APQS
APQS (American Professional Quilting Systems) handcrafts longarm quilting machines in Carroll, Iowa, selling six machine models plus the Quilt Path computerized system through authorized dealers and direct e-commerce to hobbyist quilters and professional longarm quilting businesses across the US, Canada, the EU, UK, and Australia.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1982
- HeadquartersCarroll, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What APQS does
APQS (American Professional Quilting Systems), founded in 1982 and headquartered in Carroll, Iowa, manufactures longarm quilting machines for individual hobbyists and professional longarm quilting businesses. The company handcrafts its machines in a single Iowa factory using aircraft-grade aluminum paired with proprietary electronics, and offers six models (Millie, Millie30, Freddie, Lucey, Lenni, Ellie) spanning premium, mid-tier, entry-level, and compact-form-factor tiers. Its core technology differentiators include the Quilt Path computerized quilting system with a touch-pad interface for designing and automating quilting patterns, an industry-leading stitch regulator, and a needle speed above 3,500 stitches per minute, all backed by an industry-leading lifetime warranty on parts and labor.
APQS distributes through authorized dealers across the United States, Canada, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and Australia, supplemented by direct sales via apqs.com, an e-commerce parts and notions storefront at shop.apqs.com, a factory showroom, and traveling road shows offering on-site demonstrations. Revenue streams consist of hardware sales (machines and Quilt Path/Comfort Table add-ons), parts and accessories, and education/training services. The company is privately held and has been a portfolio company of LFM Capital since January 2023, when LFM invested as the fourth holding of its third fund to support operational improvements and future growth.
APQS firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- APQS
- Legal name
- APQS International Inc.
- Website
- https://apqs.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1982
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- APQS (American Professional Quilting Systems) handcrafts longarm quilting machines in Carroll, Iowa, selling six machine models plus the Quilt Path computerized system through authorized dealers and direct e-commerce to hobbyist quilters and professional longarm quilting businesses across the US, Canada, the EU, UK, and Australia.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Where APQS is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Carroll
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices3 records
Markets served
APQS business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Longarm Quilting Machines: Sale of longarm quilting machines including Millie, Millie30, Freddie, Lucey, Lenni, and Ellie models with various features and price points to serve different customer needs
- Parts and Accessories: Online store selling parts, notions, and accessories for quilting machines through shop.apqs.com
- Professional Services and Training: Education services including beginner classes, online training videos, and business resources for quilters
- Computerized Quilting Systems: Sale of computerized quilting systems including Quilt Path automation technology
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Custom quote-based pricing for all machine models |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels8 records
APQS product offering
Product offeringCore offering
APQS designs, manufactures, and distributes longarm quilting machines built from aircraft aluminum with state-of-the-art electronics, offering six machine models (Millie, Millie30, Freddie, Lucey, Lenni, Ellie) plus the Quilt Path computerized quilting system and Comfort Table accessory. The company also sells parts, notions, and accessories through shop.apqs.com and provides training and education to quilters.
Product overview
APQS (American Professional Quilting Systems) is a manufacturer of longarm quilting machines offering a portfolio of six distinct machine models (Millie, Millie30, Freddie, Lucey, Lenni, and Ellie) complemented by the Quilt Path computerized quilting system and Comfort Table accessory. The machines range from top-of-the-line professional models (Millie series) to entry-level options (Freddie), with the Ellie designed for compact spaces. The Quilt Path add-on provides computerized/automated quilting capabilities across compatible machines. The company also offers financing, a retailer network, education resources, and classes.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Millie30 longarm quilting machine Top-of-the-line longarm quilting machine offering all the features of the standard Millie with four extra inches of throat space, suited to professional quilters handling larger projects.
- Millie longarm quilting machine Top-of-the-line longarm quilting machine featuring maneuverability, handling, and reliability in balanced form for serious home and professional quilters.
- Freddie longarm quilting machine Longarm quilting machine with simple, easy-to-use controls and lightweight handling, designed for a lifetime of quilting and aimed at entry-level and hobbyist users.
- Lucey longarm quilting machine Longarm quilting machine emphasizing graceful handling and quilting feel, marketed as feeling handcrafted specifically for the user.
- Lenni longarm quilting machine Longarm quilting machine that is graceful in handling, feel, and quilting quality, positioned in the mid-tier of APQS's product lineup.
- Ellie longarm quilting machine Longarm quilting machine designed for use with the Halo Table, delivering quality in a small footprint with adjustable handles, targeted at quilters with limited space.
- Quilt Path computerized quilting system Computerized quilting system with a touch-pad interface that lets users design, lay out, and automate quilting patterns on compatible APQS longarm machines.
- Comfort Table Ergonomic table accessory designed to enhance user comfort during longarm quilting operations on compatible APQS machines.
Quantifiable outcome
- Over 3500 stitches per minute needle speed - fastest in the industry
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use APQS
Customer profileNamed customers7 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
APQS technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration10 records
Feature6 records
APQS partnerships and signals
Strategic signalScale indicators3 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights5 records
APQS competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- JUKI: JUKI is an established industrial and household sewing-machinery company with quilting-focused machines and automation capabilities. It is a broader incumbent whose technology, customer segments, and dealer-supported distribution overlap with APQS.
- BERNINA: BERNINA offers a broad sewing and embroidery portfolio that includes longarm quilting machines. It is an established adjacent competitor with wider product coverage and dealer distribution.
- Baby Lock: Baby Lock provides a broad portfolio of sewing, quilting, embroidery, and related machines and accessories. Its quilting machinery and dealer ecosystem make it a broader incumbent comparable to APQS.
Direct peers
- Handi Quilter: Handi Quilter manufactures longarm quilting machines, computerized quilting systems, frames, and accessories for hobbyists and professional quilters. Its product portfolio directly overlaps APQS's core machines and automation offering.
- ABM International: ABM International manufactures longarm quilting machines, frames, and related equipment. Its machinery-led product mix directly serves many of the same professional and hobbyist quilters as APQS.
- Nolting: Nolting manufactures longarm quilting machines and associated frames for professional and home quilters. The company is a focused machinery peer with a similar use case and customer base.
- Gammill: Gammill produces longarm quilting machines and computerized systems for home and professional quilting use. It directly competes with APQS in longarm hardware, stitch regulation, and automated pattern execution.
- Grace Company: Grace Company offers Qnique longarm quilting machines, frames, and accessories alongside other quilting products. It directly overlaps APQS in machines and complementary quilting equipment.
- Innova Longarm: Innova Longarm sells longarm quilting machines, automation systems, frames, and accessories. Its focus on high-end professional quilting machinery is closely comparable to APQS's premium Millie models.
- Tin Lizzie: Tin Lizzie is a longarm quilting machine brand sold by High Country Collections with related frames and accessories. It competes directly with APQS in longarm hardware for both professional and personal use.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
APQS social profiles
Digital presenceAPQS compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
APQS financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
APQS leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
APQS funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
APQS M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about APQS
What does APQS do?
APQS designs, manufactures, and distributes longarm quilting machines built from aircraft aluminum with state-of-the-art electronics, offering six machine models (Millie, Millie30, Freddie, Lucey, Lenni, Ellie) plus the Quilt Path computerized quilting system and Comfort Table accessory. The company also sells parts, notions, and accessories through shop.apqs.com and provides training and education to quilters.
Is APQS a public or private company?
APQS is a private company. It is classified as private equity controlled and is currently operating.
When was APQS founded?
APQS was founded in 1982. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is APQS based?
APQS is headquartered in Carroll, United States, in the North America region.
How does APQS make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Longarm Quilting Machines are the primary driver. The others are parts and Accessories, professional Services and Training and computerized Quilting Systems.
Who are APQS's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are JUKI, BERNINA and Baby Lock. Direct peers are Handi Quilter, ABM International, Nolting, Gammill, Grace Company, Innova Longarm and Tin Lizzie.
Does APQS have an API?
No public API is recorded for APQS.