Dying to learn FMQ! Machine suggestions needed. :)

**lovequilts722** · 03-06-2012, 04:42 PM

So, I am really wanting to learn how to FMQ. My problem is that I have a bargain basement Singer machine. The Promise 1409. I don't have a very big budget but I know I'm gonna have to get a better machine for FMQ. I would love to hear your suggestions for a decent machine priced at/around $500 for learning to FMQ. Is this even possible? Embroidery would be nice, but is certainly not a necessity. I'm open to different brands and am not opposed to used if it was a good deal on an excellent machine. I went to Hancock the other day just to look at their selection of machines, and they had a Bernette 92C for $300. I am having a hard time finding anything about it though. Anyway, please feel free to give your thoughts and suggestions!

Oh, and thank goodness for tax refunds! LOL

Thanks

Candace

**barri1** · 03-06-2012, 05:08 PM

I don't think you need to spend a lot.. Why not buy a vintage machine.. I have a Singer 66, and Singer 99.. I love both.. The singer 66 has a big harp, and the 99 is nice for piecing..
Barri

**Jingle** · 03-06-2012, 05:53 PM

Check out the Brother PQ-1500S at All Brands, it was 600.00 a couple of weeks ago w/free shipping. it has an extension table,thread cutter, drops feed dogs - four settings, thread cutter, about 9" harp/throat. It is straight stitch only, goes high speed for FMQ, has FMQ,1/4" , a couple of others and walking feet. Can't beat it, others have said Juki makes it and also Baby Lock machines. Best price of any of the above machines. It has to be oiled, has very good manual for it's care. Good luck.

**jlm5419** · 03-06-2012, 06:17 PM

I have done some FMQ on my Singer 66. Like Barri1, I recommend a vintage machine because of the larger harp area. I've also heard that vertical bobbins are supposed to be better for FMQ than horizontal bobbins, and this was borne out by my own experience, practicing FMQ on a 201 (horizontal) and 66 (vertical). The 66 did better.

All you really need is a reliable machine with plenty of harp area, and which has the option to drop the feed dogs (my 66 did not, so I removed them for FMQ).

**cizzors** · 03-06-2012, 06:38 PM

Originally Posted by Jingle

Check out the Brother PQ-1500S at All Brands, it was 600.00 a couple of weeks ago w/free shipping. it has an extension table,thread cutter, drops feed dogs - four settings, thread cutter, about 9" harp/throat. It is straight stitch only, goes high speed for FMQ, has FMQ,1/4" , a couple of others and walking feet. Can't beat it, others have said Juki makes it and also Baby Lock machines. Best price of any of the above machines. It has to be oiled, has very good manual for it's care. Good luck.

Me and my sister have, for the most part, bought nothing but Brothers (he, that sentence is kinda funny). I've been practicing FMQ on and off but it was frustrating. Just before my sister had her back surgery, her Brother PQ 1500S showed up and I've been breaking it in! Wow. Big difference on just the first try. Has nothing to do with the large harp (although it helps). Maybe it's the gazillion stitches it can do in a minute with the speed it has. Great machine for $600.

**fixfido** · 03-06-2012, 06:43 PM

I'm a huge fan of vintage machines for FMQ. I wouldn't trade my Singer 201 or 15-91 for anything. They do fantastic FMQ!! So does the vintage Kenmore I bought at the thrift store for $5 last week. Just please don't feel that you have to spend a ton of money on a machine to do excellent FMQ work....you definitely do NOT.

**Candace** · 03-06-2012, 06:52 PM

Originally Posted by fixfido

I'm a huge fan of vintage machines for FMQ. I wouldn't trade my Singer 201 or 15-91 for anything. They do fantastic FMQ!! So does the vintage Kenmore I bought at the thrift store for $5 last week. Just please don't feel that you have to spend a ton of money on a machine to do excellent FMQ work....you definitely do NOT.

Exactly. You can get a Singer 301 for $100 or so and it will do exactly what you need.

**Dolphyngyrl** · 03-06-2012, 07:29 PM

Brother PQ1500S is a straight stitch machine that many use here for FMQ and love. It runs around 500. Haven't seen a bad review of it yet, people say its a little work horse. The juki and babylock models are more expensive

**SoSewSue** · 03-06-2012, 10:44 PM

I too am learning how to FMQ and I am currently working through Don Linn's book 'free-motion Machine Quilting'. According to Mr. Linn, the one absolute must for a sewing machine is a foot pedal that can smoothly control the speed of the machine from slow to fast. Apparently some machines launch from slow to flat out in a lurch - so you might just want to test this.

**lovequilts722** · 03-06-2012, 11:04 PM

Thanks ladies! I will definitely take these suggestions into consideration.

Candace

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