I never measured the harp on my 37 year old Viking that is my main machine I use. I have quilted many quilts on this machine both using a walking foot and FMQ and all different sizes. I now have measured it because of this thread and it is 7.5" Still seems big enough to me to do whatever I want to do. I have to sometimes wrestle a large quilt through but not a big deal. Less wrestling with FMQ. Another thing that has made a difference is going from pinning my sandwich to glue basting. Much less weight and bulk. There are plenty of quilters out there who don't have the latest and greatest machines that are still happily making beautiful quilts. Relax and have some fun with the machine you have!