Go Back  Quiltingboard Forums > Main
I need advice on new sewing machine >

I need advice on new sewing machine

I need advice on new sewing machine

Thread Tools
 
Old 10-01-2011, 01:35 PM
  #1  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
Kate01's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Southeastern PA.
Posts: 190
Default

Hi, I am looking to buy a new sewing machine that does straight sewing, free motion quilting, and decorative stitches. I now have an older Vicking, that is OK for the straight sewing and a Brother that is always breaking down. I am hoping to find an nice reliable workhorse to the straight sewing, free motion quilting and decorative stitches (as many as possible). I am not looking for embroidery.
My problem is I can not afford an expensive machine, so I am asking for all your adivice on what to look for. Please tell me what I should look for.

Thanks, in advance,
Kate01
Kate01 is offline  
Old 10-01-2011, 01:41 PM
  #2  
Super Member
 
LyndaOH's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: northwest Ohio
Posts: 1,202
Default

Are you willing to buy a used machine? I purchased a used Janome 6500 for $500 and it was fantastic. I then upgraded to a Janome 6600 and went for a used machine again for $300 more. If you have a number of dealers around you, you may want to stop in and see what they've got in a used machine with a warranty. It can be a great way to get a quality machine that you wouldn't otherwise be able to afford.

Hope this helps!
LyndaOH is offline  
Old 10-01-2011, 01:43 PM
  #3  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Posts: 375
Default

Janome 6600. Lots of people love these, and I think they're pretty reasonable right now from what I've read on this board. I have the Elna 7300 Pro Quilting Queen, which is very similar, and I love her! She has over 100 decorative stitches, plus Accufeed, which is a wonderful feature. Plus all the quilter must-haves: needle up/down, thread cutter, etc, etc.
King's Daughter is offline  
Old 10-01-2011, 01:51 PM
  #4  
Power Poster
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Northern Michigan
Posts: 12,861
Default

if your viking is ok for straight stitching -why is it not ok for your free motion quilting? really that is all you need to free motion quilt is a machine that has a nice-even straight stitch-
no machine will just do it for you- you have to practice- and learn how=
many (big-name, famous) quilters use a regular domestic sewing machine to do all of their quilting.
ckcowl is offline  
Old 10-01-2011, 01:51 PM
  #5  
Super Member
 
Sunnie's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Morgantown, PA area
Posts: 1,247
Default

I was able to pick up a used Janome 6500 on Craigslist for $250. and I love it. Seems so much sturdier than my
BabyLock Quest Plus.
Sunnie is offline  
Old 10-01-2011, 02:40 PM
  #6  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: IL
Posts: 2,671
Default

What's your budget? I'm a Bernina convert, but I know many find them too expensive. Janome seems to have a lot of features for the price, and a reputation for quality. That said, my Baby Lock Quest Plus is a quilter's dream: perfect straight feed, easy to acheive perfect 1/4", hundreds of gorgeous stitches, large extension table included, comes with 15 feet and the straight stitch plate, thread stand with antenna for two cones. It's been replaced by the Serenade, so the most recent price I've seen is $999, but you could haggle :).
Maia B is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Love2Craft
Main
12
11-26-2016 07:01 AM
atun
Introduce Yourself
26
03-29-2014 11:06 AM
Whitney60
Main
11
08-28-2013 03:16 PM
Stitch124
Main
2
05-02-2013 10:43 AM
Homespun
Pictures
79
08-23-2011 11:18 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off



FREE Quilting Newsletter