828 Combo Pantograph: Three 7-Inch Designs in One Roll for Borders and All-Over Quilting
Some pantograph rolls earn their place in the studio by doing more than one job. The 828 Combo Pantograph by Linda V. Taylor is one of those versatile tools. This beautiful continuous-line paper pattern measures 121 inches long, and each pattern on the roll is 7 inches wide. Instead of a single design, three different patterns come on each roll — giving you choices for an all-over finish, a border treatment, or a smaller project, all from the same purchase.
What the Design Is
A paper pantograph is a printed, continuous-line pattern made for quilting from the back of the frame. You lay the paper flat on the pantograph table, follow the printed line with a laser light or a stylus, and the needle reproduces that same path on the quilt. Because the line is continuous, you can stitch a complete pass in one smooth run, then advance the quilt and repeat.
The 828 Combo belongs to Linda V. Taylor's 800 series, patterns exclusively designed for mid-arm, short-arm and domestic machines. Not every quilter works on a full-size longarm frame, and this series was made with smaller setups in mind. The 800 series patterns are also wonderful for borders — a useful clue to how the 7-inch width is meant to work.
What Quilts It Suits
With three different 7-inch patterns on one roll, the 828 Combo suits quilters who want options without buying three separate rolls. Use one design as an edge-to-edge finish, try another along a border, and keep the third for table runners, lap quilts, and other smaller pieces where a narrower row fits the scale.
It is a practical choice for everyday quilts you want finished well and efficiently. On a mid-arm, short-arm, or domestic setup, a 7-inch row is a manageable pass: wide enough for steady progress, but not so wide that alignment and advancing become awkward. For borders, that width can sit comfortably within a typical border depth, supporting the piecing rather than overwhelming it.
Row-Height Choice: Working at 7 Inches
Unlike pantographs that offer several printed sizes, the 828 Combo keeps the decision simple: each pattern is 7 inches wide. Row spacing stays predictable, so divide your quilt length by 7 inches before you start to estimate the rows needed and plan the first and last rows.
At 7 inches, the quilting density is moderate — close enough to hold the layers evenly and give an even texture, while still moving at a good pace. If you are quilting a border, measure its width first and centre the design within it, leaving balanced space on either side rather than crowding one edge.
How to Use It on a Longarm
Unroll the paper for the design you have chosen and secure it smoothly and flat on your pantograph table, under the pattern shield, so it cannot shift mid-pass. Check your thread tension on a practice area, align your laser or stylus with the printed line, and stitch the first row at a relaxed, even pace. Keep your hands light, look slightly ahead of the laser point, and follow the line rather than chasing it.
When you finish a pass, advance the quilt by one row height — 7 inches — and align the next placement carefully so the rows sit evenly with no gaps or crowding. Need the pattern to be longer than 121 inches? Find where the pattern repeats, mark that point on your pattern shield, and shift the pattern down to make it meet up. This allows you to extend the size of the pattern to accommodate those larger quilts.
Tips for a Clean Finish
Choose one of the three patterns and stay with it for a single quilt or border so the quilting reads as one intentional design. Keep your speed steady so stitch length stays even, and step back after the first row to check spacing and thread choice before committing to the full top. Store the roll loosely, away from creases, so the paper lies flat next time.
Shop the 828 Combo Pantograph by Linda V. Taylor at Linda's Electric Quilters.
