I have been looking into a quilting machine. I would really like to quilt my own quilts and learn that end of the quilting. Does anyone have advice for me? What kind of machine should I be looking at? Where to get the info on how to quilt with a machine? I'd also like to know who still hand quilts? Getting advice on that end too. I have 5 quilt tops done and ready to quilt. Any and all advice is welcome and needed. Thanks everyone I'm really enjoying this quilting board you are all wonderful.

Do you mean quilting with a regular sewing machine or a longarm?
I did learn that the big hoop embroidery machines can be used to quilt the blocks in a layered quilt. I dont have an embroidery machine but sure think I will save up for one.
I have a regular machine with a 10 inch throat and it does make a big difference when shoving the quilt thru. Also my machine sits flush with the cabinet and that also helps alot.

I was wondering about sewing machines and longarms. I have an viking from 1988 I have loved it but looking to upgrade.

You need to decide some things first. What is your budget and how much space do you have? Do you want a machine on a frame or a sit down machine? There are advertisements in every quilt magazine for longarm and midarm machines. Plus you can use your favorite search engine and find tons and tons of information on both.

You can quilt straight lines with any sewing machine you can put a walking foot on. You can free motion quilt on a lot of machines too. I have stuffed a full size quilt thru a regular sewing machine so I know it can be done.

You may also want to look at the regular machines with the larger throat areas. I think there are several brands now with 9 or 10 inch throats. Some of those can also be used on frames.

Well if I can quilt with a regular machine that would be great! What machine is good for free motion quilting? I have tried quilting straight on my machine and I can't figure out how to keep it from bunching.

Are you using a walking foot? If not try it. You will be amazed at the difference!

I've quilted a queen size on a regular machine and found that tightly rolling the material to the right of where I'm stitching helps it from bunching. I've also thrown the excess material over my shoulder to keep the weight more evenly distributed and not pull on the area I'm sewing. Some people put it on an ironing board. As for machine preference, you'll get all sorts of answers. One main thing to consider is how much you want/can afford to spend. I just upgraded to a Bernina embroidery machine with a larger throat that I can also put on a quilting frame. It has a stitch regulator that really helps when you are free motion quilting, but it does take some practice. You can do a search at the top of the page on machine preference or other subjects to see earlier threads that are very helpful. Good luck with you decision!

Can you quilt with the Bernina embroidery. What model did you get and how much was it.

Yes you can quilt with the embroidery. I've been sewing/embroidering a long time and just bought the new 830. It's quite pricey, you could get a car for it. I had a brother esante embroidery machine before that I loved. But when I tried to free motion quilt, it kept messing up and the dealer repairman couldn't figure out why. I'd had it for 10-12 years, and my DH told me as much as I enjoyed sewing that I should just get a new machine. Two of my friends have Berninas, and after looking around some, I bought the 730. Got a great deal on no interest financing for 18 months which helped. Then when they came out with the 830, my dealer told me since my machine was less than a year old she would give me full value for what I paid for my 730 if I upgraded to the 830. Had it not been for that I never would have considered the 830, but it was an offer I couldn't refuse. I'm sold on Bernina now. I know technology has come a long way since I bought my esante, but I can tell you that Bernina is so user friendly and the it's unbelievable what those machines can do! IMHO, I'd buy as much as you can afford, and I think you'd love embroidery alone, not just to quilt. But I would also still compare brands and test them out to see what suits you best.

I couldn't afford a long arm and there was no place for a frame in my crowded house so I got a Juki with a nine inch throat. It works great for quilting. I wouldn't trade it for anything.