work, and no complex computer management required.

The User Experience: Simplicity and peace of mind. You turn on the tablet, the IQ software loads, and you quilt. That's it.

The Real-World Impact: For quilters who just want to quilt without thinking about computer maintenance, security updates, or virus concerns, Intelliquilter's locked-down Linux system is a significant quality-of-life advantage.

Software Updates: Bringing New Features to Your Machine

Both systems handle software updates in the same convenient way: through USB thumb drives. You download updates on your regular desktop or laptop computer, transfer them to a USB drive, and install them on your quilting system tablet.

Important: All software updates for both systems are included with your purchase. You won't pay subscription fees or per-update charges as new features roll out.

Manufacturers and Customer Support

Understanding who makes each system and where to get support matters when you're making a significant investment.

Intelliquilter: Made by Kasa Engineering

Intelliquilter is manufactured by Kasa Engineering, the same company that makes Edgeriders and Intellistitch. This means IQ benefits from years of development and a manufacturer deeply committed to quilting technology.

Community Support: There's an active Facebook group called "Friends Using IQ" with a robust community of APQS owners. Many members have experience with both systems and regularly discuss the pros and cons. You can search the group for "Quilt Path" and see honest comparisons from owners who've used both systems.

Quilt Path: Made by the Grace Company

Quilt Path is manufactured by the Grace Company, which also makes Quilter's Creative Touch and Quilt Motion. Like Intelliquilter, Quilt Path has a dedicated user community.

Community Support Limitation: While there is a Quilt Path Facebook group for owners, it's a private group accessible only to owners. This means you can't preview discussions or learn from other owners' experiences before purchasing.

Customer Support Quality: Both manufacturers offer stellar customer support. The difference lies primarily in community accessibility and the ability to learn from other quilters' experiences before making a purchase decision.

Training and Educational Resources

How you'll learn to use these systems varies significantly, which is important if you're new to computerized quilting.

Quilt Path Training Resources

• Official free training videos: Available online, but most were produced with Version 4 software from five years ago. These videos have not been updated to reflect current version features and interface changes. 

• No formal manual: Quilt Path doesn't provide a user manual, which means learning often comes from trial and error or community support. There is an ebook that comes with the Quilt Path.

• Community tutorials: Many owners have created tutorials and shared them in the Quilt Path owners group to support each other.

• Traveling instructors: Several people travel and teach Quilt Path classes in person, but this requires you to travel and pay to attend instruction.

• Online dealer classes: One dealer offers purchasable online Quilt Path classes, though options are limited.

Intelliquilter Training Resources

• Comprehensive video training: If you purchase from an authorized dealer offering training programs, you'll get access to extensive online instruction covering all system features. (For example, at Quilted Joy we offers 6+ hours of professionally produced video training that comes with the purchase of the IQ.)

• Detailed manual: IQ comes with a comprehensive user manual, a significant advantage if you prefer learning from documentation.

• Extensive free demo library: iqdemos.com hosts an extensive repository of free training videos covering everything from basic operation to advanced techniques.

• Centralized learning: Whether you learn from videos, the manual, or demo resources, you're getting current, supported educational materials.

The Real-World Impact: If you value comprehensive educational resources and want to feel confident you're learning current best practices, Intelliquilter's superior training ecosystem is a major advantage. You won't feel lost or frustrated by outdated tutorials.

Pricing: Understanding Your Investment

Pricing is often a deciding factor, but it's important to understand what you're getting at each price point.

Intelliquilter Pricing (includes shipping)

• BasiQ Panto Only: $10,000 (free shipping)

  • Pantograph-only capability

  • Best for quilters focused on production sewing and typically this level of IQ is bought by those adding a second IQ system to their studio.

• BasiQ+: $11,900 (free shipping)

  • Adds custom quilting beyond pantographs including No-Sew Zones, Borders, Blocks and Sashings

  • Good entry point for quilters wanting design flexibility

• ClassiQ: $14,500 (free shipping)

  • Includes advanced editing features: Path Pattern, Fan Pattern, Echo, Shape Shift, Magnet, and Contour

  • Best for quilters working with complex designs who desire higher end editing features.

Special Consideration for Bliss Machines: If your APQS has a Bliss frame (the smooth-moving premium frame), you'll need a $90 install kit. This kit allows IQ to run at very high speeds with high accuracy on Bliss's smooth motion. This is a one-time cost, and it's worth it for Bliss machines because it unlocks IQ's full performance potential. Keep in mind that Quilt Path is not compatible with non-Bliss frames but Intelliquilter is compatible.

Quilt Path Pricing

• Quilt Path: $12,500 + applicable taxes and shipping

Special Consideration for Bliss Machines: Quilt Path doesn't require any special installation kit for Bliss machines because the system doesn't move as fast as Intelliquilter, so standard Bliss performance is sufficient. We can offer discounts for those who purchase a Quilt Path at the same time as their APQS long arm machine purchase.

Installation: DIY vs. Professional

Both systems are designed for self-installation by the machine owner.

Intelliquilter: Self-installation is straightforward, especially on Bliss machines. If you prefer professional installation, pricing for the dealer travel fees varies by location, but the dealer can provide a quote based on your area. For self-installers, most setup confusion involves translating between engineering and quilting language—support calls typically resolve issues quickly.

Quilt Path: Also designed for easy self-installation. Professional installation is available for $750 or $950 when combined with the installation of the APQS long arm machine at the same time.

Cost Consideration: If you factor in DIY installation, both systems are very close in total cost. The decision typically comes down to features and workflow preferences rather than price alone.

Advanced Features: Where These Systems Diverge Most

This is where Quilt Path and Intelliquilter show their most significant differences. Some of these features might be deal-breakers or deal-makers depending on your quilting style.

No-Sew Zones: Intelligent Background Filling

Intelliquilter: IQ's no-sew zone feature is a game-changer for appliqué work. Here's how it works:

Imagine you're quilting a block with a Sunbonnet Sue appliqué. With IQ, you can trace around Sunbonnet Sue with your machine, and IQ remembers that traced shape as a "no-sew zone." IQ now understands that this area shouldn't be stitched and that the background behind Sue needs filling.

When you select a filler pattern (stippling, pebbles, McTavishing, or any other design), IQ treats it as rows of filler and intelligently manages the stitching sequence. You can influence the order in which IQ stitches these rows to minimize jump stitches. If any jump stitches remain, many times you can edit the pattern with a few clicks to eliminate them entirely.

Quilt Path: Quilt Path has a similar feature called "Eclipse," but it works differently. While Eclipse allows you to define protected areas, Quilt Path uses its own internal logic to determine how to stitch the background. This means:

• You can't influence the order of filler rows

• Quilt Path might stitch the upper left side of your appliqué first, then jump to the lower right, then to the bottom left—whatever its algorithm determines

• You can't easily eliminate jump stitches without diving into heavy pattern editing within the internal CAD program.

Real-World Scenario: If you frequently quilt appliqué-heavy quilts and want to minimize thread jumps and maintain the highest stitch quality, Intelliquilter's no-sew zone feature is significantly more user-friendly and gives you creative control that Quilt Path doesn't offer.

Motif Editing and Complex Pattern Fitting

Intelliquilter: IQ includes high-end editing features with sophisticated controls to help you fit patterns into irregular shapes. If you regularly work with hexagons, triangles, or complex pieced designs like Judy Niemeyer patterns, ClassiQ's advanced editing capabilities include specialized tools specifically designed for these challenges.

Features include Shape Shift, Magnet, and Contour capabilities that allow you to manipulate and adapt patterns precisely to fit unusual spaces.

Quilt Path: Quilt Path has basic controls for fitting patterns into irregular shapes, but it requires more finessing and manual adjustment to get non-standard spaces to accept a motif correctly.

Real-World Scenario: If you're a Judy Niemeyer enthusiast or frequently encounter irregular pieced designs, ClassiQ's editing capabilities will save you time and effort.

Obstruction Detection: Safety Features

Intelliquilter: IQ includes obstruction detection units on the motors. If your hopping foot gets caught on a popped seam or your batting flips over entrapping the needle, the entire system comes to an immediate halt. This prevents potential quilt damage and thread breakage, making IQ a safer choice for unattended quilting sessions.

Quilt Path: Quilt Path doesn't have this obstruction detection. While the system is running, you must stay in the room in case the hopping foot catches on something. You'll need to manually stop the machine quickly to prevent damage.

Real-World Scenario: If you're quilting expensive client quilts or want the peace of mind that comes with automatic safety features, Intelliquilter's obstruction detection is a valuable safety feature.

Automatic Echoes and Background Fillers

Intelliquilter: IQ allows you to trace around a shape (like Sunbonnet Sue or any appliqué) and then automatically create echoes of that shape or fill the background with a different pattern. This gives you incredible creative flexibility with minimal effort.

Quilt Path: This feature isn't available in the same way.

Moving Start and End Points

Intelliquilter: IQ allows you to move start and end points on the fly, which is perfect when you want to stitch multiple blocks in sequence with jump stitches between them (similar to how embroidery machines work between motifs). 

Additionally, IQ can stitch multiple block patterns at once with either jump stitches or backstitches between them—a feature that significantly speeds up production for block-based quilt designs.

Quilt Path: Quilt Path also has a multi-point placement feature and can adjust start/end points, but these adjustments happen inside the CAD program. You'll need to resave the pattern under a different filename for each variation you require. You'll also need to stitch each block individually rather than as a sequence.

Real-World Scenario: If you're a production quilter stitching multiple blocks or quilts with repeated designs, Intelliquilter's ability to stitch multiple blocks sequentially saves significant time.

Path Pattern: Following Piecing Curves

Intelliquilter: This is one of IQ's most powerful and unique features. You can record the movement of your machine as a custom path, then drop a pattern onto that path to follow the path's curves precisely.

Real-World Example: Imagine a Mariner's Compass block with pieced curves. With IQ, you can trace the circular seam with your machine, and IQ records that exact path. You can then place a pattern (like a feather or custom motif) onto that path, and IQ automatically bends and manipulates the pattern to follow the seam perfectly—even if the circle isn't perfectly round or if curves are irregular.

This is an incredibly powerful tool for custom quilting on pieced designs.

Quilt Path: Quilt Path doesn't have a Path Pattern feature, which means fitting patterns to curved piecing requires manual adjustment and workarounds.

Line Pattern or Point-to-Point Patterns

Intelliquilter: IQ's Line Pattern and Point-to-Point Pattern designs allow you to follow piecing precisely without turning your quilt. This is especially powerful for:

• Borders: You can quilt continuous border designs without turning the quilt

• Lone Star quilts: Follow the continuous curves with ease

• Creative flexibility: You can call up two different motifs and toggle between them on the fly, flip them, reverse them, and size each independently—all from a single control screen

Quilt Path: Quilt Path's multi-point placement feature works but requires adjusting settings across multiple screens rather than one unified control panel. You also can't toggle between two motifs on the fly. If you'd like continuous borders you'll need to turn your quilt which is challenging and can take a lot of time.

Real-World Scenario: If you frequently quilt borders or work on continuous-curve designs like Lone Stars, Intelliquilter's unified control screen and on-the-fly adjustments make the process significantly more intuitive.

Stylus Drawing (Quilt Path Only)

Quilt Path: Quilt Path has one feature Intelliquilter doesn't: you can use a stylus to draw directly on the tablet screen. If your drawing is a continuous path, Quilt Path can stitch it out. This is useful for custom, one-of-a-kind designs.

Intelliquilter: Instead of stylus drawing, you physically move the machine to draw or trace a design you want to record. IQ records the movement and can stitch it out. This requires more physical movement but achieves the same creative result.

Stitch Regulation: How Each System Maintains Consistent Stitch Length

Quilt Path: Because Quilt Path pushes and pulls the machine at variable speeds, the APQS stitch regulator must be on to regulate stitch length. Variable speed means the system is constantly adjusting, and the stitch regulator compensates for these variations.

Intelliquilter: IQ pushes and pulls at a continuous, steady rate of speed. Because the movement is consistent, there's no need to have the APQS stitch regulator on. In fact, keeping it off actually gives you more control and consistency.

Important clarification: Don't assume that having the stitch regulator off with IQ means lower stitch quality. Your stitch quality remains pristine. You can technically run IQ with the stitch regulator engaged, but it's completely unnecessary and adds an extra processing step.

BasiQ+ vs. ClassiQ Versions

If you're considering Intelliquilter, understanding the version differences is important:

• BasiQ Panto Only ($10,000): For quilters who primarily work with edge to edge or pantograph designs

• BasiQ+ ($11,900): Adds custom quilting capabilities beyond pantographs. You'll enjoy block motifs, border and sashing designs to bring your quilt to life.

• ClassiQ ($14,500): Includes premium editing features—Path Pattern, Fan Pattern, Echo, Shape Shift, Magnet, and Contour—that unlock advanced creative possibilities

The ClassiQ version's additional features are most valuable if you work with complex pieced designs, appliqué heavy quilts, or need sophisticated pattern-fitting capabilities. For pantograph and edge-to-edge quilting, BasiQ+ is more than sufficient.

Future-Proofing Your Purchase: Easy Intelliquilter Upgrades

One of Intelliquilter’s most unique advantages is how simple and affordable it is to upgrade between versions over time.

If you start with a lower level of IQ (for example, BasiQ or BasiQ+), you can upgrade later to a higher level (such as ClassiQ) by paying only the difference in price between the version you currently own and the version you want. The upgrade is purely a software update—there is no new hardware to install, no additional motors or components to purchase, and no need to swap out your existing system.

This makes Intelliquilter an ideal choice if you are wrestling with which level to start with. You can:

• Begin with the version that fits your current budget and comfort level.

• Learn and grow your skills at your own pace.

• Upgrade later, when you are ready, without “wasting” your initial investment.

In other words, there is no penalty for starting with a simpler version of IQ. Your system can grow with you, your skills, and your business, making Intelliquilter a very future-proof choice.

Quick Comparison Table

Real-World Decision Framework: Which System Is Right for You?

Choose Intelliquilter (IQ) If You...

• Work frequently with appliqué designs and want intelligent no-sew zone management

• Regularly quilt uniquely shaped areas or other complex pieced designs

• Need advanced pattern editing capabilities (ClassiQ version)

• Prefer instant switching between computerized and manual modes

• Value free comprehensive training resources and easy-to-follow instruction

• Want to maintain stitching speed without accuracy compromises

• Appreciate automatic safety features like obstruction detection

• Want to minimize thread jumps and have creative control over filling sequences

• Frequently stitch multiple blocks in sequence during a single session

Choose Quilt Path If You...

• Are primarily an all-over and edge-to-edge quilter with minimal custom work

• Prefer stylus drawing capabilities for occasional custom designs

• Need immediate availability (Quilt Path is in stock)

• Want to get started right away without waiting 4 weeks

• Don't mind the multi step physical uncoupling process for free motion switching

• Are comfortable with computer management (Windows updates, security)

• Don't require the advanced editing features that ClassiQ offers

The Dealer Perspective: Why Your Supplier Matters

Here's an important point many quilters overlook: who you order from influences who will support you.

If you're purchasing from a dealer who specializes in educating customers, training, and ongoing support, you'll have access to resources and guidance that make your ownership experience significantly better. A good dealer will:

• Provide comprehensive training (either in person or via video)

• Be available for troubleshooting and questions

• Help you choose the right system for your specific needs

• Offer honest comparisons without pushing one system over another

• Support your learning journey as you grow your skills

The difference between buying from a dealer who just sells systems and one who invests in customer education is night and day. You're not just purchasing equipment; you're gaining a partner in your quilting journey.

A note about commission-based dealers: Many specialized dealers work soley on commission rather than salary. This means their success depends entirely on your satisfaction and your willingness to recommend them to others. Quality dealers have a vested interest in making sure you have an excellent experience because your satisfaction directly impacts their livelihood. A deep dive into their Google Reviews will tell you a lot about how their customers experience them.

Waiting Times and Payment Terms

Intelliquilter: Currently has a 4 week wait time due to demand. Here's the great part: you don't pay anything until about 7 business days before it ships. This means you can place your order today without financial commitment, and you'll only pay when your system is about to be delivered.

Quilt Path: Available for immediate shipment.

If you need your system immediately, Quilt Path wins on availability. If you can wait and prefer to decide once your payment is imminent, IQ's payment terms offer flexibility.

Final Thoughts: Making Your Decision

Both Quilt Path and Intelliquilter are excellent systems manufactured by reputable companies with strong customer support. Neither is objectively "better"—they're different tools designed for different quilting styles.

The best system for you depends on:

1. How you quilt (all-over, edge-to-edge, custom, appliqué-heavy, complex piecing)

2. Your workflow preferences (speed of mode switching, intuitive controls, advanced editing)

3. Your budget (entry-level to premium features)

4. Your learning style (how much training and support you need)

5. Your timeline (immediate vs. waiting)

Take time to consider which features align with your quilting goals. If possible, see both systems in action. Talk to owners of each system. Join the "Friends Using IQ" Facebook group and search for honest conversations about both systems.

And remember: choosing a dealer who invests in your success makes the entire ownership experience better. You're not alone in this decision, and good support is worth its weight in gold.

Whether you choose Quilt Path or Intelliquilter, you're making a significant investment in your quilting future. Choose thoughtfully, and you'll have a system that brings you joy and productivity for years to come.

Take a video tour of the Intelliquilter computer system on an APQS long arm quilting machine here! 

About Training and Support

If you're considering Intelliquilter and want comprehensive training, look for dealers who offer detailed video instruction, written manuals, and ongoing support. This dealer education is included with your purchase when ordered from the right supplier and makes an enormous difference in your confidence and success with the system.

Both Quilt Path and Intelliquilter have active user communities ready to support you. Don't hesitate to reach out for help—that's what these communities are for.

Would you like to schedule a virtual test drive of either computer system with an expert? Or, would you prefer an in person test drive in our Louisville, Ky location? Or, would you like a zoom call with a Quilt Fairy experts? Click here to schedule!