RAYA

Welcome to the Nolting Family

The Raya is thoughtfully designed for quilters beginning their longarm journey, offering the quality, reliability, and smooth stitching Nolting is known for at an affordable price.  The Raya is your invitation to create with confidence and discover where your quilting journey can take you.

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Melissa, CEO Nolting, unveiling the NEW Raya longarm quilting machine from Nolting, featured in Nolting's 2026 Color of the Year - Coastal Blue

Welcome - Create - Grow

Nolting Flair longarm

Is Raya Right for You?

Welcome to Nolting Longarm - the original longarm company where Fred Nolting designed and built the first longarm quilting machine over 50 years ago.

Today, we still pride ourselves in our all American made longarm machines and frames. 

NOLTING LONGARM

Raya is ideal if:

You're purchasing your first longarm

You quilt primarily for yourself and family

You want a larger quilting space

You want a machine that's easy to learn

You want an affordable entry into longarm quilting

Take the "Which Longarm Is Right for Me?" Quiz

Tired of Wrestling Quilts Through a Domestic Machine?

Common Frustrations

Limited Workspace

Heavy Quilt Bulk

Inconsistent Stitching

 

Difficulty Quilting Large Projects

 

Limited Lighting

Back, Neck, and Arm Strain

Foot Pedal Operation

 

Home Sewing Machine

Cramped Work Space, Poor Lighting, Foot Pedal Control

What the Raya Provides

Bigger Workspace - Quilt Loaded on Frame

The Quilt is Stationary - The Machine Moves

Perfect Even Stitches with TruPrecision Stitch Regulation

Larger Throat Space to Quilt Larger Blocks and Projects

Better Visibility with Total Workspace LED Lighting

Easy To Guide Machine - Comfortable Handles

Touch Screen Selections - Simple Handle Button Operation

Raya

Larger 18" Throat, Full LED Lighting, Touchscreen Controls, Comfortable Handle Button Operation

WHY QUILTERS CHOOSE THE RAYA

Everything You Need.  Nothing You Don't.

Confidence

Perfect for your first longarm, built to inspire your confidence

Exceptional Value

Most affordable way to own a Nolting

Choice of Frames

Select the Steel Stretch or Commercial Frame that fits your goals and quilting future

Approachable

Easy to learn, easy to use, easy to love

Melissa (CEO Nolting) and David (Raya project engineer) with Pam H, the first to purchase a Raya, Open House unveiling July 25, 2026.

 

Congratulations Pam - Enjoy your quilting journey with your new Raya!

Choose the Frame That Fits Your Future

Steel Stretch Frame

Best For:

Hobby Quilters

Smaller Spaces

Lower Investment

Commercial Frame

Best For:

Future Growth

Dedicated Studios

Possible Business Use

Compare Nolting Frame Features

Raya Features

What you will experience with Raya:

Easy to thread and change the bobbin.

Intuitive touchscreen display with labeled buttons for selecting machine functions, stitch mode, stitch length, motor speed, needle up / down, and other functions. 

Excellent visibility and eye comfort with adjustable light intensity LED lighting over the entire work surface under the needle and arm of the machine.

Better space for quilting hand-guided, free motion, with rulers, or with automation. 

Easy to use handle buttons for machine operation, on and off, single stitch, needle up/down, and on-the-fly buttons to change the number of stitches per inch in regulated and cruise mode.

TruPrecision Lite stitch regulation provides even, smooth stitching.

Nolting Raya, with a slightly shorter throat, has the same lighting and touchscreen features as the Flair. 

THE VALUE OF A LONGARM

The Return Goes Beyond Dollars

MORE FINISHED QUILTS

Title

Turn your stack of quilt tops into finished quilts you'll be proud to display, gift, and enjoy. Instead of waiting for the "right time" to quilt them, you'll have the freedom to complete more projects and experience the satisfaction of bringing each quilt to life.

MORE CREATIVE FREEDOM

Title

Imagine quilting the designs you've always envisioned instead of limiting your creativity to what your machine can handle. With the space and control of a longarm, you can explore larger patterns, flowing motifs, and custom quilting with greater confidence.

MORE QUILTING ENJOYMENT

Title

Quilting should be relaxing, rewarding, and inspiring—not a struggle with bulky fabric and limited workspace. Spend less time wrestling a large quilt through a domestic machine and more time enjoying the creative process that made you fall in love with quilting in the first place.

Which Values Will Longarm Quilting Bring to You?

Create. Complete. Cherish.

The true value of a longarm isn't measured by what it costs—it's measured by the quilts you finish, the creativity you discover, and the joy you experience along the way. A Nolting longarm is an investment in years of quilting memories, beautiful finished quilts, and the freedom to enjoy the craft you love.

WHICH NOLTING IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

Both Raya and Flair are outstanding entry-level longarms built with the same Nolting commitment to quality and reliability.  The best choice depends on your quilting goals, experience, and how you see your quilting journey.

Title

Raya

Flair

Best for

First Longarm

First Premium Longarm

Ideal Buyer

New Longarm Owner

Growing Quilter

Investment

Most Affordable Nolting

Premium Entry Level

Machine Size

18" Throat Quilting Space

20" Throat Quilting Space

Stitch Regulation

TruPrecision Lite Stitch Regulation, Four Stitch Modes

TruPrecision - Four Stitch Modes

Handle Button Controls

Same  Easy To Use Buttons

Same Easy To Use Buttons

Lighting

Same Bright LED Lighting

Same Bright LED Lighting

Future Growth

Excellent Place to Start

More Room to Expand

Compare Nolting Models

Celebrating the Milestone!

Meet the First Nolting Raya Owner, July 2026

Every new machine has a first owner. Every quilting journey begins with a single stitch.

Key reasons Pam upgraded:

100%

The longer throat Raya at 18" offers a larger quilting space.

100%

The Raya has fully adjustable LED lighting under the machine arm and above the needle area.

100%

The Raya has comfortable handles with convenient handle buttons for on and off, needle up and down, and a full rotation stitch.  In addition, Raya has on-the-fly buttons for increasing and decreasing the stitches per inch. 

100%

The Raya has an easy to use touchscreen display to access all machine functions, including the four stitch modes - regulated, cruise, baste, and manual.

100%

Raya can be ordered with back handles for quilting paper pantographs at the back of the machine and includes a laser light port at the back of the machine.

100%

Thinking of adding automation?  Raya will work with Quiltmagine.

100%

Crafted with the same dependable components as all Nolting machines, Raya offers an affordable way to upgrade.

The First Raya Has Found Its Home.

Every longarm has a story. This one begins with the very first Raya owner, Pam H, sharing the excitement of bringing home a machine that's ready to inspire years of creativity, beautiful quilts, and unforgettable memories.

 

Pam, above right, a longtime quilter and longtime owner of a Nolting machine, is trading up from a 16" throat Hobby Quilter, a manual speed only machine without a single stitch button and without stitch regulation.  Pam is very excited to continue her longarm journey with the many functional and easy to use features in the Raya. 

Schedule a Demo
Title

"Purchasing your first longarm is more than buying a machine—it's the beginning of a new chapter in your quilting journey. At Nolting, we believe your first longarm should inspire confidence, encourage creativity, and be supported by a team that's committed to your success. From helping you choose the right machine and frame to providing resources and ongoing support, we're here to help you spend less time wondering and more time enjoying every quilt you create."

Melissa 

Melissa McAfee  /Nolting CEO

What Buyers Wish They Knew Before Purchasing

Buy For Your Future

One of the most common comments we hear from longarm owners is, "I wish I had thought more about where I wanted to be in a few years, not just where I was when I bought my machine." While the Raya is an outstanding first longarm, many quilters quickly discover they quilt more often than they expected, take on quilts for friends, or want a larger quilting space. Choosing options that support your future goals — such as a larger quilting space or frame — can save you the cost and inconvenience of upgrading later.

The Frame Matters

Your frame is every bit as important as the machine mounted on it. A quality frame provides the smooth movement, stability, and precision that make quilting enjoyable and help produce beautiful stitching. Whether you choose the Steel Stretch Frame for a home quilting studio or the Commercial Frame for maximum stability and everyday performance, selecting the right frame for your space and quilting goals is important.  Equally important might be the option to easily upgrade machines without needing to purchase a new frame.  Many experienced longarm owners say they underestimated just how much the frame contributes to ease of quilting.

Longarm Quilting Is Easier Than I Expected

Many new longarm owners are pleasantly surprised by how quickly they become comfortable quilting. The larger workspace, smooth machine movement, and intuitive controls eliminate many of the frustrations associated with quilting on a domestic sewing machine. Instead of wrestling a heavy quilt through a small opening, you're simply guiding the machine over a stationary quilt. Most quilters find that after just a few practice sessions, they're creating quilts they never imagined they could complete themselves.  Making the transition to longarm quilting is both rewarding and enjoyable.

Schedule a Demo at Nolting

Find a Dealer
Title

"Purchasing your first longarm is more than buying a machine—it's the beginning of a new chapter in your quilting journey. At Nolting, we believe your first longarm should inspire confidence, encourage creativity, and be supported by a team that's committed to your success. From helping you choose the right machine and frame to providing resources and ongoing support, we're here to help you spend less time wondering and more time enjoying every quilt you create."

Melissa

Melissa McAfee  /Nolting CEO

Which Machine Sounds Like You?

Raya

This is my first longarm

I want an affordable way to own a Nolting

I quilt mostly for myself

I want something simple, dependable, and easy to use

Flair

I already know quilting is my passion

I want more quilting space

I plan to quilt often

I may quilt for others someday

Explore Flair

Raya - Perfect for hobby quilters, first-time longarm owners, and anyone looking for exceptional value.

Flair - Perfect for quilters who want more workspace, enhanced stitch regulation, and a machine that can grow with their quilting ambitions.
Title

No matter which machine you choose, you're joining the Nolting family.  Every Nolting longarm is built with the came commitment to quality, reliability, and beautiful stitching.  The Raya and Flair simply offer two different starting points for the same rewarding quilting journey.

You're Supported Every Step of the Way

Whether you're purchasing your first longarm to finish your own quilts, explore your creativity, or dream of quilting for others someday, the Raya is the perfect place to begin. Thoughtfully designed to welcome you into the Nolting family, it delivers the quality, reliability, and confidence you need to enjoy every stitch.

 

From your first quilt to every milestone that follows, Nolting is here to support your success with helpful resources, training, and friendly guidance. Our goal is simple—to help you build confidence, grow your skills, and spend less time wondering and more time enjoying the art of quilting.

RESOURCES

Explore Before You Decide

Nolting Buyer's Guide

Find a Nolting Dealer

Which Longarm is Right for You?

Machine Model Comparison

Nolting Frame Comparison

Order Planning Form

Financing Information

Flair Owner Resources

Flair - Raya Owners Manual  (included with purchase)

Basics & Beyond with Nolting (included with bundle purchase)

Basic System Maintenance

Tech Resources

Education and Support Resources

All In One Quilter's Workbook

Educational Videos

Frequently asked questions

Is the Raya a good first longarm?

Absolutely. The Raya is an excellent first longarm because it gives new longarm quilters the confidence to succeed from day one. Designed to make longarm quilting attainable emotionally, mentally, physically, and financially, it delivers the smooth stitching, larger workspace, and reliable performance needed to finish beautiful quilts without feeling intimidated. More than just an entry-level machine, the Raya answers the questions every first-time buyer asks: Can I learn this? Will I enjoy it? Will it help me finish the quilts I've always wanted to make?—with a confident yes.

Can I add automation later?

Yes.  Automation can be added to the Raya now or in the future.

Which frame should I choose?

Choose the frame that best fits your quilting space, the size quilts you plan to quilt, and your long-term goals. 

If you primarily quilt for yourself with no plans to upgrade to a longer throat machine or won't be quilting king size quilts, the 10 foot Steel Stretch Frame is an option.  

If you know that you will upgrade to a longer throat machine or will be quilting king size quilts, the Commercial Frame is the best option.  With frames, think about planning for future growth.

Does the Raya need annual or regular service from Nolting?

No.  Like all of Nolting's machines, the Raya is easy for the owner to maintain and doesn't need annual service from a dealer or Nolting.  There are, however, machine parts that will wear with use and will eventually need to be replaced.  Contact a dealer or Nolting for help with these service needs.   

Can I choose my machine color?

Yes.  The standard color is Lavender Bliss.  For an additional cost, the machine can be ordered in several other colors including red, teal, purple, white, black, pink pearl, and possibly other colors. 

What is included with the purchase?

Commercial Frame Bundle includes the machine, 12' frame with leaders (other lengths may be ordered), 1 package needles, 5 bobbins, 1 spool of thread, Nolting bobbin winder, 4 side clamps, sewing machine oil.  Also included the Flair-Elara Owners Manual, Basics & Beyond with Nolting, basic 1-2 hour training, pantographs (if ordered with the optional back handles).

 

Steel Stretch Frame Bundle includes the machine, Steel Stretch Frame Kit with instructions, 1 package needles, 5 bobbins, 1 spool of thread, Nolting Economy bobbin winder, side clamps, sewing machine oil.  Also included is the Flair-Elara Owners Manual, Basics & Beyond with Nolting.  Additional purchase: leaders (order for 10 foot frame or custom length), EMT 1 1/4" ID conduit, decking material the length of frame).

How long does it take to learn?

The learning curve is different for every quilter.  It won't take long at all to learn how the machine operates.  Quilting skill comes with practice which can be gained in different ways.  Many quilters begin with paper pantographs which develop muscle memory that can be used for free motion quilting.  

What training will I receive?  

Nolting: Yes.  Every Flair buncle includes a personal onboarding session - either in person or virtually - so you're fully confident using its features from day one. Nolting also has a library of helpful resources and videos.

Classes and workshops are held at Nolting periodically during the year. 

 

Purchasing from a dealer - ask what training is included with the purchase and what group or private classes are available.

 

Advanced training: There are many qualified longarm teachers who teach at shows and online. These teachers may teach using another brand of machine, however the longarm techniques, such as using rulers or free motion, are the same regardless of the machine brand.  

How difficult is maintenance?

Maintenance is very simple:

Machine oiling: The machine needs oiling every 8 hours of actual quilting time.  A reminder pop-up will display when it is time to oil the red dots (oil wicks) on the top of the machine head.  Put one drop of oil on each of the red dots (oil wicks) every 8 hours of machine operation.

  

Hook assenbly (bobbin area): 1-2 drops of oil need to go into the hook assembly every other bobbin change.  

See Basics & Beyond with Nolting p.116 for the oiling specifics.

 

Keep the carriage and frame track clean wiping both the outside and inside.  Use a microfiber cloth with rubbing alcohol for thoroughl cleaning.

How much space do I need?

For a 12 foot Commercial frame, the system footprint is 5' deep by 12' long.  To comfortably work at any length longarm, plan at least two feet longer and add up to six feet to the frame depth.  For a 12' frame, space needed would be a minimum of 14' long by 11' deep is the machine is equipped with back handles and will be used at the back for quilting paper pantos.  If the frame has casters, or won't be used from the back however, the depth could be about 8' instead of 11' deep. 

 

For the 10 foot Steel Stretch frame, the footprint is 5' deep by 10' long.  If planning to quilt paper pantographs from the back of the frame, a space about 11 feet deep by 12 feet long would be required since casters are not an option for the SSF.  If only using the machine from the front, a space 8 feet deep by 12 feet long would be sufficient.

Find a Local Dealer

Schedule a Call with Nolting

Can I quilt a king-size quilt on the Raya?

A king quilt can be quilted on the 12 foot Commercial frame, however it is too wide to fit on the 10 foot Steel Stretch frame.

What are the machine specs?

Throat length - 18"

Harp (arm) height - 8"

Bobbin size - L-class bobbin

4.3" front touchscreen, back informational display with optional back handles

LED Dimmable needle and throat lighting

Handles have three buttons each.  Right handle: on, off, increase number of SPI, Left handle: full rotation single stitch, needle up/down, decrease number of SPI

Can I upgrade later?

If you purchase your machine with the Commercial Frame, it is easy to upgrade to a longer throat machine with a couple of minor changes to the frame.  

If you purchase your machine with the Steel Stretch Frame, you could upgrade to the Nolting Flair with the 20" throat, but not to a machine with a longer throat.  

If you plan on upgrading to a longer throat machine in the future, the better choice now is to purchase the Raya with the Commercial Frame.

What size frame do I need?

That depends on the size of the quilts you will be quilting.  The ten foot Steel Stretch frame will quilt up to queen size (about 93" wide), the twelve foot Commercial frame will quilt up to a standard king size (about 120" wide).

When selecting the frame length, subtract about 18" from the frame length to determine the useable frame length for quilting purposes.  Example: 12' frame is 144" long minus 18" equals 126" of space to load the quilt and stitch.  

What are the stitching modes?

Regulated - stitches even stitch lengths from 6 SPI (stitches per inch) to 22 SPI

Cruise - combines regulated stitching in the open areas with manual speed in and out of slower stitched areas like points.  Set a percent speed depending on type of operation, such as hand guided or automation.

Baste - stitch even stitch lengths from 1 to 5 SPI

Manual - the machine speed is set and the needle will go up and down at the same rate of speed. Set the speed percent of maximum speed for best operation, such as hand guided or automation. 

Find a Local Dealer

Schedule a Call with Nolting

Find a Dealer

Schedule a Call wih Nolting

Your First Longarm Should Be Exciting, 
Not Intimidating

Call Now!

Schedule a Demo at Nolting

Every quilting journey begins with a single stitch. The Raya makes it easier than ever to experience the quality, reliability, and precision of a Nolting longarm at an affordable price. Start creating beautiful quilts today with a machine designed to grow with your skills and welcome you into the Nolting family.

Download Order Planning Form

The Planning Form is not an order form, but is designed to help you make choices related to your purchase.

Nolting is ready to take your order.  

Call Today 319-378-0999

Raya welcomes you to Nolting and a lifetime of creativity, confidence, and beautiful quilts.

Financing Options

Nolting collaborates with these reliable financial institutions to make the purchasing process as smooth and hassle-free as possible. By working with these partners, Nolting ensures that you have access to a variety of financing solutions tailored to your needs, helping you get started on your quilting journey with confidence.

Synergy Financial Resources

Geneva Capital Financing

Synchrony Financing

If you are considering financing your purchase, reach out to your local dealer or contact Nolting directly for personalized assistance. The support team will guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have about financing your quilting system.

Schedule a Call to Talk About Financing or to Order

"Purchasing your first longarm is more than buying a machine—it's the beginning of a new chapter in your quilting journey. At Nolting, we believe your first longarm should inspire confidence, encourage creativity, and be supported by a team that's committed to your success. From helping you choose the right machine and frame to providing resources and ongoing support, we're here to help you spend less time wondering and more time enjoying every quilt you create."

Melissa

Melissa McAfee / Nolting CEO

Find a Dealer

Call to Schedule a Demo

What Buyers Wish They Knew Before Purchasing

Buy For Your Future

One of the most common comments we hear from longarm owners is, "I wish I had thought more about where I wanted to be in a few years, not just where I was when I bought my machine." While the Flair is an outstanding first longarm, many quilters quickly discover they quilt more often than they expected, take on quilts for friends, or even begin a quilting business. Choosing options that support your future goals — such as a larger frame — can save you the cost and inconvenience of upgrading later.

The Frame Matters

Your frame is every bit as important as the machine mounted on it. A quality frame provides the smooth movement, stability, and precision that make quilting enjoyable and help produce beautiful stitching. Whether you choose the Steel Stretch Frame for a home quilting studio or the Commercial Frame for maximum stability and everyday performance, selecting the right frame for your space and quilting goals is important.  Equally important might be the option to easily upgrade machines without needing to purchase a new frame.  Many experienced longarm owners say they underestimated just how much the frame contributes to ease of quilting.

Longarm Quilting Is Easier Than I Expected

Many new longarm owners are pleasantly surprised by how quickly they become comfortable quilting. The larger workspace, smooth machine movement, and intuitive controls eliminate many of the frustrations associated with quilting on a domestic sewing machine. Instead of wrestling a heavy quilt through a small opening, you're simply guiding the machine over a stationary quilt. Most quilters find that after just a few practice sessions, they're creating quilts they never imagined they could complete themselves.  Making the transition to longarm quilting is both rewarding and enjoyable.