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So I having thinking of getting a new sewing machine for a while know that can do free motion quilting. But I have a budget of about 500 dollars, the brands I like are Bernina, Brothers, Janome. I would like to know what model is best and if there is anyway to buy something like within my budget?
I just got a new Bernina 530 as a back-up machine. When I was at the dealer, I didn't see any Berninas less than about $1,000. The Babylocks looked nice and not as expensive. The best thing to do, I think, is go to a dealer that has used machines. You can get nice machines for a lot less money.
Lori
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trying to stay grateful
You could also consider the Juki 2010 or the Brother 1500 (I know that there are letters with each of these machines but can't think of them ) anyway these 2 machines don't have any fancy stitches only straight stitch for FMQ. I believe the Juki is up to $1000 but they have different models that are less and the Brother is about $600. I love the Juki because it's a workhorse but I have used Brother machines for years without any problems.
Maria
Always be true to yourself!
i agree... i had a juki tl98q and it was a wonderful machine [i sold it with my quilt frame when i moved]Originally Posted by Ariannaquilts
Nancy in western NY
before you speak THINK
T – is it True? H – is it Helpful? I – is it Inspiring? N – is it Necessary? K – is it Kind?
Brother and Janome are made by the same company. Differences are in the materials used in the making and others I don't recall. Bernina, in my opinion, are the Mercedes of sewing machines. I own 3 Brother models. 1 mechanical, 1 digital and 1 higher end digital with embroidery. And I own 1 Bernina 153 Virtuoso. They are all great machines but once you sew on Bernina you will appreciate the difference among the machines. Get what you can afford and have fun with it. In the end, that's what matters.
Quilting Makes Me Happy...
Are you sure about that? I think you're confusing Janome & Babylock. Babylock and Brother are built in the same factory and have a lot of very similar machines. As far as I know, Janome isn't associated with either.
As long as you can drop the feed dogs, a machine can accomplish FMQ. That is all you really need from a machine. The machine you currently use may already have that ability. Get the instructions out and check. If you have lost the manual that came with the machine, you can find most of the free online by putting " your sewing machine name, model, and the word manual" you should find a source for free manuals.
If you always do, what you have always done, The results never change. Change is the wings you give yourself.
What kind of sewing machine do you have now?
June
I have a singer 5050C I have tried to free motion on it and the stitches are too long and look weird. I can't find any videos on how to free motion on it.
For that budget I would get a straight stitch Brother PQ1500S or similar juki model, the juki's are more than 500 though but I believe they have a few extra features. I think janome has a similar model, not sure of the Bernina's but I don't think you will find a decent harp size in your budget
Brother XL-3500i, SQ-9050, Dreamweaver XE6200D
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