A multi-needle quilting machine (10) and method in which provided bridges (21,22) are provided having selectively operable stitching element pairs (90). Either the material or the bridges or both may be moved relative to the frame. Control schemes are provided to quilt continuous patterns, discrete patterns, linked multiple patterns, 360 degree patterns, closely spaced patterns. A plurality of small presser feet (158) are provided, each for one or more needles (132), with a wide spacing for material passage between the needle and looper plates. Combinations of intermittent and continuous feed and feed transition are employed during tack sequence sewing and other direction reversals in sewing, as well as double needle guards and thread deflection.